How to install sheet vinyl flooring - a complete guide

At Floors for Paws we install our sheet vinyl flooring using the full stick method. Read on to find out more! When laying sheet vinyl, installation professionals use one of two methods, known as loose lay and full stick. As the names imply, loose lay involves applying adhesive around the edge of the room only and full stick is when the entire floor surface has adhesive applied.

How to lay sheet vinyl flooring using the loose lay method

• Unroll the vinyl alongside the longest wall, about 25 mm away from the skirting.
• When cutting the sheet vinyl, first use a bolster chisel to press the vinyl into the angle between the floor and skirting. This will make a crease in the vinyl which will be your guideline when cutting. Using a sharp blade, cut the vinyl at an angle for a clean finish.
• Once the sheet vinyl has been cut to size, use a broom to smooth the vinyl down. Work from the centre of the floor out to the edge as this will remove air bubbles which will help to vinyl to stick better.
• Once the vinyl has been smoothed down, lift eh edges away from the floor and apply adhesive around the edge of the room. Press the sheet flooring down firmly and leave to dry for 45-60 minutes.
• If you have to join pieces if sheet vinyl, for example in larger areas, secure seams with a seam sealer and double sided adhesive tape.

How to install vinyl flooring using the full stick method

• Prepare the subfloor for the vinyl by ensuring it is clean and level. Make sure to remove and imperfections and clear all debris. If your subfloor is level and smooth, full stick sheet vinyl flooring requires no underlay but if you’d like to find out more, see our vinyl floor preparation blog posts.
• Unroll the vinyl, as above, along the longest wall. Make the vinyl lie flat by cutting triangular notches at every internal corner, with scissors.
• When applying the glue, fold half of the vinyl back and apply adhesive to the floor. Replace the vinyl, pressing it down firmly. Repeat the process for the other half of the vinyl.
• Wipe off any adhesive that got on top of the floor with a cleaner.

What about the seaming?

Where two lengths of vinyl need to be joined, seams can be heat welded or chemical welded. Chemical welding involves a chemical liquid being applied between the seams. This creates a reaction that fuses the two pieces together. If too little sealer is used, a weak weld will result and if too much is used, the surface area may become flooded. By contrast, hot joint welding involves the application of heat to fuse the seams, at least 24 hours post-installation so the heat does not affect the adhesive used. Involving a similar technique to soldering, heat welded seams are recommended wherever a waterproof or sterile environment is needed, for example in healthcare settings such as veterinary practices.

Commercial sheet vinyl flooring from Floors for Paws

At Floors for Paws, we supply the Pawsafe Commercial range of sheet flooring, endorsed by Canine Arthritis Management. We always recommend that our flooring is installed by professional tradespeople that we know and trust and whose work we are sure of, all of whom use the full stick method with hot welded seams. To see our full range of commercial flooring and to order up to three free samples, click here. For any other questions, contact the team at info@floorsforpaws.com or give us a call on 01522 300218.