After years of use or just for changing preference, you’d want to change the bathroom flooring.
And you’re not alone if you want to install vinyl plank flooring in the bathroom.
So, how do you install a vinyl plank floor in a bathroom as a beginner?
Take everything off the floor including vanity, toilet, and previously installed flooring. Then pull out the nails and staples and clean the floor. Measure the planks and size them out accordingly with a box knife and a square. Place the planks together and fit them together using a tapping bar.
As a beginner, flooring installation sounds intimidating. In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide to installing vinyl plank flooring in your bathroom.
Is Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation Okay In A Bathroom?
Vinyl plank flooring is absolutely okay for flooring in a bathroom. It is a great option among home renovators due to its great value.
The cost of installing vinyl plank flooring in a bathroom is very affordable. The cost is approximately $2 to $10 per square foot.
Luxury vinyl planks cost about $12 for your flooring installation. Otherwise, the cost is below $7 per square foot of floor.
Cleaning and maintaining the vinyl plank floor in a bathroom is very convenient. Regular sweeping and mopping will keep the vinyl planks clean.
The feel of vinyl plank flooring on your feet is comfortable. It feels warm and cold depending on the temperature of your home.
Considering the advantages, vinyl planks are a great choice for flooring in the bathroom. Even if any hole or gap is created, you can fill hollow spots inside vinyl plank flooring.
Step by Step Guide to Install Vinyl Plank on Bathroom Floor
Floor Installation is not as difficult as it sounds. And you can do it without hiring a professional.
Vinyl Plank flooring installation takes preparation and arrangements. To make the process easier, I have prepared a step-by-step installation guide. This guide will break down the process, helping you to easily navigate the installation.
Step 1: Take off The Vanity From the Bathroom
Before you install a vinyl plank floor in your bathroom, The first step is to take away all the vanity you have inside your bathroom. Take out the toilet, the faucet, the sink, and the cabinets.
To take the vanity out, you’ll need a screwdriver, a crowbar, wrenches, and a utility knife.
It sounds intimidating but following a simple guide to removing a toilet makes the process smooth.
With the help of a screwdriver and wrenches, take out the cabinets and faucet.
Step 2: Take off The Existing Flooring
Next, take off the current flooring to bare the subfloor. There can be multiple flooring stacked upon one another.
Stick and peel flooring is a popular flooring. To take it off, you will need a scraper, a hammer, and a crowbar.
- Place the scraper on the crack of the floor. Hammer it down to create cuts on the flooring
- Take the crowbar, place it under the peel and stick flooring to pop it up.
- Shove the crowbar underneath to take off the flooring
- Put the crowbar at the edge of the next peel and stick flooring. And drive it in with a hammer to take it off. Repeat till all of it comes off.
You may have a hard time removing the old commercial peel and stick flooring. They will break into pieces, but the removal process is the same.
If there are tiles underneath, take them off using the crowbar and a hammer.
In case you find plywood flooring underneath the floor, you will need a circular chainsaw. Use the chainsaw to cut the plywood into pieces. This will make the plywood bathroom flooring removal easier.
Step 3: Clean the Subfloor
There can be nails, staples hammered into the subfloor. Use the crowbar to take off the staples and the nails.
Removal of the nails and the staples will make everything easier. So when you install vinyl plank flooring in the bathroom, it will be leveled and smooth.
Scrape the remaining textures and spotting off the floor and clean it completely.
This will ensure a clean subfloor to install the vinyl plank floor.
Step 4: Prepare The Vinyl Planks And Tools
Along with the Vinyl Planks, you will need a few tools. The tools will be used to size out the planks and install the planks.
Here are the things you need –
- Vinyl Planks of Your Choice
- Measuring Tape
- Spacers
- Pull Bar
- Tapping Hammer
- Box Knife
- Square
Prepare these safety tools when you install the Planks –
- Knee Pads
- Ear Protection
- Eye Protection
Step 5: Size Out The Vinyl Planks
First, take the measurement tape and measure the bathroom floor.
According to the measurements, size out the vinyl planks. To size out the vinyl planks, take the square, measure the length of the vinyl and mark where you need to cut the plank.
Place the square along the mark and cut the plank with the box knife. Scoring the planks is easy like scoring dry walls.
It takes 2-3 scores to slice a plank. Flip and fold the plank to snap the extra length out. Cut the dampening padding out with the knife to separate the sliced piece.
Continue on with all vinyl planks you need to cover your bathroom floor.
Step 6: Place The Vinyl Planks on The Bathroom Floor
After cutting out the vinyl planks, it’s time to install the planks onto the bathroom floor.
Place the Vinyl Planks side by side. Gently push the edges to fit together. Lock the seams in place with a hammer and the tapping block.
Put the spacers at the edges of the planks you placed on the floor. Tap them on with a tapping block to fit the planks closely together.
If you see a gap between the vinyl planks, use the pull bar. Make sure to leave space at the ends of the planks to insert the pull bar.
Give the pull bar a gentle tap with a tapping hammer. This will close the gaps between the vinyl planks you placed on the floor.
Step 7: Installing Vinyl Planks Around The Toilet Flange
Installing vinyl planks around the toilet is a tricky part. Hence I made a separate step for this.
First, scrape off the glue or sealant that was on and around the toilet flange. Then apply sealant glue around the toilet flange. Cover the flange with a cardboard cover.
Carefully measure the surrounding area and transfer the measurements to the vinyl planks.
Mark the measurements with a marker or pencil, and cut them in precise shape using a saw. Then see if the planks fit seamlessly together and make adjustments.
If you have noticed any leaks, replace the sealant of the toilet flange to stop leaks.
Install the planks in place and around the toilet.
Step 8: Finish Installation of Vinyl Planks
Once you finish installing the vinyl planks flooring in the bathroom, make sure there’s no gap. Take out the spacers that assisted in fitting and closing gaps.
Put the vanity and toilet back in place.
You have completed installing the vinyl plank floor in the bathroom.
How Do You Install Vinyl Flooring In A Bathroom Without Removing The Toilet?
You can install vinyl plank flooring without removing the toilet.
Here’s how to install vinyl plank floor around the toilet, without removing it –
- Measure precisely around the toilet.
- Transfer the measurement onto the vinyl planks.
- Roughly cut the planks and gradually shape the planks around the toilet.
- Place the planks together and see if they fit together without gaps.
- Close the gaps in between the planks with a tapping bar and a tapping hammer.
FAQs
Which way should vinyl plank flooring run in the bathroom?
For steps, install vinyl planks horizontal to the steps. To avoid transition among floors, run the planks down next to them in the same direction. To use the maximum length of planks, install them on the bathroom floor vertically. For an even look, the horizontal placement is best.
Can mold grow under vinyl plank flooring?
If there’s a gap between the planks, the mold can grow under the vinyl planks. The waterproof nature of vinyl plank flooring is well known. It doesn’t imply that liquids can become stuck between the boards. Or seep through the grooves, fissures, or edges and cause mold to grow there.
Is moisture barrier necessary for vinyl flooring?
A moisture barrier is necessary if the subfloor is unprotected. Whether you’re installing vinyl plank flooring over tile, or hardwood. The underlayment will shield from water leaks and the formation of molds. So there’s no need to worry about a moisture barrier if there’s another flooring beneath.
Conclusion
That concludes this beginner’s guide to installing vinyl plank flooring in a bathroom.
Hopefully, you can install vinyl flooring in your bathroom easily by following the steps.
Remember to install the flooring on a dry floor.
See you soon!