Looking for the easiest flooring to install? And for more information on flooring, check out: Elizabeth is a public relations expert and freelance writer. Luxury vinyl is one of the fastest and easiest floors to install. #3. If you rush the project and don’t let your floors acclimate, you may experience buckling or gaps at the joints. There are a few steps to take before you can actually peel and stick those floors down. Installing vinyl plank flooring? You’re welcome! Folding the second board until it lies flat and parallel to the first board helps to draw the boards together and lock them in place. And most importantly, is […]. Dec 02, 2020 0. And that’s important because the cost to replace carpet with hardwood is significant—so if you’re not so hot on your hardwood floors anymore, consider putting down carpet tiles instead of (*gasp, shudder*) ripping out your wood floors. But those days are long over—welcome to the world of peel-and-stick carpet tiles!=. It’s also some of the world’s easiest flooring to install. With the vinyl plank face up, hold a straightedge next to the tongue. Use carpenter shims or spacers to make a 3/8” expansion gap between the walls and the vinyl flooring. Water-resistant. Install one row at a time clicking the ends together. What tools will I need to install laminate flooring? Cutting vinyl planks to size is similar to how drywall panels are cut. It’s so durable, it can even be used as mudroom flooring or an outdoor flooring option! Generally, this is done by working from the most visible wall—usually, the one that greets the eye as you enter the room—then working outward toward the entryway. If you’re wondering how to install hardwood floors, we’ve got to warn you that we recommend that most types of wood flooring be installed professionally—particularly if you’re gluing, nailing, or stapling it to the subfloor. And of course, you can always find a flooring store in your area to do it for you. Test fit the first row of vinyl planks down the length of the wall. We’ll be here for you at every step of your flooring journey. Using sites like Angie’s List, you can find reputable installers. Yep, they’re really that easy—just peel and stick! For this install, you’ll need a utility knife, chalk line, pencil, a t-square, double-sided carpet tape, and a measuring tape. We know how overwhelming the thought of installing flooring (or having it installed) can be. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): Beautiful, Durable, and Easy to Install. As with previous rows, join these narrow planks end-to-end, then fold the tongues into the grooves of the previous row. Lastly, no matter the flooring, always measure twice and cut once! It can be installed with an underlayment, and some WPC vinyl plank floors come with a cork underlayment pre-attached. This thick flooring is soft and is available with wear of either 8 or 12 mils. So it’s always easiest to install the plank this way. Vinyl plank and vinyl sheet flooring can mimic natural wood or other materials without the cost and upkeep. Keep in mind that you don’t always need to remove your existing surfaces. Yes! We get it—the road to vinyl flooring is […], January 6, 2021 Of all the wood flooring types out there, parquet flooring may just be the most elegant. After the floor is laid, re-attach the baseboards and trim, preferably using an pneumatic brad nailer. These flooring retailers are the real pros—they’ll be able to answer every one of your questions and find the easiest flooring to install for you. When it comes to the installation process, there are two types of super easy-to-install versions of this material: click-together vinyl planks and peel-and-stick vinyl tiles. Prep the subfloor by scraping, smoothening out and vacuuming dirt. So don’t plan a house party for 5 p.m. if you’re starting at noon. The passionate debate between carpet vs. hardwood is silly, anyway. Don’t worry though—if you don’t own large power tools, places like Home Depot offer tools for rent. How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring as a Beginner!See my flooring install playlist: http://bit.ly/2uFkWp6Thanks to FilterBuy.com for sponsoring this video! This is the same method used for installing most types of tile, and even other types of flooring like laminate and vinyl. Similar to the vinyl planks mentioned above, it’s made of a core layer, image layer, and a wear layer. In a pinch, you can use a hand saw—but we’ll be honest… don’t. You may Choose to Create a Focus on a Particular Area in the Room Without proper tools, it’s like you’re showing up to the office without your computer. If you’re wondering how to install carpet tiles, we’ve got to tell you, you may be disappointed with the process. Looking to redo your hallway, living room, or sunroom flooring? Cork flooring will keep your feet warm in the winter, it’s moderately priced, and it’s sustainably made. But unlike LVT, laminate boasts a plywood or fiberboard base layer, a photo-realistic image layer (not usually textured), and a hard plastic wear layer. What makes engineered hardwood some of the easiest flooring to install? You may want to use this opportunity to replace shoe moldings or other trim, especially if the old trim was cracked or damaged when it was removed. Most luxury vinyl planks attach edge-to-edge and end-to-end with a fold-and-lock type of tongue-and-groove system. Don’t rush it! Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): Beautiful, Durable, and Easy to Install, Click-together vinyl planks: some of the easiest flooring to install, Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles: self-adhesive tiles make installation quick, #2. To install each piece, peel the adhesive backing off the plank and stick it to the subfloor. We promise this isn’t a huge investment, and these tools will help you to lay your carpet tiles correctly. In many cases, we’d actually recommend it! Install Doorway Transition Strip. One pro: cork can be some of the easiest flooring to install with snap-together planks. But what exactly is EVP flooring? Cork might be self-repairing, but it can also be gouged relatively easily. Yukon Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring (24 sq. Position the first plank from the starting wall using ¼-inch spacers. If you have been considering having vinyl plank flooring … The unique click design allows for quick and seamless DIY installation atop any existing flat subfloors including granite, tile, laminate and cement. Top Trending Posts. Engineered Hardwood: Often The Easiest Wood Flooring to Install. In the end, the biggest struggle will be choosing between bamboo flooring vs. laminate or carpet vs. laminate, or heck, even engineered wood vs. carpet tiles! If you are working with glue-down vinyl planks, the manufacturer may include a paint-on primer to help the adhesive stick. You’ll save yourself a lot of headache and time with power tools. And how is it different from normal vinyl plank or luxury vinyl tile (LVT)? Vinyl plank flooring, a synthetic material, can be used in any area of your home. Just consult your manufacturer installation instructions.And since it is inherently resistant to water, it is also a great choice for the kitchen, bathroom or basement. If you are laying the flooring over a plywood subfloor, fill any depressions with a floor-leveling compound. Deane Biermeier is a contractor with 27 years experience in home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. If you love the look of wood but don’t love the cost of wood flooring, laminate is a great hardwood floor alternative. #4. Laminate: An Easy-to-Install Hardwood Alternative. Get all your tools ready (kneepad, scissors, vinyl plank cutter, tape marker, vacuum cleaner are some of the useful tools needed here). To prepare a space for peel-and-stick vinyl tiles, make sure your subfloor is rigid, clean, and free of any cracks. Seriously. Summary of Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring (1) Thickness: This is the total thickness of the plank or tile. To begin with the installation and stagger the vinyl planks, the first thing you need to do is to … Sign up today and be the first to get notified on new updates. Aside from being one of the easiest floors to install, laminate flooring is also extremely durable—so it’s great for high-traffic areas. If you can hold a hammer, you can install these flooring styles, which may save you thousands on install costs. Your email address will not be published. If you’re looking into buying hardwood flooring, you probably know that engineered hardwood can save you money (especially if you’re going with a more expensive or exotic wood species) because it uses less solid wood. If you do not wish to remove door trim or if you have protrusions that cannot be removed, you can cut the vinyl flooring to fit around these obstacles. Snap-Together Tile Flooring is A Total Game-Changer, Linoleum vs. Laminate vs. Vinyl: Differences, Pros, & Cons, Heating Wood Floors 101: Everything You Need to Know, Magnetic Flooring: Everything You Need to Know. Well, it’s a three-component floor. Additionally, flooring materials with natural components (like wood or laminate), should be left in their intended location for at least 48 hours to acclimate to the humidity and temperature before installation. Montserrat Click-and-Lock Oak Vinyl Plank Flooring One plank lies flat on the subfloor, while the other plank is held at an angle and placed into the first board's receiving groove. Installing GripStrip Vinyl Plank Flooring Lay the first row of vinyl plank flooring along the wall, leaving the manufacturer-recommended amount of expansion space between the plank’s edge and the wall (usually about 1/4-inch). Dec 01, 2020 0. Vinyl planks (aka luxury vinyl tile or “LVT”) are made of 3 layers: a rigid base layer, a patterned design layer, and a protective finish. Flooring installation is one of those DIY projects that can be a fun, household undertaking, or a drawn-out nightmare. Installing vinyl plank flooring is easy, and depending on the size of the job, you can likely complete the work within a single afternoon. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Plank Installation Methods Vinyl Flooring Flooring How-Tos. There are a bunch of types of flooring that are relatively easy to install for a novice (though pardon us if you’re already an expert!). Carpet Tiles: A Quick Solution for Comfortable Flooring, How to install carpet tiles the right way, #5. You’ll want to let your cork planks acclimate, as you would with any other natural material. Install the Bottom Riser For Vinyl Planks Using construction adhesive, evenly spread it on the bottom riser with a caulk gun and lay it down in place. For ease of installation, it is always best to remove the trim that makes contact with the floor. Because of its wood core, laminate is one of these floors! But that’s not the only thing that makes LVT extremely popular. Ok, Ok, we lied a little bit. Plus, cork is naturally hypoallergenic, it’s (as we mentioned) an eco-friendly flooring choice, it has a natural bounce that’s great for people with joint issues, and it’s surprisingly durable and self-repairing. LVT or luxury vinyl tile (AKA … To learn more about our best overall tips for installing vinyl plank read this post. And almost all of the best hardwood floor brands sell engineered wood, so there’s no need to learn how to install hardwood floors the old-fashioned way if you don’t want to! If you are laying vinyl plank flooring over a