Thanks to advancements in styling and manufacturing technology, vinyl floors have changed significantly since the old days of linoleum.

In fact, today, few floor covering categories offer you the selection, styling, ease of maintenance and value of vinyl.

Given that, we can almost hear the wheels going around.

You may very well be thinking that vinyl is looking better and better as the flooring solution for the way you live.

But decision wise, before you “make vinyl final,” allow us to share with you some important information about this product.

It’s some things you should be aware of about preparing for the installation of your beautiful new vinyl flooring. Helpful tips, hints and suggestions.

This knowledge will make the whole process easier, faster and hopefully eliminate that dreaded phrase “I wish I’d waited before…”

Being prepared will be a lot less stressful on you -- and your home.

So check out the following, shopper, be prepared and anticipate, then look forward with confidence to the day your new vinyl flooring arrives.

Tip #1: DIY vinyl flooring installation is DNR.

Installing a vinyl floor is a difficult, labor intensive, very exacting process that requires full knowledge of substrates.

Doing It Yourself is Definitely Not Recommended.

We strongly recommend you call upon a reliable, seasoned, dedicated professional to install your vinyl flooring. Ask your retailer for help in this matter.

That way you can be assured of a beautiful, efficient and correct installation.

Which is precisely what our goal is for you.

However, while installing vinyl flooring is a skill that is developed through years of experience, your understanding of the basics of installation will increase your knowledge of the process, and enhance your confidence in the professionals working in your home.

So please allow us to cover some of the basic steps your professional installers will perform.

There’s no substitute for a good substrate.

As with most flooring products, the first step is to prepare the substrate, the surface on which the vinyl flooring will be laid.

If installing over a wood substrate, an underlayment will generally be necessary.

Installing over a concrete substrate will not require an underlayment but will require some floor preparation.

You will need to give attention to the height of your appliances to counters and cabinets if an underlayment is required.

Moisture testing for installations over concrete is required by manufacturers, so please understand that if your installers perform that task.

Can you install new vinyl flooring over existing vinyl flooring?

In some cases, yes. This is where employing qualified flooring professionals really pays off.

They can determine if your existing vinyl flooring is acceptable or if it will need to be removed.

There are three methods used to install vinyl flooring depending on manufacturer and style: Full Spread, Perimeter Adhered or Floating.

Full Spread means the adhesive is trowled over the entire substrate.

Perimeter Adhered is an installation method in which adhesive is only applied to the perimeter of the flooring and also at the seams.

Floating is a type of installation in which the vinyl flooring is not bonded to the substrate by any adhesive.

Your beautiful new vinyl floor will be professionally installed using one of those three methods.

What to do before the day of installation

Begin prepping with your big three: furniture, appliances and toilets.

Remove all your furniture and other objects and materials from the areas where the installation will take place.

Some installers will move your furniture, but there may be an additional charge for doing so. Before moving, you’ll also need to empty the contents of china cabinets, closets, refrigerators and the like. And yes, it’s a hassle.

You should check with your retailer regarding the disconnection and removal of appliances. Some installers may disconnect and move your electrical appliances and furniture for an additional charge.

But prior arrangements should be made with your salesperson. For your safety, and that of your family, we recommend that the gas company or appliance company disconnect and reconnect all gas appliances.

Ask your retailer about the possibility and cost of disconnecting and reconnecting such items as icemakers, stereo equipment and computers; and the removal of heavy items like pianos.

Also, consult with your retailer to determine if there is a charge for the removal and replacement of toilets in bathrooms if that is necessary.

Be aware that the area of installation must be climate controlled (heated or air conditioned). Indoor humidity should be maintained between 45-65%.

Out with the old – remove your present floor covering.

Please consider how your old floor covering will be taken up and disposed of. This can be a time consuming task. We recommend that you check with your retailer about the cost and the method of disposal. So there are no surprises for you.

If you prefer to remove your present floor covering, do it at least one day prior to arrival of your vinyl product to allow for cleanup and floor preparation. If removing old carpet, please remove all materials, the tackstrips and the pad, including staples.

Don’t be left out on a limb about your trim.

You should know that, in many cases, moldings and baseboards need to be removed for vinyl installation. Your installer may do this but at an additional charge and they will probably not be responsible for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle wood.

If you are concerned with removing the base moldings, you may want to consider installing quarter-round. A base molding or quarter-round will eliminate any edge curling of your vinyl flooring.

Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation is complete. If necessary, this is your responsibility.

There’s no substitute for subflooring.

Your existing subfloor may need to be prepared to receive the vinyl flooring, or a new subfloor may be required. We suggest you discuss this with your retailer and, if subfloor work is necessary, that it be done by qualified professionals. It is important that the subfloor be as clean and level as possible. That helps insure your new vinyl flooring will be beautiful and well supported.

Do this to insure an open door policy.

When vinyl flooring is installed, there’s always the possibility that the doors, especially closet doors, basement and bedroom doors, may not clear the new vinyl and swing free.

Some installers will remove doors in order to install the vinyl and re-hang them if possible. They probably won’t shave or cut down doors to insure clearance.

You should check with your retailer/installer as to their policy and the cost. You may need to arrange for a qualified carpenter to provide this service after the installation of your new vinyl floor.

Check-up on the clean-up.

Installing new vinyl flooring will produce waste. Usually these materials are collected by your installer and disposed of at a set fee. Check with your retailer before the day of installation so you’re clear about the clean up, if there are added costs to do so, and ask about the plan for vinyl remnants.

What to do during installation

Install yourself at home on installation day.

Be prepared to be at home the day of installation and be available in case the installation crew has questions. Your presence will insure that the correct vinyl flooring is installed in the right areas. Because it is difficult to estimate the length and circumstances of each job, some installers may not be able to give you an exact time of arrival. We suggest you be flexible and keep in touch with your retailer/installer.

Your safety, first and last.

Your installers will use a variety of tools and techniques that can make the work area hazardous. Please make sure that your children and pets are kept out of the work area on installation day.

Your safety and your family’s is priority for the installation crew.

The walk-thru is your final step.

We recommend that, prior to the completion of the installation, you walk thru the job with the chief installer. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and be clear on any final details. Your retailer and the installation crew want you to be completely satisfied with your new vinyl flooring.

What to do after installation

Time and temp are important.

For a minimum of 24 hours after your new vinyl floor is installed, protect all the seamed areas, don't walk on them or the seam sealer.

Keep the room at 68° F or greater for at least 2 days after installation to allow the adhesives to setup properly.

If you are sensitive to dust and odors, good ventilation should be established for 48 to 72 hours after installation.

If your vinyl floor was installed using the Full Spread method, no appliances should be moved in for a minimum of 24-72 hours after installation. Light foot traffic is allowed after 24 hours.

If the Perimeter Adhered installation method was utilized, no appliances should be moved in for a minimum of 24-72 hours after installation. Light foot traffic is allowed after 24 hours.

If the installers used the Floating method, appliances can be moved in immediately and foot traffic is OK immediately following installation.

When you are ready to move appliances back into the room, an underlayment type of product such as plywood or particleboard with a minimum thickness of 3/8,” placed on the new flooring prior to moving the appliances, will greatly reduce any mishaps.

Do not rely on the wheels that may be attached to the refrigerator to move the appliance back in as they can cause damage to the new floor.

Allow 5 days before thoroughly washing your floor. This will give time for the adhesive to cure.

Prepare today for tomorrow.

When it comes to your vinyl flooring installation, we want you to be as well prepared as possible.

It will make installation day easier on you and your home and provide you with an enjoyable floor covering experience for years to come.