Introduction: Can I DIY Install Luxury Vinyl Tiles?
Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are the taking the flooring world by storm. They are the perfect blend of affordability, aesthetics and ease of maintenance. One factor that makes this floor so affordable is that some LVT products are DIY-friendly saving money on labour costs. However, not all luxury vinyl is DIY-friendly. This article will explain which luxury vinyl products DIY enthusiasts should choose and which are best left to a professional to install.
Types of Luxury Vinyl Tiles
There are two main types of luxury vinyl flooring. The first type is click-and-lock flooring. This LVT flooring is DIY-friendly. Click-and-lock flooring uses a clever interlocking mechanism to create a floating floor, as a result no complex adhesives or tools are required to install this type of vinyl. The second type of luxury vinyl flooring is glue-down. This type of vinyl flooring is not DIY-friendly. Glue-down tiles require an adhesive to create a secure bond with the subfloor. This is a complex and time sensitive process that is best left to a flooring professional. So, if you are a DIYer set on laying your own floor, you should choose click-and-lock flooring, but if you have your heart set on a glue-down vinyl product then we would recommend hiring a professional floor fitter to complete the work for you to ensure a high-quality and long-lasting result.
DIY-Friendly Luxury Vinyl Tile Options
• Click-and-Lock: Click-and-lock luxury vinyl flooring is a DIY-friendly option.
• Peel-and-Stick: Peel-and-stick luxury vinyl flooring has built in adhesive pre-applied on the tile. This makes peel-and-stick flooring a DIY-friendly luxury vinyl option.
Factors to Consider Before DIY Installing Your Floor
• Your DIY Experience: If you are comfortable with home improvement projects, then click-and-lock LVT is a good option for you. However, if you’re a DIY novice, then it makes sense to seek professional help, especially if you are choosing glue-down tiles.
• Your Tools: Thankfully, click-and-lock LVT flooring does not require any specialist tools to install. Usually, a tape measure, pen / pencil, ruler and Stanley knife or saw for cutting is all that is required to get the job done to a good standard. However, when it comes to glue-down tiles more specialist tools are required, so it may be worth getting a professional to complete the job for you.
• Complexity of the Project: If you are re-flooring your spare room with click-and-lock flooring and it is a simple rectangular shape, then doing it yourself makes sense. However, if you are re-flooring an oddly shaped room or a demanding room like a bathroom or kitchen or you are using a complex flooring product like glue down LVT, then getting a professional to complete the installation makes a lot of sense.
• Subfloor: When completing any DIY project, preparation is key and it is the same with flooring projects. If your subfloor is in good condition, then laying down some underlay and a click-and-lock top floor by yourself is simple enough. However, when you reveal your subfloor if it is not level or it is damp or it has pre-existing damage, then getting a flooring professional to fix the subfloor before laying the luxury vinyl floor over the top is the correct decision for long-term peace of mind and a stable floor.
How to Install Your Click-and-Lock DIY Floor
1. Prepare the Subfloor: Check that your subfloor is clean, level and free from moisture and visible damage.
2. Lay the Underlay: Lay down the appropriate underlay for your subfloor and click-and-lock tiles. Glue-down vinyl flooring does not require underlay.
3. Acclimatise the Tiles: Leave your new click-and-lock luxury vinyl tiles in the room you intend to lay them in for 48 hours prior to installation. This allows for the tiles to expand to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room.
4. Plan the Layout: Visualise how you want your floor to look. Factor in if there are any difficult shapes that you need to cut. It can be helpful to start from the middle of the room and work outwards.
5. Install the First Row: Use the click-and-lock system or peel-and-stick method built into the tile. It can be useful to use a rubber mallet to ensure a firm lock is established with the click-and-lock tiles and an even pressure applied with the peel-and-stick tiles.
6. Cutting and Finishing: Use your Stanley knife and/or saw to account for unusual edges or shapes. Consider how to finish your floor; for example, dropping skirting boards over the top or using T-bar to joint your LVT to another flooring type at the threshold of a door.
Bonus DIY Tips
• Purchase an Extra 10%: Buy an extra 10-15% of floor than your room requires to allow for off-cuts.
• Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
• YouTube Tutorials: There are many YouTube tutorials that offer advice on how to install luxury vinyl flooring as a DIYer.
• Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a more experienced DIY-enthusiast or from a professional if required.
Conclusion
To sum it all up: yes, luxury vinyl tiles are DIY-friendly; however, it depends on which vinyl product. Click-and-lock tiles are DIY-friendly; whereas, glue-down tiles will probably require a professional. If you do intend to install your new luxury vinyl flooring as a DIY project ensure you know what you are doing (manufacturer’s guidance and YouTube tutorials), you are well-equipped (measuring tape, rubber mallet and something to cut with) and you are well-prepared (acclimatised tiles, good subfloor, correct underlay, etc…). Whether you choose to DIY install your luxury vinyl tiles or get a professional to do it, we hope you enjoy your new flooring for many years to come!
If you do not wish to DIY install your new floor, you could always use Flooring Hut’s supply and fit service. This means that you can buy your flooring products from us and choose from a vetted local fitter to complete the job for you for added peace of mind.
