Vinyl flooring has become a popular choice for homeowners and businesses due to its durability, variety of styles, water resistance, ease of maintenance, and relatively easy and quick installation. Among different installation methods, glue-free vinyl flooring installation is a hassle-free way to upgrade your floor in a budget-friendly DIY project.
In this article, we’ll teach you how to install vinyl plank flooring without glue in two different ways; floating floor and loose lay installation.
Apart from these step-by-step vinyl flooring installation guides, we’ll also discuss other installation methods. But first, you should decide what the best method for installing vinyl flooring is for your place.
Leave the flooring installation to the experts to avoid the mess.
Call Minuteman Floors now to schedule your free home visit in Manchester, NH, and neighboring towns.
5 Factors to Consider to Choose the Best Method for Installing Vinyl Flooring
Before anything, you should know that although a glue-free vinyl flooring installation sounds quicker and easier, it might not be the best choice for your place.
To make the right decision about the method of installation, consider the factors below.
1. Type of Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring comes in different types and the installation method can be different for each one. For example, sheet vinyl is usually glued down, while vinyl planks or tiles with a click-lock system are installed as a floating floor. Vinyl tiles or planks without a click-lock system can be glued down or laid loose.
2. Subfloor
Some installation methods work better with certain types of subfloors. For example, a floating floor is an ideal choice for concrete or tile subfloors. Even loose-lay installation can work well for these kinds of subfloors. But for wood subfloors, most of the time the best method is glue-down installation.
3. Requirements of the Place
Each place has its own requirements that should be met if we want to avoid frequent repairs and replacements.
- If you expect high levels of moisture, the ideal vinyl flooring installation method is glue-down because it’s water-resistant. There are also click-lock vinyl planks that are specifically designed for wet areas. So, for your bathroom and kitchen, these are the best choices.
- In some areas, like basements, temperature fluctuations are common. So, the flooring must allow for expansion and contraction. That’s why, the ideal installation is loose-lay vinyl flooring.
- For high-traffic areas, glue-down installation offers the most stability. However, if a floating floor is installed properly and the quality of the vinyl flooring is suitable for heavy use, you won’t face a lot of problems.
4. Your Skill Level
If you’re a beginner and you wish to upgrade your floor in a DIY project, we recommend glue-free vinyl flooring installation methods. They’re easier, quicker, and less messy, and require only basic tools.
If you’re a more experienced DIYer and you think you can align the planks/tiles precisely and apply the adhesive evenly, you can also go for the glue-down installation method, which offers more stability.
5. Time and Budget
Glue-free installations are quicker because, unlike glue-down installations, they don’t require drying time. Also, they don’t usually cause a mess. But if you have the time and skill, glue-down vinyl flooring is a more permanent and durable option.
Also, consider your budget. For glue-free installation methods, you won’t need to pay for the adhesive. So, it’s more budget-friendly.
However, as the glue-down installation is more stable and long-lasting, you can see it as a long-term investment, especially for high-traffic areas.
To sum up, take your time and consider various aspects before starting your DIY flooring project. Carefully evaluate the specific requirements of the place, the budget, and your skills as a DIYer to make the best decision.
Read our article on DIY or Professional Flooring Installation for more information.
Two Glue-Free Vinyl Flooring Installation Methods
Two commonly used glue-free vinyl flooring installation methods are popular for DIY flooring projects. They don’t require any specialized tools or skills. However, for a good outcome, you need to prepare in advance, have a place, and do the installation step by step.
In the two DIY guides below, we try to simplify the project and break it down into several steps.
A Step-by-Step Vinyl Plank Floating Floor Installation Guide
As mentioned above, some vinyl planks or tiles come with interlocking edges that can snap together creating a seamless and strong connection. This is called click-lock or floating floor installation.
It’s a popular method of vinyl flooring installation because
- it’s quick and easy, creating a seamless floor and minimizing the risk of misalignment.
- there’s no need for any adhesives that can be messy and take time to dry.
- it can be durable and resistant to daily wear and tear.
- it’ll be easy to remove the flooring or some planks in the future.
- click-lock vinyl planks and tiles are usually water-resistant and can be great for the kitchen, basement, and bathroom.
- floating floor can handle fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels pretty well.
Step 1: Preparation
After emptying the room, examine the subfloor. Make sure it’s clean, dry, level, and without any damage, such as water damage or other issue. Installing a floating floor on an uneven subfloor will cause significant problems, such as gaps and an unstable floor.
Besides, the flooring material should be in the room for at least 48 hours to acclimate to its temperature and humidity. If you don’t take acclimatation seriously, the expansion or contraction after installation will cause flooring damage.
And, you should gather the tools and products you’re going to need. They usually include
- a utility knife or a vinyl plank cutter,
- a tapping block,
- spacers,
- underlayment (optional),
- and a mallet.
Some vinyl tiles and planks come with an attached underlayment. However, if they don’t, you can simply install an underlayment before starting the installation. A suitable underlayment can improve comfort, soundproofing, and insulation. Learn more about different types of underlayment and benefits here.
Step 2: Installation
The best way is to start from the longest wall and lay the first row of planks or tiles aligned straight along the wall. Don’t forget to use spacers between the wall and the first row. This expansion gap, which should be typically around ¼ inch, prevents the floor from buckling when expanded.
