How to Install Sheet Vinyl Flooring – 8 Quick and Easy Steps

Are you looking for ways to install sheet vinyl flooring?

Vinyl floors are installed in every next home as it serves a lot of benefits and can be done at home without anyone’s guidance.

If you want a floor that is water-resistant and durable, you should get your hands on vinyl sheets. You can install them in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms because it completely absorbs water.

Now the question arises of how you can install vinyl floor sheets at home. In this guide, I will explain to you a few easy steps to make the work done at home without applying any additional effort. Let’s start the article.

Materials Needed to Install Vinyl Sheet Flooring

Before starting the process you should have all those tools or materials needed for this purpose. They include:

1. Vinyl Sheet

   The first thing that is necessary for this process is a vinyl sheet. Better go for a sheet that is loose lay or that can be adhesive.

2. PlyBar

   The second tool is Plybar which is important to remove the base trim from the floor.

3. Plywood

   It can be optional if your subfloor is completely smooth. However, if the subfloor is uneven you need plywood so that your floor can be placed accurately.

4. Measuring Tape

   For accurate measurement of the sheet, you need this tape.

   

5. Joint Gap Filler

   It is essential if you need to place underlayment on the subfloor. Otherwise, it is optional.

6. Utility Knife

   To cut the vinyl sheet, you need this knife.

7. Adhesive

   It depends on the installation process whether you need adhesive paste or not. Better check the manufacturer’s instruction given on the sheet and later act according to it.

8. Notched Trowel

   This towel is essential to place vinyl sheets on the floor or placing underlayment on the subfloor. Though you can go for a regular trowel as well, this one is worth recommending.

9. Seam Roller

   If you are placing more than one vinyl sheet on the floor, this tool will help you close the seams accurately.

   

10. Flooring Roller

    It will help you remove any bubbles on the floor and subfloor and will let you properly seat vinyl.

11. Vinegar

    Vinyl will help you get rid of stray adhesive after placing the sheet.

12. Clean Cloth

    You surely need a clean cloth to wipe off the surface from dust or adhesive. Once you get your hands on all these essential materials and tools, you can begin the installation process.

Steps to Install Vinyl Sheet Flooring

Like many flooring, Vinyl sheet flooring is also simple to be done at home without any complicated procedure to follow. Let’s have a look at those easy steps that will help you in the future.

Prepare the Subfloor

Before preparing the subfloor ensure to remove all extra accessories and dust particles so that you won’t find any hurdles in the process. You also have to remove furniture and other items in order to prepare the subfloor.

In order to make the surface smooth, you can use a pry bar. If your subfloor is of concrete material you do not need any pry bar to make it smooth. Only focus on the cleaning so that there is no dust particle left.

On the other hand, if you found any bump, fill it asap before installing the sheet with sand. Always remember to make your subfloor smooth and clean before installation.

Underlayment for Vinyl Sheet Flooring

This step is only needed if your subfloor is extremely rough and you need to make it smooth. If the subfloor is already smooth and doesn’t need any work, you can proceed with the next step.

Take Accurate Measurements

Now take proper measurements of the floor where you will place the vinyl sheet with the help of measuring tape. Ensure that there should never be a slight difference otherwise, you will face hurdles in the installation.

After taking the measurements, draw the outline of the subfloor so that you get an idea of how many sheets is required for this purpose.

Start Cutting the Vinyl

Now you have exact measurements so pick the utility knife and start cutting the sheet nicely to place on the floor. Leave the edges while placing the sheet because you can fill them later by cutting additional sheets.

Place Vinyl on the Subfloor

Now start placing the vinyl flooring on the subfloor and cut the sides in order to fit them properly. While cutting you might need to add plywood under the sheet.

If the sheet you are installing is glueless then you are almost done. However, if it is glued, you need to follow the other steps as well.

Spread the Adhesive

You need to buy the adhesive according to your flooring type and underlayment. You can also ask for a recommendation from the manufacturer.

