Abstract:

This video is a practical, step-by-step tutorial from Planeo demonstrating how to clad a structural column using pre-bent vinyl flooring panels that match the existing floor. The process highlights Planeo's custom bending service for materials like vinyl and parquet, which creates clean, professional corners without separate trim pieces.

The tutorial covers surface preparation, cutting the panels to size, and a multi-step assembly process. A key technique involves using a combination of fast-acting super glue with an activator for the corner joints and a high-tack construction adhesive for mounting the panels to the column. To ensure a solid, non-hollow structure, the void between the vinyl cladding and the column is filled with expanding foam. The video provides practical tips, such as staggering the vertical seams, using offcuts as temporary spacers to counteract foam expansion, and modifying the final panel's locking groove to allow it to be pressed into place. The result is a seamless and robust column finish that integrates perfectly with the flooring.

How to Clad a Column with Pre-Bent Vinyl Flooring

• 0:00:17 Project Introduction: Cladding a Column with Pre-Bent Vinyl The project involves covering a structural column with custom-bent vinyl flooring (Planeo Lo-20) to match the room's floor. Planeo offers a service to bend various flooring materials (vinyl, parquet, etc.) for applications like stairs, windowsills, and columns. A key aesthetic choice is to stagger the vertical head joints for a more natural appearance.

• 0:01:41 Preparing the Column Surface Before installation, any loose material like old plaster or debris is scraped off the column. This ensures a clean surface for adhesion, though perfect smoothness is not required as the construction adhesive and foam will fill minor imperfections.

• 0:03:13 Cutting Panels and Joining Corners with Super Glue The pre-bent vinyl sections are measured and cut to height using a multi-tool. To assemble the U-shaped structure, the corner joints are bonded with super glue and an activator spray. The activator causes the glue to cure almost instantly, creating a strong, rigid corner in seconds.

• 0:06:39 Applying Adhesives for a Solid Structure A thick bead of high-tack construction adhesive is applied to the inside of the panels to secure them to the column. This is followed by filling the void between the cladding and the steel column with expanding foam. This prevents the cladding from feeling hollow and adds significant stability.

• 0:08:43 Modifying the Final Panel for Installation The fourth and final panel cannot be angled into place like typical flooring. To solve this, the small protruding lip on the groove side of the click-lock system is carefully cut away. This modification allows the final piece to be pushed straight into the connection.

• 0:10:38 Using Spacers to Counteract Foam Expansion Expanding foam exerts pressure as it cures. To prevent it from pushing the panels apart and ruining the alignment, small offcuts of the vinyl are used as temporary spacers or clamps across the open side. This holds the structure at the correct width while the foam sets.

• 0:12:11 Cleaning Excess Foam for a Flush Fit Once the foam has partially cured, the excess that has squeezed out is trimmed with a knife. It's crucial to cut deep into the joint channel to ensure there is enough space for the final panel's locking mechanism to engage properly.

• 0:13:03 Installing the Final Panel More expanding foam is applied to the remaining open side and onto the back of the modified final panel. The panel is then carefully pressed into place, and the entire column is tightly wrapped with tape to hold everything securely while the foam and adhesive fully cure.

• 0:14:22 The Finished Result After curing overnight, the tape is removed to reveal a solid, professionally finished column. The cladding is now a durable and aesthetically pleasing feature that seamlessly matches the rest of the floor.