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Installation of Vinyl Floors
For best results we recommend you have your vinyl floor professionally installed.
The following tips should be considered before installation.
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Some floor installation systems are more labor or material intensive than others,
and will cost a bit more. Your retailer should explain the method of floor installation
and whether or not you will be incurring additional cost.
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The condition of the existing flooring may also mean additional expense. If the
sub-floor needs to be prepared with patch or leveling products, or removal of an
existing floor covering is required, or your floor installation professional recommends
putting down new wood underlayment, you will incur added expense. However, you will
also dramatically increase the life and performance of your new flooring. As with
painting and other projects, preparation of the surface is key to a successful outcome.
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Be sure to discuss appliance and fixture removal and replacement arrangements with
your floor installation professional. You can limit expenses by removing the
stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, toilet and/or pedestal sink yourself. The installer
may be able to do it, or he’ll subcontract someone who can. If that’s the case,
you will spend a little more money, but you’ll also have the peace of mind that
comes with having professionals handling the labor. If you do remove and replace
your own appliances and fixtures, be sure to slide them over plywood panels, so
as not to damage your new flooring.
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There are some incidentals involved with new flooring installation. As long as you
keep these things in mind, you won’t be caught off guard:
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Moldings, wall base and toe kick guards will need to be removed and then replaced
after installation. You can do this yourself, or your floor installation professional
can do it. It will add a bit of expense to the labor bill if your installer does
it. This may be a good time to replace your molding or wall base and update it by
coordinating with your new flooring. Armstrong sells self-stick vinyl wall base
for residential use, and offers a complete line of moldings and transition strips
for use with our laminate and hardwood flooring.
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New flooring may add some height to your existing floor. Be prepared to shave the
bottoms of doors, so they’ll swing freely over your new flooring. Take into consideration
pocket and French doors as well. You may do these adjustments yourself or ask your
floor installation professional to handle it or subcontract it
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