Install Resilient Flooring

Thinking about upgrading your space? Installing resilient flooring could be the perfect solution. Known for its durability and versatility, resilient flooring offers a stylish yet practical option for any room in your home. Whether you're looking to enhance your kitchen, bathroom, or living area, this type of flooring can withstand heavy foot traffic and resist moisture, making it ideal for busy households.

Cost is a key factor when considering new flooring. On average, you can expect to spend between $2 to $8 per square foot for materials, plus installation costs that can range from $1 to $3 per square foot. With its long-lasting benefits and aesthetic appeal, investing in resilient flooring not only elevates your home's look but also adds value in the long run.

Overview of Resilient Flooring

Resilient flooring offers a durable and versatile solution for various rooms in your home. Its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic and resist moisture makes it an ideal choice for busy households. Several factors contribute to the successful installation and long-lasting performance of resilient flooring, including subfloor preparation and installation methods.

Subfloor Preparation

Successful resilient flooring installation depends on the condition of the subfloor. It must be clean, dry, smooth, and structurally sound. Subfloors should be free from dust, wax, solvents, paint, grease, oils, and old adhesive residue. For concrete subfloors, follow guidelines from ACI 302 and ASTM F 710. Wood subfloors must also comply with local building codes and should not lay directly on concrete or dimensional lumber without proper underlayment.

• Fully Adhered Method: This method suits areas with heavy foot or rolling traffic and complex job sites. Vinyl is fully adhered to the subfloor using an adhesive, ensuring strong bonding and durability.
• Loose Laid Method: This is the easiest installation method, allowing for quick application without adhesive across the entire floor.

Benefits of Resilient Flooring

Resilient flooring offers numerous advantages that make it an excellent choice for any home. Its appealing features include durability, ease of maintenance, and overall cost-effectiveness.

Durability and Longevity

Durability defines resilient flooring. It withstands heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for busy households. Materials like vinyl can endure impacts and resist scratches, providing a long-lasting solution. Many resilient flooring products come with warranties ranging from 5 to 25 years, ensuring peace of mind. According to industry standards, resilient flooring meets or exceeds performance expectations in high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and entryways. This inherent strength contributes to the material's overall longevity.

Ease of Maintenance

Ease of maintenance is a significant benefit of resilient flooring. Regular cleaning involves simple sweeping or vacuuming and occasional damp mopping. The moisture-resistant properties of resilient flooring prevent staining, allowing for effortless upkeep. You won't need harsh chemicals; mild detergents typically suffice for deep cleaning, promoting a healthier indoor environment. Additionally, resilient flooring's seamless design minimizes dirt and debris buildup, making daily maintenance quick and efficient.

Types of Resilient Flooring

Understanding the different types of resilient flooring helps you choose the best option for your space. Here’s a detailed look at vinyl, linoleum, and cork flooring.

Vinyl Flooring

• Installation Methods:
• Fully Adhered: This method secures vinyl flooring to the entire prepared subfloor using adhesive. It's suitable for highfoot and rolling-traffic areas. Acceptable substrates include clean, dry, smooth wood and concrete underfloors.
• Loose Laid: This method doesn't require adhesive, making it the simplest installation option. However, applying adhesive at seams and around floor vents helps prevent movement.
• Perimeter-Fastened: Similar to the loose laid method, this option involves securing the vinyl at the perimeter of the room, which adds stability.
• Subfloor Preparation: Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, smooth, and structurally sound for optimal adhesion and performance.

Linoleum

• Material Composition: Made from natural materials such as linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour, linoleum is an eco-friendly choice. Its biodegradable components contribute to sustainable flooring solutions.
• Installation Methods:
• Glue Down: This method involves applying adhesive to the entire subfloor, securing the linoleum in place. It requires careful alignment and cutting for a proper fit.
• Click-Fit: Linoleum flooring is also available in click-lock systems, which allow for floating installations. This option simplifies installation and provides ease of removal or replacement.
• Durability and Maintenance: Linoleum is resilient to wear and tear. Routine maintenance includes sweeping and damp mopping to maintain its appearance.

• Natural Properties: Cork flooring comes from the bark of cork oak trees. Its natural elasticity provides comfort underfoot while also being resistant to mold, mildew, and pests.
• Installation Methods:
• Glue Down: Adhering cork directly to the subfloor ensures stability. This method requires careful application to prevent gaps.
• Floating: Many cork products feature a floating installation that simplifies application without glue or nails. It incorporates an underlayment for added sound insulation and cushioning.
• Maintenance and Care: Maintaining cork requires regular sweeping and the use of cork-specific cleaners. Recoating every few years protects its finish and enhances longevity.

By exploring each type of resilient flooring, you can select the option that best meets your needs in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and installation.

Steps to Install Resilient Flooring

Follow these steps to ensure a successful installation of your resilient flooring. Proper preparation and attention to detail contribute to long-lasting results.

Preparing the Subfloor

Preparing the subfloor is crucial for effective resilient flooring installation. Assess the type of subfloor before applying any treatments.

