How to Install Sheet Vinyl Flooring

Slowly wedge a pry bar between the trim and wall, inserting a small block of wood behind the bar. The wood protects the wall from damage and provides leverage when prying the trim away.

Remove the nails with pliers. If the nails are embedded in the moulding and you plan to reuse the same trim later, pull the nails through the back of the moulding to prevent it from splitting.

Nail down any old, loose flooring with ring-shank nails. Set the nails below the floor surface, and fill any holes or cracks.

Stagger the seams of the plywood panels, leaving a 1/32-inch gap between panels to allow for expansion. Leave a 1/8-inch gap along the walls. Always use the fasteners and fastening pattern recommended by the vinyl floor and plywood manufacturer.

If necessary, use a ready-mix floor leveler or cement patching compound to smooth out any uneven areas where the underlayment panels meet. Allow it to dry and then sand it smooth. Clean the floor thoroughly. The surface must be smooth and free from debris, grease or wax.

Before cutting your vinyl, place a scrap piece of plywood underneath to keep the subfloor from being damaged. A clean garage floor is a good place to cut vinyl flooring to size.

Lay your cut vinyl in the room in position, allowing the edges to curl up against the wall. Remember to allow 3 inches on each side for trimming.

Trim around outside corners or other protruding objects by making a vertical slice down the sheet. Cut the vinyl from the top down to where it touches the floor.

Cut the vinyl in V-shaped cuts where it overlaps. Work your way down carefully, making several V-cuts until the vinyl rests flat.

Press a 2 by 4 against the bottom to crease the vinyl where the wall meets the floor. After making the crease, use a straight edge to cut the flooring. The floor will expand, so leave a 1/8-inch space between the wall and the new flooring.

Use the same principle to reattach the shoe moulding and baseboard. Leave them slightly off the floor to allow for expansion. Nail the moulding to the wall, not the floor. Changes in humidity will cause the floor to bind against a tight moulding.

If your new floor requires a seam and if you're applying over an old floor, offset the new seam at least 6 inches from the old one.

Measure the distance from the wall to the center of the pipe. Subtract 1/8 inch. Align a framing square with the edge of your masking paper, and draw a line the length of your measurement from the previous step.

Draw the pipe's diameter on your template at the end of the line you just drew. Cut the line and circle you just drew. Slide the template around the pipe. Tape this piece to the other pieces on either side of the pipe. When all sheets are taped together, remove the template in one piece.

The new vinyl should be unrolled laying face up on a clean surface in another room. Place the template on top of the vinyl and trace it with a washable marker.

Use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to cut the outline of your floor. Be sure to cut the line to the pipe diameter so the floor will slide into place around the pipe.

Roll the vinyl up and place it in the correct room. Unroll it carefully and slide it under door jambs and casings. Try not to crease the vinyl.

If your new floor requires a seam and if you're applying over an old floor, offset the new seam at least 6 inches to the side.

Using a notched trowel, apply recommended adhesive to the subfloor. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying adhesive.

Let the adhesive sit according to instructions. The open time will allow the adhesive to achieve its best hold.

Carefully unbend the floor back into place and press firmly.

Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the other half of the floor. Clean excess adhesive from your vinyl using a solvent recommended by the manufacturer.

Use a floor roller to roll the new floor from inside to outside to fully secure the vinyl to the subfloor. Roll firmly over the entire floor. Bond any seams with a seam sealer, following the manufacturer's directions.

Replace the old moulding or install new moulding. Plane the door if necessary and rehang it.

Clean any adhesive residue left on the floor, but don't wash the floor for three days (or whatever the manufacturer recommends). Excessive moisture at this time can affect the adhesive bond.

Keep foot traffic to a minimum for 24 hours after installation. The adhesive needs this time to dry and bond.

After 24 hours, put the furniture back. To avoid damaging your new vinyl flooring, place a sheet of plywood on the floor when rolling or sliding furniture and large appliances.