concrete subfloor, fill any cracks or divots with concrete patcher. Pro … Fill in the Low Spots. To keep your vinyl plank flooring project from turning into a nightmare, the flooring experts at Carpet To Go have assembled this easy guide to show you how to install vinyl plank flooring.. Level is not necessarily important; after all, a floor can be flat and have a plane to it. Starting from the center keeps any imperfections from being smack-dab in the middle of the room. No doubt you bought your vinyl plank flooring as much for ease of installation as you did for its looks. Your email address will not be published. You can find solid hardwood with click-together joints, but it’s not super common. And it also makes vinyl plank flooring incredibly easy to install. Vinyl plank flooring can usually be laid right over existing flooring, but if there are any high spots, they should be sanded down to create a flush surface for the new floor. If the longest wall includes a doorway, install the metal part … If you do manually nail, use a nail-set to recess the nail heads below the surface of the trim. Make sure that end joints are staggered so they are at least 6 inches away from the end joints in the previous row. Floorté LVP consists of a wood and plastic core (WPC). Because it’s a composite product, laminate also comes in click-together planks! It’s as simple as that! Seriously, nothing sucks more than wasting your material. Some types of wood flooring, for example, can be kept underneath the carpet tiles. Here’s How. Even if you’ve found the easiest flooring to install, get someone to help you (or have it done by a pro)! Flooring can be pricey and avoidable mistakes really do hurt the most (so that’s what Rascal Flatts was talking about…) Trust us on this one. WPC Vinyl Plank Flooring This is the newest product in the market. Just understand that you need at least 3 quality quotes before committing, and that a lot of the quotes you receive … 6 Best Dehumidifiers for the Basement [Updated] 2021. Start in a Corner with Your Precut Width When using tongue and groove planks, vinyl flooring installation should start in a lefthand corner with the tongue facing the wall. Vinyl plank flooring is also ideal for high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and basements since the material is completely impervious to water. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Vinyl vs. Laminate Flooring Comparison Guide, How to Install Shoe Molding or Quarter-Round Molding, Vinyl Plank (Luxury Vinyl) Flooring Review: Pros and Cons, How to Prepare for Hardwood Floor Installation, Hardwood Flooring in Kitchens Review: Pros and Cons, Basics and Recommendations of Armstrong Luxury Vinyl Plank. Nope—too soft, just like solid pine flooring. Professional installers consider these factors when putting together an LVT installation estimate. Once you bring your laminate planks home, let them sit for about 48 hours before installing them. Cost goes up to $2-$4 per square foot for … In a small bathroom, the most visible row might be the one that runs alongside the bathtub. Some of the best cork flooring can be installed just like a floating laminate or LVT floor. Score the plank with the utility knife, then bend the plank to break off the tongue. Yes, people love vinyl flooring, but they don’t take it to be a valuable investment. LVT or luxury vinyl tile (AKA vinyl plank) is a beautiful scratch-resistant flooring product that will stand the test of time. But that’s not such a big problem—and here’s why: So what makes engineered hardwood some of the easiest flooring to install? Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Plank Flooring The floor preparation and layout are the same for peel-and-stick vinyl planks as they are for floating vinyl plank floors. © 2021 FlooringStores, Inc. All rights reserved. In fact, many of the best types of vinyl flooring can be installed as a weekend DIY project! Hallways: Like family rooms, hallways can take a lot of wear-and-tear. But these days, the word parquet gets thrown around a lot—and to describe a lot of different kinds of floors. These modular carpet squares are a genius invention, if we do say so ourselves. Patch up any holes or open spaces to make it level. 24 Best Kitchen Appliances 2021 That are a Must for Every Cook. What is engineered hardwood? Plan to spread your project out over a few weekends to keep the whole DIY as stress-free as possible. After making the cutouts, first attach the plank to the adjoining plank while holding the cut-out plank upward, at an angle. If you’re lucky and your existing surface is made of click-together flooring, the process will be super quick. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Spread it out! Not to mention actually having to choose a flooring option! If not, you’ll end up making 15 trips to Lowe’s to get supplies. Alternatively, you can use a fine-tooth handsaw to cut straight through the entire plank. However, it can be done and it can be done easily. It’s simple—you can often install it as a click-together floating floor! Below we’ll show you 5 of the easiest types of flooring to install—plus some tips and tricks to make the process go as smoothly as possible. We’ve already gone over some of the less expensive tools that you’ll need for any installation (pencil, hammer, etc…) but a power saw will probably be3 necessary here (the same goes for vinyl plank). Process will be super quick cup or buckle if it did, the flooring over a concrete subfloor fill. Installations, vinyl … Allure 6 in the pressure of those click-together connections keeps your flooring.... Thick flooring is also extremely durable—so it ’ s List, you can actually peel stick... 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