Sheet vinyl flooring being laid with trimming tools and knee pads

How to Lay Sheet Vinyl Flooring in a Small Room

Difficulty4/10
ToolsUtility knife / straight edge / tape / knee pads

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Sheet vinyl is forgiving once it is flat, relaxed and trimmed carefully. The hardest parts are usually awkward corners, doorways and working around fixtures.

Safety note: Use a sharp knife carefully, cut away from your body and keep fingers clear of the blade. If the old flooring could contain asbestos, stop and get professional advice before lifting or sanding anything.

Before fitting

  • Measure the room at its widest and longest points.
  • Check the subfloor is smooth, dry and clean.
  • Let the vinyl acclimatise and relax according to the instructions.
  • Remove or loosen trims where possible for a neater finish.

Basic order

  1. Roll the vinyl into position with extra material up the edges.
  2. Make relief cuts gradually at corners and fixtures.
  3. Trim to the final edge using a straight edge and sharp blade.
  4. Use tape or adhesive as recommended for the room size and product.
  5. Fit thresholds, trims and seal wet-room edges where required.

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