Set the stage for better room design with the right flooring...that you can install yourself! No need to feel intimidated, the KENT Project Centre can help set you up for flooring success. With the right tools, installing new vinyl floors can be an easy, affordable weekend project with major style payoff. Grow your DIY skills and ditch warped, outdated flooring!

Pre-Installation

Cover a few prep steps before you start installing new vinyl flooring:

• Measure your space to determine the amount of new flooring you’ll need.
• Gather your tools: a measuring tape, hand & eye protection, mallet, pry bar, utility knife, flooring cutter of your choice, level, and a square corner measure.
• Ensure the floor you’ll be covering is smooth and dry. This may be wood, concrete, or existing vinyl. Level your surface with gentle sanding if necessary.

Time to demo! Once you have all your gear on hand, begin prepping your floors by prying out any existing baseboards or obstructions. Use your mallet and pry bar to start pulling up old floors, or cut away carpet with your utility knife. Be cautious not to damage your subflooring or the material you’re removing if they’re in suitable condition to donate!

Time to install your beautiful new vinyl floors! Vinyl is the perfect option for an easy, inexpensive upgrade that will give you all the comfort and durability of hardwood or laminate. It’s also waterproof/water resistant, which makes it a perfect option for kitchens and bathrooms! Vinyl offers wider style options in peel-and-stick planks or tiles, as well as vinyl plank options that have thicker interior layers of PVC. Always install your flooring following manufacturer instructions, and consult with our Project Centre for any extra help.

• Double check any specific patterns you may be laying, like chevron or herringbone!
• Prep any adhesive that may be required.

• Use spacers around the edges of your new flooring to maintain space for baseboards.

• In your first row, ensure the groove & tongue sides of your planks are facing the proper direction, your first row will need the tongue side facing the wall. This step isn’t needed for any peel-and-stick vinyl.

• Begin laying your flooring in the corner of your room with a pre-cut piece of floor. Continue to measure and trim sections as needed.
• Use a tapping block and mallet to gently snap pieces together.

• As you lay your second row, ensure there is at least 6-8” of overlap between seams.

• Once all your flooring is laid, reinstall any baseboards or trim and clean off any debris.

Feel ready for new floors? Browse our vinyl flooring here, call your local KENT Project Centre with any questions, and enjoy your new DIY vinyl floors! Get all the style and function of wood at a fraction of the price. Easily upgrade any room this weekend with a little help from KENT!