Kitchen Makeover: Floor Replacement

Below is a summary of the basic steps, as well as a list of tools and materials used, in this phase of the kitchen remodel — as seen in this installment of Don't Sweat It.

Materials and Tools:

1/4" luan (8 sheets)
bag floor leveler
1-1/4" drywall screws
box 1-5/8" drywall screws
base molding (16 linear feet)
shoe molding (60 linear feet)
circular saw
air compressor
staple gun
straight edge
utility knife
1/16" notched floor trowel

Steps:

Demolition. Check to see if you can pull up the old floor. If possible, pull it up and remove it. If not, you may need to simply install over the old flooring.

Install new underlayment. For a sheet vinyl floor like this, luan is the best choice for underlayment. It's smooth, easy to use, and inexpensive. Cut the luan to fit, and screw it down every 8" using 1-1/4" drywall screws.

Smooth the underlayment. Using a self-leveling floor filler, fill the screw holes and seams in the luan. Any imperfections in the underlayment will show through in the floor.

Template, step 1. Make a template for the floor. Using brown paper, cover the entire floor by taping overlapping pieces together. Cut holes in the middle of the paper to tape the template to the floor. Stay about 1inch from all edges. Next, take a 2-inch wide straight edge (or the leg of a framing square) and trace the entire room onto the template by pressing the straightedge against the wall, and drawing onto the template.

Template, step 2. Using the template you just drew, lay it out on the new sheet of flooring. Now, using the same straightedge, follow the line you drew. Holding the straightedge on the line, run your utility knife on the other side of the straightedge to cut the floor.

Install the floor. Check the manufacturers specs on gluing. Some floors require full coverage, some just get the perimeter glued. Either way, Lay the sheet of flooring into the room and check the fit. If it fits, fold half of the floor back and glue the underlayment. Carefully roll the floor back into place and press out the air bubbles with a floor roller. Repeat on the other side.

Don't Sweat It Tip: Wall to wall coverage. In a full kitchen remodel, it's best to run the flooring wall to wall. Running the flooring under the cabinets and appliances may cost a bit more, but it's easier cut in, and if you ever change a cabinet or appliance, the flooring won't have to be modified.

Install the molding. With the new floor in place, install base and shoe molding to complete the flooring project.