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The combination of the beautiful aspect of natural wood with the durability and water resistance of vinyl make the wood-look vinyl flooring a very popular option, especially in coastal areas like Martin County where the humidity levels and high temperatures can cause serious troubles.
It is also a glamorous and elegant choice and, overall, totally affordable and easy to maintain.
However, before making the decision to install it in your home, it is important for you to consider some aspects regarding the installation process. Next, we’ll analyze the whole process, step by step, so you can understand the process and make sure you’ll have a good installation for your floor.
Preparing the Subfloor
The first step is preparing the subfloor. It is also the most important step, especially if you are going to install a wood-look vinyl flooring since the conditions and the general state of the subfloor determine how the installation process will go. When the subfloor has been properly prepared, the vinyl planks will be properly installed and will last for years without having any problem.
In areas with the typical humid weather and occasional storms and hurricanes of Florida, like Martin County, taking care of the moisture-related issues is critical to prevent infiltration, cracks and mold growth.
The most common materials used for subfloor are concrete and plywood. To ensure the vinyl adheres properly, it is important to make sure there are no cracks, uneven spots or moisture.
Finally, it will be necessary to clean the subfloor in order to remove the dirt and debris that can make the adhesion difficult or cause bumps in the vinyl surface. An uneven subfloor will require a leveling compound to smooth raised areas. If there is any uneven surface, eventually the vinyl planks will misalign or warp so it is very important to make sure the whole surface where the wood-look vinyl flooring will be installed is in perfect condition.
Acclimating the Vinyl Flooring
This is another crucial step especially if you live in a humid coastal area like Martin County. It ensures the material adapts to the local environment and, therefore, it ensures an easy and proper installation.
Taking into account that vinyl is flexible and can expand and contract according to the humidity levels and temperature changes, skipping this step can cause gaps or bucklings after installation.
To properly perform this process it is necessary to, before the installation, leave the unopened boxes for at least two days in the room where the floor will be installed. In this way the vinyl will adjust to the room temperature and the humidity levels.
Disposing Tools and Materials
Once the subfloor is ready and the vinyl has been acclimated, it will be necessary to collect the tools and materials required for installation which include: measuring tape, utility knife or vinyl plank cutter a T-square, spacers, rubber mallet, adhesive if using glue-down vinyl and underlayment only if required.
For areas with especially hot and humid weathers like Martin County, you’ll also need moisture barriers or adhesives to ensure the floor efficiently fits the local weather conditions.
Choosing the Installation Method
There is a wide variety of methods to install wood-look vinyl flooring. It depends on the type of vinyl flooring you choose and the general state of the subfloor. The three most famous and popular installation methods are the click-and-lock, peel-and-stick and glue-down.
Click-and-Lock
This is the easiest method at such a point that many homeowners do it by themselves with no problem. The planks have interlocking edges that snap together so it won’t be necessary to use glue or nails.
It is very popular for floating floors since in this case the planks don’t need to be attached directly to the subfloor- This is an excellent option for Martin County homes since the floor seems to be floating above the subfloor, which gives flexibility when the vinyl expands and contracts for humidity and temperature fluctuations.
Glue-Down
This is probably the most secure and lasting method. It starts by spreading adhesive on the subfloor and then putting the vinyl planks on. It is very used in high-traffic and commercial areas, since it provides stability even in humid weathers like Martin County.
However, this type of installation demands more effort and work so, if you choose it, you must ask for professional help to perform the process.
Peel-and-Stick Installation
The planks employed for this type of installation come with a pre-applied adhesive in the back so all you have to do is peeling off the backing and sticking the plank directly in the subfloor. It is ideal for small spaces or when you want a quick renovation…but is not very durable, least of all in humid areas.
Installing the Vinyl Planks
After choosing the installation method, what comes next is laying the vinyl planks. Before starting, it is necessary to measure and mark the room to ensure the first row is straight. It is advisable to leave a gap of 1/4 inch between the planks and the wall in case of expansion and contraction. The step-by-step process goes in the following way:
Measure and plan
The first step is measuring the room and planning how you’ll layout the planks. You can stagger the joints between rows to create a more natural wood-like appearance.
Lay the First Row
Lay the first row of planks along the longest wall. You can also use spacers to maintain the expansion gap between the planks and the wall. After that, you can continue installing the planks according to the method that best suits depending on the type of plank you choose.
Cut to Fit
At the end of each row, you’ll have to cut the plank yo properly fit. It is very important to accurately and carefully measure the planks and also to use a utility knife or a vinyl plank cutter for more precise cuts.
Install Transition Strips
In case your wood-look vinyl flooring limits with a different type of flooring, it is highly recommended to use transition strips for a more sophisticated and elegant finish.
Sealing and cleaning
After your flooring has been installed, you can remove the spacers and, finally, install baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover the expansion gap and then clean the surface using a mop to remove dirt or debris remaining after installation.
Wood-look vinyl flooring has become the best option for many homeowners in Martin County as it fuses beaty with durability and resistance, something really important given the difficult weather in this area. If you carefully follow the process step-by-step, choose the right materials and ask for professional help everytime you need it, you’ll have a beautiful and lasting floor that will increase the value of your home.
Now that you know the whole process…are you ready to install your wood-look vinyl flooring for your Martin County home? If the answer is yes, you can call us now! In R&J Interior Innovation and Home Improvement we not only provide the best customer service but also perform the wood-look vinyl flooring installation process carefully following the steps previously described. With our solid reputation in the Martin County area you can be totally sure you’ll have the wood-look vinyl flooring you always want, at the best price and, most of all, in perfect functional condition.
Don’t hesitate to call us now and get the best installation experience!
