You don’t need to remove any cabinets or vanities, as these are typically in permanent locations and the flooring can be installed around them.
You can pull a metal trowel across the floor and listen for the ‘tink!’ sound that happens when you hit a nail or staple, making it easier to find them. Old flooring and floor adhesives may contain asbestos, so call your county for an asbestos test before pulling it or disturbing it. If your county building or environmental office doesn’t offer this service, consult a private testing laboratory to find out how to gather samples and have them test them. If you choose not to remove the old flooring (if, for example, you’re putting vinyl over concrete or wood), just know that the floor will be a bit higher, and you might have to trim the bottom of your doors to accommodate the height.
You may need to do this in sections if you’re working with a large room or floor space. You can measure hard-to-reach areas of flooring and draw/cut it onto the paper, if it is easier.
Only use vinyl-floor grade underlayer plywood, or else it won’t hold up. Rough-cut the underlayer first, and then make more detailed cuts after fitting each piece. Vinyl that’s over 4 mm thick should have underlayment specifically made for vinyl to help with installation and soundproofing. [5] X Expert Source Josh GoldenbergResidential Remodeling Expert Expert Interview. 25 January 2022.
Follow the package directions for applying the floor leveling compound and make sure it is compatible with both the underlayer and the vinyl adhesive you will be using.
Always have a damp rag at the ready for spills or smears on the vinyl. Make sure that the notch-size of your trowel is compatible with the adhesive you’re using; check the application directions to verify.
