YOUR HOME 5 tips for vinyl flooring
A vinyl floor can transform a room in no time, so if you’re looking for a quick fix before entertaining at New Year, this could be for the one for you SHEET vinyl is a practical choice for kitchens, bathrooms, shower rooms, cloakrooms, utility rooms and more, and can be fitted by DIYers.
It’s usually affordable and comes in a big range of styles and colours, including designs that look like ceramic tiles, wood, stone, etc, but often cost less per square metre than the real thing. Vinyl can look dated, but it certainly doesn’t have to, as there are lots of contemporary designs, such as stripes, as well as more traditional ones.
If you’re still looking for a great gift for a DIYer, the Titan TTB278SDS SDS Plus Hammer Drill (£59.99, Screwfix) won’t disappoint.
This is a beast of a drill, which drills, hammer-drills, and chisels – bits for the different tasks are included. The 1500W motor provides masses of power and makes light work of tough DIY tasks, but the speed is variable so you stay in control. This is a large drill, but it has two sturdy, rubberised handles for getting a really good grip, including an anti-vibration handle so it’s comfy to use. It comes with a two-year manufacturer’s guarantee and is the perfect power tool for dedicated DIYers because it’s versatile and packs a big punch. If you’re giving it as a gift, the bargain price will bring a smile to your face too. VINYL flooring is water resistant, hard to stain, and durable. Unlike a tiled floor, it’s comfortable and ‘warm’ underfoot, which is a big plus when you’re stepping out of the bath or shower on a cold morning.
If you have kids and/or pets, vinyl comes into its own because it’s softer, quieter and safer than a hard floor and (generally) stands up to heavy foot traffic well. Best of all, it’s easy to keep clean – you can sweep it, vacuum it, mop it and wipe up spills easily. HOWEVER, vinyl can get scuffed and scratched and it will deteriorate eventually, especially at the edges, where it can curl up.
You have to be careful not to tear a vinyl floor – dragging a fridge across it, for example, can be a recipe for disaster. Vinyl can also be damaged by extreme temperatures, and faded by sunlight.
Disadvantages aside, if you think vinyl’s a good choice for your home and you’re in a hurry to fit it, some designs are available in DIY and carpet shops to take away there and then. BEFORE you fit the vinyl (or get someone in to do it), it’s important to ensure that the sub-floor is as clean, dry and flat as possible, as vinyl will show up lumps, bumps and other imperfections. TO prepare a floorboards sub-floor, begin by knocking down any protruding nails with a hammer and nail punch.
Screw down any loose boards, checking first that there aren’t cables or pipes underneath.
Once the floorboards are secure, fix hardboard on top to provide a good surface on which to lay the vinyl.
Both the hardboard and vinyl should be acclimatised in the room before you use them.