DIY Project: Installing Vinyl Flooring on Your Own
The flooring industry is thriving with the continuous discovery and production of new flooring options for homeowners – from traditional ceramic tiles to the rise of eco-friendly solutions, vinyl flooring is one of these newly reinvented types that has become a staple in Singapore.
But what makes it a popular choice? Whether you are looking to refresh your home or upgrade your office, vinyl offers a unique blend of affordability and style. Thanks to advanced engineering, modern vinyl is water-resistant, durable, and visually appealing, making it a high-performance foundation for any room. So if you’re embarking on a DIY vinyl flooring project, understanding the types of vinyl flooring for DIY and how to install them is the first step toward a beautiful, long-lasting result.
DIY Friendly Flooring in Singapore
While there are many varieties available, from clickable resilient flooring like our Eco Resilient Flooring (ERF) to glue-down EPRF Eco Protect Resilient Floor (Orchid+), as well as traditional solid wood flooring, the former stands as the most beginner-friendly option for a DIY project. Often known as the “floating method”, these relatively flexible vinyl tiles and planks feature grooves that snap together, making them easy to install onto subfloors without any adhesives. This makes DIY vinyl flooring mess-free and beginner-friendly. Simply follow guidelines and instructions carefully and achieve a professional-grade flooring installation on your own.
General Guidelines and Installation Instructions
Eco Resilient Flooring | Thai Teak
Tools and Materials You Will Need
To ensure a smooth vinyl flooring installation process, first gather these essentials:
- For Sub-floor Preparation: Floor scraper, patch compound, sandpaper, vacuum.
- For Measuring & Marking: Tape measure, carpenter’s square, pencil, or chalk line.
- For Cutting: Heavy-duty utility knife, straight edge.
- For Installation: Rubber mallet, tapping block, pull bar, wall spacers.
- For Clean Up: Microfiber mop, pH-neutral floor cleaner.
Preparation
Then, before laying down the vinyl tiles, prime your space by:
- Clearing & Cleaning: Remove all furniture and baseboards; sweep and mop until the surface is completely clean.
- Levelling & Repairing: Fill cracks or holes with a levelling compound and sand it smooth. A level floor is vital to prevent “telegraphing” (where subfloor imperfections show through the vinyl).
- Acclimating Your Planks: Let your vinyl planks sit in the room for 48 hours to adjust to Singapore’s specific humidity and temperature.
- Creating a Moisture Barrier: In our humid climate, an underlayment or moisture barrier is highly recommended to prevent mould.
Take Note of Sub-floor Considerations: Whether you have concrete or existing wood, the surface must be structurally sound and dry. However, if you are still confused about how to lay down vinyl tiles, it is best to seek advice from a flooring specialist to ensure your subfloors do not telegraph through the new floors, and that your new vinyl tiles stay in place.
Laying Process
Success in installing vinyl flooring starts with careful planning.
Before you begin,
- Measure your room to determine how many full planks will fit, and identify exactly where partial planks will be needed at the edges.
- For the best aesthetic, decide on an orientation where the planks run parallel to the longest wall or point toward the main light source.
- When you are ready to start your flooring installation, always work from left to right, beginning in the top-left corner of the room.
- As you lay the first row, fit the tongue of the second plank into the groove of the first at a slight angle and push into alignment with gentle force until it clicks into place. If you encounter corners or reach the end of a row, simply use a utility knife to score the excess length and snap the plank for a clean, custom fit.
Finishing & Cleanup
Once the last plank is cut and fitted, remove the spacers and reinstall your baseboards or add skirting to cover the expansion gaps. Give the floor a quick sweep and a damp mop to remove any dust from the cutting process.
Common Vinyl Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a user-friendly system, a successful DIY vinyl flooring project requires attention to detail. Here are the most common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the Acclimatisation: If planks aren’t allowed to adjust to the room’s temperature, they may expand or shrink after installation, causing buckling or gaps.
- Ignoring the Expansion Gap: Failing to leave a small perimeter gap (5-10mm) around the walls prevents the floor from “breathing,” leading to warped boards in humid weather.
- Poor Subfloor Cleaning: Even a tiny pebble or grit left on the subfloor can create a permanent bump on your new surface over time.
- Misaligned First Row: If your very first row isn’t perfectly straight, the entire room will look crooked by the time you reach the other side.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vinyl Floor DIY Project
When can I walk on the floor after laying the vinyl tiles?
Since click-lock vinyl requires no adhesive, you can walk on your new floor immediately after installation.
Does vinyl flooring need to be glued down?
No, while some types require glue, ERF click-lock planks are designed to “float” and stay in place through their own weight and locking system.
Which direction should I lay the planks?
Lay planks parallel to the longest wall or pointing toward the room’s primary natural light source for the best aesthetic.
Can I place heavy furniture on my vinyl flooring?
Yes, but use felt pads under the legs and avoid dragging items to prevent scratches on your fresh vinyl flooring.
DIY or Professional: Vinyl Floor Tiles & Planks Installation
Embarking on a DIY project with friends and family is always fun. However, to ensure that your DIY project is successful, consulting a flooring supplier is often advised as flooring must be installed properly to last longer and prevent future mishaps.
We recommend leaving the installation of the core foundations of your home, such as flooring, to the professionals, as they are experienced in installing flooring securely and can better advise you on how to care for your brand-new eco-resilient, low-VOC vinyl flooring.