For greater stability and aesthetic appeal, you should start each new row with a plank cut to a different length. For example, if the first row starts with a 6-foot plank, the next should start with a 4-foot or 8-foot plank to stagger the joints. Use a utility knife or vinyl plank cutter to cut the planks easily.
To correctly click the planks together, first align the tongue with the groove at an angle, then lower it gently to lock them together. Next, use a tapping block and a mallet and gently tap the plank, ensuring a tight and stable fit.
When you’re done, remove the spacers. To cover the expansion gaps, you can use baseboards or quarter-round molding.
Step 3: Maintenance
Keep your vinyl floating floor clean by regularly sweeping or vacuuming it. To clean it deeply every once in a while, use a damp mop with a suitable cleaning product. Avoid harsh chemicals, excessive water, and steam cleaning.
Although many click-lock vinyl planks and tiles are water resistant, it’s better not to allow water to remain on the floor and seep into the seams.
In addition, to avoid dents and scratches, use furniture pads and never drag heavy objects.
A Simple Vinyl Plank Loose Lay Installation Guide
Loose lay installation sounds like a dream for DIYers! There’s no need for glue, nails, or locking mechanisms. Instead, the vinyl planks and tiles are heavier and thicker and stay in place because of their weight, friction, and tight installation against walls.
Some loose-lay vinyl planks and tiles come with a special non-slip backing to grip the subfloor better for greater stability. Also, some people prefer to use double-sided tape at the edges.
Here are the main advantages of loose-lay vinyl floor installation.
- It’s easy and doesn’t require a lot of skills, specialized tools, and adhesives.
- The planks or tiles can be easily removed and replaced.
- It’s possible to reuse loose-lay vinyl planks and tiles, so it’s ideal for temporary installations.
- These planks and tiles are more durable and usually come with a wear layer that further protects the surface from scratches and stains.
- Loose-lay vinyl flooring is usually fully water-resistant. So, it’s a better choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
Step 1: Before Installation
Like click-lock vinyl planks, loose-lay planks also require a minimum of 48 hours of acclimation to avoid future damage.
Besides, the ideal subfloor for loose-lay installation is smooth surfaces. So, make sure there are no irregularities in the subfloor and that it’s level. Also, it should be clean and dry.
The only tool you’re going to need is a utility knife to cut the planks when needed.
Step 2: Installation Process
First, plan the layout and make sure the planks or tiles are centered in the room. You can start at the center and work outward or begin along one of the walls. Go with the option that seems simpler and easier to you according to the room’s shape and size.
Next, it’s time to lay the planks down and put them tightly against each other or the wall, without any gaps. Use your utility knife to cut the planks and fit around walls or any other obstacles.
For areas that get higher foot traffic, it’s a good idea to use double-sided tape around the edges of the room for greater stability.
Step 3: Cleaning and Maintenance
Like any other vinyl flooring, you should regularly sweep or vacuum the floor to get rid of dirt and debris. Also, a damp mop with a safe cleaning product can be a good choice for deeper cleaning a few times a year.
The most important consideration in loose-lay vinyl flooring maintenance is to remember the fact that the planks aren’t as stable as other types of installations. So, they can shift over time, especially in high-traffic areas, and it’s necessary to reposition them whenever it happens.
Overall, glue-free vinyl flooring installation can be done as a DIY project as long as the subfloor is suitable, the room is relatively small, and doesn’t have a lot of obstacles. Just follow the tips and steps above to ensure a perfect finish.
FAQs: Glue-Free Vinyl Flooring Installation
Let’s answer some of your common questions about installing vinyl flooring without adhesive.
Do I Need to Prepare the Subfloor Before Installing Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring?
Yes. For both floating floor and loose-lay flooring, the subfloor needs to be smooth and level, otherwise, the flooring won’t be as stable as it should be and may become uneven over time.
Is Click-Lock Vinyl Flooring Water-Resistant?
Yes. Most of them are water resistant. However, excessive water can seep into the seams and may cause water damage over time.
Can I Walk on the Floating Floor Right After Installation?
Yes. No adhesives are used in vinyl floating floor installation, so the floor is ready right after the installation is over.
Can I Install Glue-Free Vinyl Flooring Over My Tile Flooring?
Yes, if the floor is dry, clean, level, and without irregularities. Generally, it’s possible to install click-lock vinyl planks or loose-lay vinyl flooring on most existing floors, such as hardwood, tile, concrete, and laminate, as long as it’s smooth and in good shape.
Is Glue-Free Vinyl Flooring Installation Suitable for High-Traffic Areas?
Proper installation and high-quality material are two important factors that determine a glue-free vinyl floor’s durability and resilience. We recommend a professional installation for high-traffic areas.
Quick and Professional Vinyl Flooring Installation for Manchester’s Homes and Businesses
We tried to provide a simple but complete guide on how to install vinyl plank flooring without glue. However, for commercial spaces, large rooms, or complicated layouts, a professional installation is needed to ensure durability, stability, and a flawless finish.
At Minuteman Floors in Manchester, NH, we offer various types of vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl flooring installations for both residential and commercial settings.
We prioritize quality workmanship and materials, and that’s why our clients are satisfied with our services (click here to see the testimonials).
You don’t even need to leave your place, just give us a call at 603-782-1942 and our experts will come to you.