Tips and tricks to recover a vinyl floor

Once the underlayment is deemed healthy, place the new vinyl flooring.

By Samantha Mazzotta
| 5:48 a.m. December 4, 2014

Winter Park - Maitland Observer
Neighborhood

Q: The vinyl floor in my kitchen is pretty old – there are bubbles under the surface, and the edges are peeling back from the walls. How expensive is this to replace? Can I install a different material? – John T., Norcross, Ga.

A: Vinyl flooring can be the most economical material you put into your home. It's durable, resilient and relatively easy for new do-it-yourselfers to install.

If you're tired of vinyl, other flooring materials are perfectly fine. Ceramic tile, synthetic laminate (made to look like hardwood) and natural stone are popular choices for the kitchen. However, they typically cost more than vinyl sheets or tiles.

To replace your old floor, cut long strips into the vinyl and then pull the strips up. Use a wallboard knife and a solution of water and liquid dish detergent to loosen the backing. Scrape remaining flooring up using a floor scraper and the detergent solution, clear away all the debris, and vacuum with a wet-dry shop vacuum (put a bit of water in the vacuum to keep the dust down).

Inspect the exposed underlayment – a sheet of plywood or cement board laid over the subfloor. This is the most important factor in a good-looking, durable vinyl floor. It provides a smooth surface for resilient flooring to adhere to. However, it can be damaged by water leaks and day-to-day use.

Replace damaged underlayment, and fill small holes and seams with latex patching compound. Check for squeaks or sags, and inspect the subfloor, joists and foundation to make sure they aren't deteriorating. If you see damage of any kind, consult a contractor. Repairs to the subfloor and supports may cost more than you had budgeted, but the long-term benefits are more than worth it.

Once the underlayment is deemed healthy, place the new vinyl flooring. Make the job easier by creating a cutting template — laying sheets of paper along the edges of the walls and marking areas that need special cuts, such as around pipes. Tape the papers together to create a full-size outline of the room.

Roll the vinyl out in an open area. Position the paper template over the vinyl, and trace the template perimeter (and markings) using a water-soluble pen. Make the necessary preliminary cuts.

Once this prep is finished, roll up the vinyl sheet, carry it into the kitchen, and install according to the manufacturer's instructions. It'll be much easier than you think!

HOME TIP: Vinyl flooring made before 1986 may contain asbestos, which can cause severe health problems if inhaled. If your vinyl floor could be 30 years old or more, play it safe by contacting an asbestos abatement contractor.