Vinyl plank flooring is getting increasingly popular nowadays. People not only use these in their homes but also commercial places. So, if you are planning to install it in your place, you might wonder, “How long does it take to install vinyl plank flooring?” You will get your answer in the article.
For a medium-sized room, it would take only a few hours to install the vinyl plank flooring. However, on average, it would take around 24 to 48 hours. Besides, it might also take a few weeks to months depending on the size and condition of the room, as well as the condition of the room’s floor.
Even after the installation process is complete, the vinyl plank flooring might not be ready for all types of load. So, in this article, I will discuss how long it might take to install vinyl plank flooring, along with some other information you might find helpful.
How Long Does It Take to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring?
The installation process of vinyl flooring requires about one or two days on average. Before installation, these types of vinyl flooring require some days to acclimatize to the humidity level and temperature in your house.
It might take anywhere between a few hours to a few days for vinyl plank flooring to entirely settle. It might also take a few weeks or months to settle depending on the circumstances. Vinyl floors take more time to settle if you lay them on uneven ground. That’s why one must place vinyl planks over concrete floors or tiles with caution.
You must check first before installing your vinyl plank flooring. To do so, take a vinyl scrap. Then, seal all of its corners with duct tape before you put it on. Now, allow the vinyl scrap to rest for 3 days. After that, if the duct tape readily peels away, your ground is too moist for vinyl flooring.
Moreover, you have to allow your vinyl plank flooring to adapt to the installation’s assigned section’s room temperature. Thus, set the planks in the desired room and leave them there for at least 2 days.
Besides, use leveling to inspect the subfloor for ensuring that the vinyl plank flooring sets smoothly. Using such a level would help you notice any lumps or dips that you need to repair before placement. It will prevent the floor from buckling as the flooring settles.
Well, click clock types of vinyl flooring settle quickly and are ready to use right away. You will have to wait a minimum of 2 days, however, for glue-down plank flooring to set before you can walk on these completely.
On the other hand, for modest traffic, urethane glues need about 15 hours. But you might give it at least a day before putting furniture. But vinyl adhesive takes about the same time as glue-down ones to get ready for you to walk on, which is around 48 hours.
How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Whether you install vinyl plank flooring by yourself or let a professional handle the job, it is a must to follow a few steps to complete the installation process properly. So, now, let’s discuss the steps of installing vinyl plank flooring for your convenience:
Step 1: Measure Your Floor’s Surface Area
Begin by calculating the surface you will have to cover. This way, you will be able to get the correct quantity of flooring. So, estimate the room’s length and width first. And, then multiply those two numbers together. Whether the place is rectangular or square will determine the surface size of your space.
If the size of your space is irregular, divide that into tiny squares and rectangles. Then, calculate the surface area of each. After that, add them all up to have the total.
Step 2: Make a Layout Design
After that, choose which direction you want the planks to go. Also, consider where you will place every row. You would not like a row that is too narrow at a single end.
To prevent any weak spots, stagger all joints. Between rows, many professionals recommend offsetting connections by a minimum of 6 inches.
However, before you begin, it is best to draw the layout. You also can set your flooring out first before putting it in place after you have it. It is a fantastic method to see how all things will turn out when it is complete.
Step 3: Floor Preparation
Before you begin working, leave the vinyl floor in the room where you will install it for 2 days minimum. It will give the planks time to acclimatize to the humidity levels and room temperature.
Additionally, check to see if the subfloor is level and clean. Confirm using a level that the discrepancy in 10 feet is not over 3/16 of one inch. If there are any uneven areas, use self-levelers to level low spots and grind or sand away all the high spots.
Also, remove all baseboards on the ground using a prying bar. If they are stuck to the walls because of paint, use a utility knife along the edges carefully.
Step 4: Place the Vinyl Planks on the Floor
Keep in mind that walls are not always straight. So, it is better to stick to the chalk line. To create a perfectly straight line, you might have to trim your initial row of boards. If that’s the case, using one circular saw will suffice. You may snap most planks. However, using the saw will provide you with a cleaner finish.
Position the tongues of the next plank inside the first plank’s groove once it is in place. Push these together tightly with your rubber mallet and tapping block.
Step 5: Place the Last Plank of the Row
Placing the final plank in each row is a little more difficult. To begin, determine the length you need. Then use a carpenter’s square to define the cut line. After that score and break the plank. If that doesn’t snap neatly, use your flat-cut saw to trim it.
You will have to place the tongue and secure it in position using a drawbar tool. You will have to repeat the whole process for every row. However, for a more natural appearance, stagger the connections at random angles.
Step 6: Finishing
Now is the moment to nail the shoe mold or quarter round in position. But don’t forget to connect it to the wall, not the flooring. Finally, on any border among the other floors and new floor, place the transitional trim.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring costs about $4-$12 for each square foot if you hire a professional to do the job. The average cost of installing decent quality, waterproof or water-resistant plank flooring is between $6 and $8. It implies that installing a 1,000 sq ft of vinyl plank flooring costs around $5,500-$8,000 on average.
Many factors influence the cost to install vinyl plank flooring. The most significant expense component is the price of the type of vinyl plank. Well, the most affordable planks cost approximately $1.19 for each square foot.
The average cost of good-quality vinyl planks, on the other hand, is up to $5.29 for each square foot. Because of their improved durability, people frequently use such higher-grade alternatives in high-traffic residences or commercial areas.
Moreover, the expense of labor for the installation process also differs like the price of the materials. If you do the job yourself, you can save some money here.
However, to hire a professional for the installation process, the cost of the overall installation process would be higher. The amount the professionals would charge depends on the size and condition of your room.
If you need to replace an old floor, labor costs might range between 35 cents and $4 for each sq foot, depending on the type of flooring that you need to remove.
Additionally, the size of your room, the timeline of your project, the condition of the floor, etc., would also impact the overall cost to install vinyl flooring.
The vinyl plank flooring installation process is quite easy. By now, you’ve got your answer to the question, “How long does it take to install vinyl plank flooring?” I have also discussed the steps and expenses of the installation process.
Thanks for reading through. Hopefully, you’ve found this article helpful. Good luck!