Now is the time to apply the adhesive in order to place the sheet accurately. Pick the trowel and start spreading the adhesive evenly on the underlayment.

It is how you have to cover the entire underlayment. Do not worry if adhesive spreads as you can wipe it off later with a piece of cloth.

Ensure to follow this step properly because you have to apply the adhesive in a way that each plank sticks properly to the floor.

Get Rid of Bubbles

With the help of a flooring roller, you can get rid of bubbles if found on the vinyl floor. The floor and subfloor should be completely smooth. To use the roller, start with the middle and head towards the edges.

Instead of a flooring roller, you can also use a rolling pin. Both are used for the same purpose. In order to properly cover the edges of vinyl, use a seam roller.

Clean Extra Adhesive

Now that you are done with the process you might find excessive adhesive. To remove them use vinegar and a piece of cloth and start wiping them off gently.

It is better to remove it instantly because if you wait for long, it will become tough to remove.

Additional Tips for Installing Vinyl Sheet Flooring

Let’s have a look at a few additional tips that will help you install vinyl sheet flooring accurately. Here we go.

1. Buy a Large Sheet

   It is always better to buy the excessive sheet even if you have taken the measurements. For instance, you can get a 5% extra sheet for this purpose.

2. Use only 1 Seam

   It is always better to use only 1 seam for this type of flooring especially if you are following glueless vinyl installation.

3. Keep the Room Warm

   To make the sheets flexible, always keep the room warm where you are going to install them. You can on the heater for this purpose. It will help you to place the sheet on the subfloor easily.

   However, if your subfloor contains a radiant heating system turn off the heater while installing.

4. Take Safety Precautions

   While installing the sheet, never compromise on health. Hence, never forget to wear safety gear during the process. For example, use knee pads so that you can kneel with comfort.

   Use gloves to avoid any cuts while taking the measurements. Moreover, use a mask while applying the adhesive so that you do not have to inhale harmful chemicals.

5. Don’t Over Apply Adhesive

   If you think that using a lot of adhesives will help you stick the sheet easily, you are wrong. It will only create a mess and will increase your frustration.

   Hence, always use an adhesive that is needed and avoid overusing it. The more adhesive you will apply, the more time you have to wait to let them stick and dry.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Though the installation process is over let’s have a look at a few questions that people often ask. Here we go.

Is Vinyl Sheet Flooring Easy to Install?

Yes, vinyl sheet flooring is straightforward to install by following the above-mentioned steps. With the right method and with proper tools and materials, you can easily perform this work at home without any professional.

Does Sheet Vinyl Flooring Need to Be Glued Down?

It depends on the installation method that you follow. Yes, you can glue down the vinyl flooring sheet with the right adhesive. Go for the one that is suitable for the type of flooring and underlayment.

Do You Need Underlayment for Sheet Vinyl?

If your subfloor is already smooth then you do not need any underlayment. However, if it has cracks and the floor is bumpy, you surely need the underlayment.

Can Sheet Vinyl Flooring Be Installed Over Concrete?

Yes, you can install them over concrete easily. If the concrete floor is smooth, you won’t need the underlayment. Simply clean the floor and start the installation.

Is Sheet Vinyl the Same as Linoleum?

There is a slight difference between both. Both are easy to install and easy to maintain. However, to install linoleum, you need to do periodic sealing to protect the floor from heat and moisture.

Conclusion

Vinyl flooring sheet is easy to install but you should follow the right pattern in this regard. Though vinyl planks and tiles are more easy to install in comparison to vinyl sheets, we have explained the installation steps in-depth that will make this task extremely simple for you.

Before installation, ensure to get your hands on all the material and equipment so that you won’t have trouble while the installation. In this guide, I have explained the easy steps to perform this work at home.

Follow the exact tips and install vinyl flooring sheets at home and save additional costs spend on the labor. I hope this guide will help you do this work in the future without any effort.