Are you considering vinyl plank installation? If so, you might be wondering how much it costs. This article will explain the cost and tools needed for installation. Read on to learn how long it takes to complete this project. There are several steps you should follow to get your new floor looking great. But first, let’s talk about how to install it. The first step is to determine the width of your wall. One plank should measure approximately two inches wide.
Cost of Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring
The cost of installing vinyl plank flooring varies widely depending on how large the room is and how many square feet there are. Some companies charge by the square foot while others charge by the hour. It can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $16,000 for a 2,500-square-foot home. Some companies install the flooring themselves while others charge a professional. A DIY installer may charge 50 cents per square foot while a contractor might charge $2.00 per square foot.
If you’re installing a hardwood floor, you’ll need to purchase all the necessary tools and accessories. While these are common household items, hardwood floor accessories can be expensive, including nails, blades, and proper tools. The installation of vinyl plank flooring can also be time-consuming, especially if you’re ripping up old flooring. If you’re considering installing vinyl plank flooring, keep these factors in mind when budgeting for the project.
While vinyl plank flooring is waterproof and durable, it’s also vulnerable to damage if it’s exposed to hard impacts. This is a particularly big problem with flexible-core products. Once dented or damaged, they’re nearly impossible to repair. In most cases, you’ll have to replace the damaged plank with a new one. This is a hassle. Therefore, it’s better to hire a professional to do the installation.
Tools Needed for Installation
While the process for installing vinyl planks is not particularly difficult, you should be prepared to use the tools provided. A utility knife is an excellent tool to use for scoring the material. Unlike handsaws, however, a utility knife should be kept in one place when scoring, so you can be sure to cut the vinyl plank at a straight angle. Likewise, a power saw can be used to rip and crosscut the material. If you plan to work outdoors, you’ll want to use a good dust extraction system.
Utility knives are an important part of vinyl plank installation, and they’re especially useful for cutting the flooring. The knife you use should be strong and durable, and it should feature multiple blades for cutting into different surfaces. A utility knife with an angled blade allows you to get better control when cutting the edges of the vinyl. If you’re installing vinyl plank flooring in a large room, you should consider purchasing a higher-quality knife.
A power saw is useful for making quick cuts in molding. These are lightweight and typically have blade sizes of 8 to 12 inches. Another important tool is a variable-speed drill. This tool allows you to control the speed of drilling, which is crucial for avoiding plank splits. You should also purchase a rip saw with a square blade for making miter cuts. This tool is important for ripping laminate flooring.
The Time it Takes to Install
In most cases, you should allow about 48 hours to install vinyl plank flooring after it has been laid on the floor. If you have just painted the walls, you should also allow about three days before you install the new floor. If you do not want to wait that long, you can even purchase pre-cut planks. Floating plank flooring is ready to be walked on immediately, but it may require about 15 to 48 hours for it to fully acclimate to the floor’s humidity.
You must ensure that the planks overlap one another. You can make this easier by using a square, which can help you make straight marks. Once you have determined where the planks overlap, you can cut the planks to fit the space. Then, install the second row. Try to keep the expansion gap between the rows even and make sure the joints are square and straight. Once you have installed the flooring, you can install the next row. The first step in the process of installing vinyl plank is to measure the length of the wall where you intend to install it. A few pieces of the vinyl plank should be six inches long. Cut the remaining pieces into two-foot-long strips and install them parallel to the wall. Then, use a carpenter’s square to score the plank. Use a flush-cut saw to trim the edges of the planks.
