Cutting Templates for Sheet Vinyl
A template is a welcome thing for aiding in sheet vinyl installation process. Cutting the templates properly is quite tricky unless the right method is followed. Here is an easy guide to help you cut perfect templates for laying the sheet vinyl flooring.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Sheet vinyl
- Template craft paper
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Sellotape
- Stapler
- Marker
Step 1 - Choosing Material
Choose what material you want to use for making templates to help trace the exact dimensions and structure for laying out the sheet vinyl. You can purchase any thick craft paper for this purpose. Measure the dimensions of your floor and purchase templates few inches more than it. The standard length available is 12 inches.
Step 2 - Laying Out
To mark the pattern of the flooring on the template paper, spread it out over the flat surface of the floor and trace the dimensions of the area on to it using pencil. Make small triangular cuts on the sides of the paper. At these points, apply sellotape so that the paper does not slip off from its position. The portions of the template that overlap also need to be pinned together so that the paper sits on the floor neatly. Make sure there is a 1/8 inch gap between the seams of the template and the surrounding walls.
Step 3 - Large Areas
In case the floor area is very large, use more than one template. Lay one template and at the place where it ends, place the next one so that the seams of both merge with each other.
Step 4 - Floor Obstructions
If there are many obstructions on the floor in the form of furniture, pipes or other things, do not try laying the template over them. Instead, place pieces of template on the areas that are plain and take the measurements. After taking the pattern of the plain portions on many such pieces, staple all the pieces to a main template piece.
Step 5 - Cutting Up
In case you have to measure and trace on the template areas around poles or pipes, butt the paper on to the pipe and mark the central part. From this part marked, measure up to the wall nearest it, and cut up the template along this distance. At places of wall moldings, place the template in the creased part of the molding that joins the floor. Cut the parts inserted in the crease and staple on to the main template pattern.
Step 6 - Final Steps
Keep in mind that you mark the specific template piece meant for the specific part of the sheet vinyl flooring. Check separately by aligning the cut pieces on to the specific areas on the floor so that you may be able to revise any mistakes. Finally, place all pieces on a master template and place on the sheet vinyl and trace over the patterns to have perfect flooring. Secure the template on to the sheet vinyl by taping along the sides. Use a temporary marker pen for this so that the marks can be wiped off after installation of the vinyl flooring.
