How do I lay Sheet Vinyl Flooring | Loose Lay | Full Stick

There are two basic methods for installing sheet vinyl flooring – loose lay and full stick (also known as full spread). When the floor covering is laid without any adhesive underneath, it’s called loose lay. When it is stuck down with adhesive, it’s called full spread.

Which is the right method for you?

Loose Lay Method

Because there is no adhesive used under a loose laid floor, most manufacturers say that cushioned vinyl should only be loose laid in areas up to 25 m².

Loose lay is not suitable for floors that will take heavy traffic, or where there is furniture that may be pushed around.

Joins should be cold welded with a chemical seam sealer. To help secure the seam you can also use double-sided tape underneath.

Our sheet vinyl is very stable and won’t shrink or curl over time if it’s laid properly.

Follow the link here to watch a video on How To Loose Lay Sheet Vinyl.

Full Stick Method

In this method, the material is stuck down with adhesive that’s spread right across the floor. This is suitable for larger spaces than 25M2, floors that require more than one join and in areas where there will be heavy traffic and the possibility of furniture being moved around. We recommend acrylic adhesive for sheet vinyl flooring.

Step 1: Once your floor is in the correct position, carefully fold half of the vinyl back. Be careful not to move the position of the floor.

Step 2: Follow all manufacturer guidelines for preparing and applying the adhesive. Apply the recommended amount of adhesive to the subfloor with a notched trowel. Notch size is important, so make sure you check the label to see what the correct notching is. Allow the glue to sit for the recommended amount of time before replacing the vinyl.

Step 3: Fold the vinyl back over and firmly press it to the subfloor.

Step 4: Do the same thing (steps 1-3) for the other half of your vinyl floor.

Step 5: If any of the adhesive got on the top of your floor, remove it by wiping it off with a cleaner according to the manufacturer instructions you have.

Step 6: Use a floor roller across the entire surface to remove any air bubbles and complete the bonding process.

Step 7: Use the manufacturer’s seam sealer on any seams. Again, be sure to follow manufacturer instructions.

Step 8: Replace all essential room items such as doors, toilets or any other essential items. No furniture or appliances at this time.

Step 9: Wait 3 days before cleaning and 24 hours before replacing heavy furniture. Foot traffic should be kept to a minimum for 24 hours as well.

Seaming (Joining 2 pieces of vinyl flooring)

Sometimes you may need to join 2 sheets of vinyl. This does make the process a little more complicated but it is still possible as a DIY project. Please click here to watch a very clear video on how to manage this.

How to Maintain Sheet Vinyl Flooring

Easy to keep clean and hygienic, your new cushioned sheet flooring has to withstand a lot of traffic, wear and dirt so regular maintenance is necessary to keep it looking its best for longer. There are no hard and fast rules for when to clean your floor as it depends on the room usage and the amount of traffic it receives.

If the floor is exposed to lots of traffic, an acrylic emulsion polish can be used to protect the floor.
To minimise the risk of permanent staining please take care to immediately wipe up any spillages.
If the use of a neutral detergent is necessary then follow the rules and mixing proportion quantities of the manufacturer.

Routine Cleaning Method for Sheet Vinyl

Cleaning with this method when the floor looks dirty, or once a week, will maintain your floor adequately.

1. Brush

Use a soft brush or Vacuum (on suitable setting) to remove as much dirt as possible.

2. Clean

Clean with a solution of warm water and a few drops of washing-up liquid. Excessive use of washing-up liquid can leave an invisible film on the floor which is difficult to remove and will feel tacky. Any marks that are difficult to get out with this method can be rid by gentle rubbing with a fine grade nylon pad.