• Concrete/Cement Base: Apply a water-based primer compound, followed by a self-leveling compound suited to your traffic level. Ensure the surface is dry, smooth, level, clean, and dust-free.
• Wood or Wood Particles/Plywood Base: Use a wood-adapted primer compound. Check for flexibility in wood, fixing defects, cupping, glued grooves and tongues, and caulking of joints. Sand the surface until smooth. Ensure double-layered plywood subfloors comply with local building codes.
• Existing Resilient Floor Covering: Confirm it's a single-layer, non-cushion backed, fully adhered surface. Remove any waxes, polishes, grease, grime, and oil. Repair or replace cuts, cracks, gouges, dents, or other irregularities for a smooth surface.

Laying the Flooring

Laying flooring requires precision and technique. Start by selecting the correct installation method based on your material type.

• Fully Adhered Method: Spread adhesive evenly on the prepared subfloor. Align the flooring carefully and firmly press it into the adhesive, ensuring no air bubbles form.
• Loose Laid Method: Position the planks or sheets without adhesive, ensuring they fit snugly together. This allows for quicker application and easier future removal or replacement.
• Fitting Together: Use a tapping block to ensure seams fit tightly without damaging the edges. Maintain a gap around the perimeter for expansion, typically around 1/4 inch.

Finishing Touches

Applying finishing touches enhances both aesthetics and functionality.

• Trimming Edges: Install baseboards or trim to cover expansion gaps and provide a finished look. Ensure the trim sits flush with the flooring.
• Transition Strips: Use transition strips between rooms or when changing flooring types. This helps protect the edges and provides a smooth transition.
• Cleaning: Clean the newly installed flooring to remove any dust or residue. Follow manufacturer's cleaning recommendations for optimal maintenance practices.

Each of these steps plays a vital role in achieving a polished and durable resilient flooring installation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes during resilient flooring installation ensures a successful outcome. Focus on the following key areas:

Subfloor Preparation

• Prepare the subfloor adequately. The subfloor must be clean, dry, smooth, and structurally sound. Remove foreign materials like dust, wax, solvents, paint, grease, oils, and old adhesive residue.
• Level the subfloor. For example, maintain flatness within 3/16" in 10' or 1/8" in 6'.
• Never install material directly over wood subfloors placed on concrete or over dimensional lumber or plywood used over concrete without proper underlayment.

• Apply adhesive correctly to ensure proper bonding. Use the right notched trowel and check that the adhesive has the appropriate open time to tack up before laying the flooring down. For instance, a 1/16” x 1/32” x 1/32” notched trowel works well for Mannington V-31 adhesive.

Conclusion

Choosing resilient flooring can transform your space while providing lasting durability and style. With various options available and the right installation techniques, you can achieve a beautiful and functional floor that stands up to everyday wear and tear.

By investing in quality materials and following proper installation steps, you'll not only enhance your home's appearance but also increase its value. Remember to prioritize subfloor preparation and select the best method for your needs to ensure a successful project.

With minimal maintenance and impressive longevity, resilient flooring is a smart choice for any homeowner looking to elevate their interiors. Enjoy the benefits of a stunning floor that works as hard as you do.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of resilient flooring?

Resilient flooring offers durability, versatility, and a stylish look for various rooms. It's capable of enduring heavy foot traffic and resisting moisture, making it ideal for busy households. Additionally, it provides ease of maintenance, enhancing overall home appearance and adding long-term value.

How much does resilient flooring cost?

Costs for resilient flooring typically range from $2 to $8 per square foot for materials, with installation costs averaging between $1 to $3 per square foot. Investing in resilient flooring is an affordable way to improve your home’s aesthetic appeal and value.

What types of resilient flooring are available?

Resilient flooring includes various types such as vinyl, linoleum, and cork. Each type offers unique properties and installation methods, like glue down and floating options for cork and fully adhered or loose laid methods for vinyl.

How can I prepare my subfloor for resilient flooring installation?

Ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, smooth, and structurally sound. This may involve removing old flooring, repairing imperfections, and leveling surfaces. Proper subfloor preparation is key for a successful flooring installation.

What are the installation methods for resilient flooring?

Common installation methods for resilient flooring include the fully adhered method, ideal for high-traffic areas, and the loose laid method, which allows for quicker application without adhesive. Choosing the right method depends on the flooring type and room usage.

How do I maintain resilient flooring?

Maintaining resilient flooring is simple and involves regular sweeping or vacuuming, with occasional damp mopping. Its moisture-resistant properties help prevent staining, and the seamless design reduces dirt buildup, promoting a healthier indoor environment.

What mistakes should I avoid during installation?

Avoid common mistakes like improper subfloor preparation, which should be clean, dry, and level. Also, ensure you apply adhesive correctly with the right trowel and keep to the recommended open time before laying the flooring for best results.

How long does resilient flooring last?

Resilient flooring can offer durability with warranties ranging from 5 to 25 years, depending on the product. Proper installation and maintenance significantly enhance its lifespan, ensuring you get long-lasting value from your investment.