Measure

• First you must determine how much vinyl flooring you need. To do this properly, you need a measuring tape and a math-minded brain or a calculator. Measure the length and width of the room at the widest points. Multiply the two measurements; this is the square footage of the room. Vinyl flooring sheets are sold in 6-foot and 12-foot widths, so if one of the room measurements is less than 6 feet or 12 feet, you should be able to lay it in one piece. Otherwise, you will need additional footage and allow for extra vinyl to match at the seams.
  
  

Prepare

• Prepare the vinyl sheet a day or more before installation by rolling it out in a warm room so it has time to soften and flatten. This will make installation much easier and provide fewer reasons for the vinyl to crack. Prepare the room where installation will take place by removing all appliances, furniture, plumbing fixtures and baseboards. If the current flooring needs to be removed, do so at this time. If the current vinyl flooring is in good condition, you can lay the new flooring directly over it. For damaged flooring, it is easier to install cement board over the old flooring and lay the new flooring on top of the smooth surface.
  
  

Make a Pattern

• The easiest way to lay a vinyl sheet correctly is to make a paper pattern of the floor. If your floor is a simple geometric shape, this will not be necessary. But for a floor with a lot of corners, curves or other shapes, a pattern will work wonderfully. For this you will need rosin paper, a ruler, masking tape, a pencil and a utility knife. Cover the floor with rosin paper, taping all of the pieces together as you go along. Use the pencil, ruler and knife to trim the paper to the shape of the room. Remove the paper pattern and tape it to the top of the new vinyl sheet flooring. Carefully cut the vinyl according to the pattern. Remove the pattern and your new floor is ready to install.
  
  

Install

• Installing your new floor requires a notched trowel, vinyl adhesive and a rolling pin. Lay the vinyl flooring on the floor, making sure that it is correctly positioned. Roll up half or part of the flooring and spread the adhesive onto the floor with the trowel. Follow the instructions on the adhesive container for the amount of time needed between spreading the glue and laying the vinyl onto the glue. Laying the vinyl too soon will cause air bubbles to form. Do not leave any globs of glue on the floor as this will create bumps in the vinyl. Unroll the vinyl so it is in place on top of the glue. Repeat this process for the rest of the floor. Use a rolling pin to roll the vinyl from the center to the edges. Excess glue will ooze out around the edges, but it is easily removed with warm water and a rag or sponge. Replace the baseboards and furnishings and enjoy your new floor.