Waterproof floors can stay intact for long without wear and tear and many are rated for commercial use. These trending waterproof wood-look flooring styles are perfect for almost any home.
Trending Waterproof Wood Look Flooring Styles
Trending Waterproof Floors and Way to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring
What are waterproof floors?
Waterproof floors are manufactured from materials that are resistant to moisture which can damage or destroy most of the flooring types. These days what people typically refer to as waterproof flooring is a floating vinyl plank floor that commonly looks like wood but in some cases, it also resembles stone. Most waterproof vinyl floors are engineered with a rigid waterproof core which is either a WPC (wood plastic composite) or an SPC (stone plastic composite) and installed similar to a laminate floor. WPC and SPC are subcategories of LVT (luxury vinyl tile). Its most commonly used for commercial flooring because of its cost-effectiveness and durability.
How they are useful?
Waterproof floors can stay intact for long without wear and tear and many are rated for commercial use. Unlike carpet, you don't need to replace these after a few years. They're also not susceptible to aging like hardwood and can last for more than 20 years if properly maintained. A lot of flooring installation companies recommend vinyl plank flooring.
How to install vinyl plank flooring?
At least 48 years before the installation, place the new vinyl plank flooring in the room for acclimation. During the installation, you can mix planks from different boxes to blend the dye patterns to create a more uniform look. Here is how it's done.
Step 1: Remove the baseboard:
Start with the removal of baseboards. Firstly, cut through any paint sealing the baseboards to the wall using a utility knife. Then use a pry bar to loosen the baseboards gently. Prepare your subfloor, make sure that it's clean, dry, and level within 3/16-inch change per 10 feet.
Use a self-leveler on low spots and sand the high spots of wood or concrete. Don't sand vinyl flooring as it may have asbestos. Self-leveler is usually available in powder and pre-mixed form and is used to create a flat, smooth surface in flooring projects. Strength wise it's similar to concrete but it can get dried fast so you can work quickly.
Step 2: Plan the floor:
It's done in three steps.
Marking the center of the room:
Mark the center of each wall and snap lines between them with a chalk line.
Measurement of walls:
Start measuring from the center towards the start of the wall with the help of measuring tape. Subtract the 5/16-inch expansion gap and mark the distance at each end of the wall. Snap a chalk line between these two marks to get a straight line against the wall.
Width calculation:
At the end calculate the width of the last row. If it'll be less than 1/3 of a plank, cut about 1/3 of the plank off the first row to create even starting and finishing rows.
Step 3: First row:
Score and cut the tongue of the first row of vinyl planks by using a utility knife. Set the first plank in place on the starting line with the cut side towards the wall. Make sure to maintain the expansion gap. Hold the next plank at a slight angle against the end of the previous plank and fold it down to get into the proper place. To make the last piece fit score it with a utility knife and snap the plank.
Step 4: Second row:
The joints of vinyl flooring must be staggered at least 6 inches. So, measure and cut your first piece according to it. Use the cut end from the first row if needed. Insert the tongue of the first piece into the groove of the first plank of the previous row and rotate it down to click together. For the next piece connect the short end first and then long. You should feel it lock. Continue the installation in this way and make sure to stagger the joints by 6 inches and maintain the expansion gap. To get under door jambs slightly bend the planks into place and use a pull bar or tapping block to lock the joint if necessary.
Step 5: Peeling and sealing:
The layout and floor preparation are the same as that for peel and stick vinyl as that for floating vinyl planks as they are for floating vinyl plank floors. To install each peel the adhesive backing off the plank and stick to the subfloor.
Step 6: Finishing:
Finishing needs to be clean and flawless. To finish the installing of vinyl plank flooring replace the baseboard and add floor transitions and additional trim pieces such as shoe molding if needed. Ensure to nail the trim pieces to the wall, not the floor. The job is not done at the finishing. Wooden flooring is intended to provide intact flooring for many years. It can only be achieved by proper maintenance and care. Here are a few important care and maintenance tips for wooden flooring. Hire the best flooring contractors for better results.
Cleaning Tips for Vinyl Plank Flooring:
What will be the first step after the completion of the installation?
Once the installation of the last piece is done, first of all, sweep, dust, mop, or vacuum the floor to remove all loose dirt and grit. Then lightly damp mop with a well-wrung mop. Always use plywood or heavy cardboard while the furniture or other heavy objects cross the floor.
How to clean the waterproof floor?
Simply sweep it or run a dry dust mop on it to get up the dirt. Avoid treated dust mops because they leave residues behind which can dull your floor. For more thorough cleaning use a pH neutral cleaner without any floor polish or detergent in it. Don't use steam mops because the heat can cause the vinyl layer to curl up and peel off. Also, avoid the use of mop and shine products.
How often should I clean my waterproof flooring?
Cleaning should be done at least once a week with a damp mop such as warm water and neutral detergent. This helps to wipe off dirt and keep your flooring in the best condition.
How to remove spots and spills?
Absorb wet spills and spots as quickly as possible by blotting with paper or cloth towel. Rinse the water if necessary and blot dry. Dried spots can be removed by gentle agitation and rinsed with water.