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One affordable way to add extra flair to any kitchen remodeling project is with new vinyl flooring, either as part of a larger renovation plan, or a stand alone DIY project.

Modern vinyl sheet goods are available in countless styles and colors; some which replicate other types of flooring. Such as ceramic or stone tile, or even hardwood. With state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques that make it difficult to discern from the real thing at first glance.

To begin a do it your self flooring project, careful measurements must be taken. This will insure an adequate amount of vinyl flooring is purchased in the style and color of choice.

Step 1 Begin by Removing Old Flooring

Remove moldings and baseboards from around the perimeter of the room. Remove old flooring to prepare the surface:

Vinyl

Cut old vinyl flooring into 12-inch wide strips using a utility knife. Grab hold of an edge and pull up the strips by hand. Gripping as close to the floor as possible will help avoid tearing.

Stubborn pieces should be cut into narrower strips; 5-inches or so. Apply a mixture of water and detergent under the top layer to separate the backing.

For particularly tough pieces, scrape with a floor scraper or a wallboard knife. Sweep debris with a broom; use a shop vac for small debris and dust.

Carpet

Cut carpet loose from metal edging strips using a utility knife. Cut remaining carpet into strips narrow enough to handle easily, and then roll carpet strips up and remove.

Carpet pad will either be stapled or glued. Simply pull up stapled pad and remove; pull staples out of the floor and sweep the area. If the pad is glued, pull it up. Stubborn pads must be scraped with a floor scraper. Remove metal edging using a pry bar. Once the floor is scraped smooth, sweep up the debris.

Vinyl Tiles

Simply scrape off vinyl tiles using a floor scraper. Stubborn tiles can be softened with a heat gun, and pried off with a wallboard knife. Be sure and scrape off any remaining adhesive. Wet stubborn adhesive with a water and detergent mixture, and then scrape with a floor scraper.

Ceramic Tile

Knock ceramic tile loose with a hand maul and masonry chisel. Try to start in a grout line where grout is already cracked or loosened. Be especially careful when working around fixtures or drain flanges. Scrape any remaining adhesive with a floor scraper. Stubborn adhesive may need to be removed with a belt sander using a coarse grit.

Step 2 Preparing the Surface

If you plan to reuse the old sub-floor surface, it must be very smooth, level, and free from any debris. When it comes to installing vinyl sheet flooring, even the slightest imperfection will show through.

If floor needs slight leveling, apply leveling compound using a smooth trowel. Be careful not to leave ridges; they need to be sanded smooth.

Moderately to heavily uneven and rough sub flooring should be covered with -inch plywood underlayment, available in 4X4-foot panels. Start the first run along a wall across the room.

Stagger subsequent runs so that seams are at least 18-inches from the other, from one run to the next. Staple or screw the underlayment to the sub floor using fasteners. Space the fasteners about 6-inches around the perimeter of the underlayment, and about 8-inches apart elsewhere.

Door jambs may need adjustment so that underlayment and vinyl will tuck under them; close, but not tight. Accomplish this by undercutting using an undercut saw.

Step 3 Make a Pattern

Using 15-pound asphalt felt paper, make a pattern of the floor by placing pieces of the felt around the room. Carefully trim edges to match the contour of the room; tape pieces together with duct tape.

Carefully roll or fold the pattern and remove from the room. In another room or in an area large enough roll out the sheet flooring with vinyl face up. Place the pattern on top and trace; cut the vinyl to fit the pattern. If in doubt, leave a small margin on the vinyl, which can be custom trimmed later.

Step 4 Install the Sheet Vinyl

Lay the vinyl in place, and do any necessary final trimming. Once vinyl is trimmed for a good fit, carefully fold the vinyl back over on its self so that of the room sub floor is exposed.

Apply a layer of floor adhesive to the sub floor or underlayment using a -inch notched trowel. Carefully fold the vinyl over on to the glued side of the room, and roll with a heavy floor roller; available at most rental stores. Using a floor roller will help to work out air bubbles and create a smoother, firmer bond to the sub floor. Repeat procedure for the other side of the room.

Once vinyl is glued, replace baseboards and moldings. Install new metal edge trim where vinyl meets carpet or other flooring.

If this new sheet vinyl kitchen remodeling process sounds like more than you would like to tackle as a DIY project, you might consider hiring a professional flooring contractor to help with all or just part of the project.

If, instead of sheet vinyl you are considering having hardwood flooring installed in your kitchen, refer to this helpful article: Exotic Hardwood Flooring; Worth the Extra Cost or Not? Note links at the bottom of the page for other articles relevant to kitchen remodeling and new flooring.

For more articles on kitchen remodeling, kitchen cabinets and many others, visit HandyAmerican.com. Your one stop online resource for home renovation and landscaping articles. And a great asset for finding just the right service provider to help with all your remodeling needs. With free project posting services for homeowners requiring the services of a reliable contractor in their locality.