What to Expect When You Have Vinyl Plank Flooring Installed
New flooring can transform the appearance of your home, regardless of whether you're having new wood floors or vinyl planks installed. Vinyl planks have advantages becuase they're less expensive than wood and they resist water damage. Plus, they are easier and less expensive to have installed. Here's a look at getting new vinyl plank flooring.
Have an In-Home Visit First
If possible, have an in-home visit with the flooring company first. A professional can measure your home and order the right amount of materials needed so you don't have to calculate it yourself or guess. Plus, when you have a home visit, the installation company can evaluate your current flooring to determine the right installation method. They can also calculate the labor involved in removing old flooring and prepping the floor for the new vinyl planks.
Decide on the Type of Vinyl Planks
Besides choosing the grain pattern and color of the flooring, you also choose the way the planks adhere to the floor. The installer might determine this based on the type of flooring or subfloor you have, but you might be able to choose the installation method yourself. Some vinyl planks are glued to the floor while others adhere to each other as they are installed. Some lock together and float above your current floor and some are loose lay.
Prepare for the Installation
You'll want to do as much as you can before the installation company arrives so your new floor goes in quickly. Remove furniture from the room and pin up curtains so nothing is in the way. Talk to the company in advance about how to handle moving furniture out of the way if you're having new flooring put in the entire house. The installers may just move it as they work.
Another thing to discuss with the installer is how much prep work you need to do. You might save some money if your tear out old carpeting yourself and clean the floor. Whether you do it or leave it to the installer, the subfloor or old flooring has to be clean, grit-free, and level before the new planks can be installed. You should also the installer—who is responsible for removing trim and baseboards—how the waste will be disposed of. Doing these jobs yourself might save a little on the final costs.
Once work begins, it goes fairly fast. The planks are installed in long strips and cut to fit the length of the room so they stagger just like real wood planks. Vinyl planks are easy to cut with scissors so there is no sawing and airborne debris involved. The installer may need to put in new subflooring, which could add to the cost and time needed to complete the job.
You'll want to be home during the installation so you can deal with questions and problems if they arise once the installers start tearing out the old flooring. Plus, you'll be able to get last minute instructions from the installer about when it's safe to walk on the new floor and how to maintain the temperature and humidity in the house while the adhesives cure. It's also a good idea to save any planks left over in case you need to replace a damaged plank in the future.
For more information, speak with flooring installation companies like Gila River Flooring LLC.