Having the flexibility to modify your property as you please is one of the best attributes of buying a house. Certain home renovations have a higher return on investment than others, allowing you to recoup much of your costs over time. Installing flooring is a common project homeowners pursue, and vinyl planks are popular materials.
While this project might seem simple enough, people often encounter difficulty when installing vinyl plank flooring on stairs. Let's explore the key information you should know before moving forward.
Collect the Right Tools
You'll need to acquire the right tools before you install your new floors. Otherwise, your residential flooring project won't go as anticipated.
The good news is you don't need many tools to handle this obligation appropriately. Vinyl cutters are a great way to create perfectly sized segments. You might need to use a miter saw or jigsaw for complicated cuts, though.
General tools to purchase include chalk, measuring tape, a vacuum, and a straightedge. It's not uncommon for people to use tapping blocks and rubber mallets, as well. If you're working with glue-down vinyl planks, you'll need to purchase vinyl floor adhesive.
Some projects require you to remove molding or baseboards at the wall's base. You can achieve this by using a pry bar.
As you might assume, it's never recommended to start your project without work gloves and safety goggles. Depending on how many planks you need to install, it could be worth investing in knee pads. This can substantially reduce the discomfort you experience while on the job.
If you've never used a certain tool before, research how to do so properly. If you purchase tools from a hardware store, employees can help you understand how to use them correctly.
Provide them with as much information as possible about your project. This includes how many stairs you intend to work on, your level of experience with DIY projects, and the type of materials you plan to use.
Use High-Quality Materials
Don't make the mistake of using low-quality materials for your project. There's a good chance you won't be happy with the result. If this occurs, you might have to redo the project in the future.
If you can't budget the time or resources to do so, you'll have to settle for lackluster flooring. Using high-quality materials can also improve your home's value.
For example, let's assume you want to sell your home after completing your project. Investing more in your home's flooring could impact what you can list your house for on the market. It's also much easier to advertise a home with top-notch vinyl flooring.
To ensure you get the best results, take time to research the materials you intend to purchase. One of the most important attributes to consider is longevity.
No matter what the materials look like, it won't mean much if they fall apart after a couple of years. If you're looking to save money, you might get a discount if you purchase materials in bulk. Promotional sales on popular materials are also common.
Prepare the Installation Area
This is the most important part of the process. To prepare the stairs, first remove trim or molding. You should also ensure there's enough room for the stair nose.
This is where using a jigsaw comes into play. Using one allows you to quickly remove stair overhangs. All stairs and landings should be completely level without bumps.
If you need to level out these services, caulking is the best way to do so. Don't forget vinyl planks need time to acclimate to their new environment. This can take up to 48 hours.
Vacuum or sweep any dirt or dust after you finish preparing the stairs. Afterward, you're ready to move forward with the actual project.
Call a Professional if Necessary
DIY home projects can be highly satisfying and teach valuable skills. They're also a great way to bond with a friend or family member. However, it's not recommended to handle vinyl flooring installation on your own if you don't have the right level of experience.
This could lead to complications that are difficult to resolve. For example, you could cause significant property damage.
You could also achieve poor results that require you to redo the project. Instead, it's best to hire a reputable professional. They have the tools, experience, and resources to handle your needs.
When looking for someone to work with, see what other people online have to say about them. It would help if you only chose providers who have a large amount of stellar feedback.
Look into the pricing options before making your decision, as well. They should be fully transparent about what you'll pay. It's also best to avoid the cheapest options you encounter, as this could indicate they cut corners.
There's a point of diminishing returns regarding the provider you choose, though. Hiring the most expensive flooring company won't necessarily get you better results.
Somewhere in the middle of the price range is a great way to reach your goals without stretching your budget. Never work with someone who isn't licensed, bonded, and insured.
If they don't have the proper credentials, you could experience financial difficulties if an accident occurs during the project. To clarify, let's assume you hire an unlicensed and uninsured contractor.
They'll be more likely to make mistakes, and their insurance won't cover injuries or property damage. In some situations, you could be held liable for these costs. With enough diligence, you'll find the best company for your situation.
Vinyl Plank Flooring on Stairs Is Simple
The tips in this guide will help ensure installing vinyl plank flooring on stairs is as easy as possible. You'll avoid many issues you may have otherwise encountered and minimize your project timeline. Just be sure to use high-quality materials.
National Floors Direct is a direct-to-consumer carpet and flooring specialty service. We provide instant, accurate estimates to help you better budget for your project. You'll learn more about our benefits when you book a call with us today.
