How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring In Basements
- Take the measurements. If you’re sure the already-existing floor is in good shape, then the first thing you need to do before laying the vinyl planks is to take accurate ...
- Prepare the materials and subfloor. When your vinyl planks arrive, don’t be in a hurry to lay them. ...
- Choose your preferred pattern. ...
How to install vinyl plank flooring as a beginner?
Tools to install vinyl plank flooring
- LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring in the color of your choice. ...
- Matching Reducer or T-mold (as needed).
- Matching Stair nose (if installing on the staircase)
- Quarter Round – for around cabinets (match to flooring or get pre-primed)
- Flooring installation kit (includes spacers, tapping block, S-bar, and a mallet)
- Shop Vacuum
How to install vinyl floors in the basement?
7 Best Basement Flooring Options
- Paint. (Under $10/sq.ft. ...
- Epoxy. (DIY kits cost around $120 each): This 2-part coating can be applied much like paint, but it creates a thicker layer that’s usually smoother, more durable and easier ...
- Tile. ...
- Rubber tile or rubber sheets. ...
- Vinyl planks or tiles. ...
- Sheet vinyl. ...
- Engineered wood flooring. ...
How to install vinyl plank flooring quick and simple?
Tips for Quick and Simple LVP Installation
- Check out all the Lifeproof luxury vinyl planks at your local Home Depot and take some samples home. We spent hours in the store! ...
- Prep your floors by cleaning up any dust or dirt (or lay plywood for uneven floors).
- Lay your first plank down as close to the wall. ...
- Drop the next planks and click in to lock each plank in place. ...
What is the Best Flooring for a basement?
The Best Flooring Options for Basements
- Fix the Concrete First. No matter what type of basement flooring you choose, make sure to first fix any problems in the original concrete floor.
- Basement Subfloor Options. ...
- 7 Best Basement Flooring Options. ...
Do you need anything under vinyl plank flooring on concrete?
The key to installing luxury vinyl over concrete is to ensure the floor is level and clean. Underlayment isn't a necessity, but you might consider it to add noise reducing qualities or additional softness to the product. If the concrete is uneven, you will have to level it out.
How do I prep my basement for vinyl plank flooring?
Prepare the subfloorRepair cracks and holes. Inspect the floor and repair cracks, pits, holes, or other uneven patches. ... Grind imperfections. The surface must also be as smooth and flat as possible. ... Wash the floor. Wash the concrete floor thoroughly using water and household detergent or degreaser.
What goes under vinyl flooring in basement?
Vinyl floors under 4mm should be installed right over the subfloor. If you have any areas on a concrete subfloor with moisture concerns, it is recommended to use a vapor barrier underlayment that will not add any cushion to the planks.
How do you install vinyl plank flooring on concrete?
1:565:53How to Install LifeProof Vinyl Flooring | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep 2 plan the installation. Again by measuring the rooms length. And divided by the length of theMoreStep 2 plan the installation. Again by measuring the rooms length. And divided by the length of the planks. Be sure to allow for a quarter inch gap on either end by using quarter inch spacers.
Can you install vinyl plank flooring over cracked concrete?
You can install laminate flooring over a variety of subfloors, including concrete. However, before you can begin to lay the floor boards, you must ensure that any damage to the concrete is completely repaired.
Can you put vinyl flooring directly on concrete?
As you don't have to install underlay for Vinyl Flooring or LVT, this can go directly onto the concrete subfloor. However, allow 24 hours for your flooring to acclimatise by leaving it out of its packaging. When it's ready, unroll your vinyl flooring and cut to size after measuring your room.
Is vinyl plank flooring good for a basement?
Vinyl plank flooring is more durable than either cork or bamboo, making it a great choice if your basement floor gets a lot of foot traffic. Some luxury vinyl planks have an extra thick top layer that's even more durable and resistant to scuffs and minor scrapes.
Do I need a moisture barrier under vinyl plank flooring?
Existing Flooring Meaning, if you're going to install vinyl plank flooring over tile, vinyl flooring, and even hardwood. As with the plywood floor, there's no need to worry about a moisture barrier; the underlayment should provide cushioning and sound-deadening benefits.
Do I need a vapor barrier in my basement floor?
All for lack of an affordable, easy-to-install basement floor vapor barrier. Climate plays a part: In dry climates, contractors often skip the vapor barrier. But in average to humid climates, and anywhere ground water is abundant, an impermeable vapor barrier is essential.
How do you install vinyl plank underlayment on concrete?
0:052:04How to install an underlay for a vinyl floor | Tutorial by Quick-StepYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse one of the boxes to keep the underlay in place while you're unfolding it protip do not lay theMoreUse one of the boxes to keep the underlay in place while you're unfolding it protip do not lay the entire underlay in one go play it one row at a time.
Do you need spacers for vinyl plank flooring?
In order for the floor planks to correctly snap together they must not move at all when pressure is applied. Therefore, before trying to snap planks together make absolutely sure that spacers completely fill the gap between the floor planks and the wall.
Can you put LifeProof flooring directly on concrete?
LifeProof vinyl flooring can be installed over existing wood floor, a concrete subfloor or existing vinyl flooring planks.
Can you put vinyl flooring in a basement?
To Prepare. Level the floors - This is only needed if you’re putting Vinyl in the basement and you think the floor s aren’t leveled. This is probably only an issue with older houses, but you want to make sure you’re installing the flooring on a flat, level surface. Clean - I swept any extra debris out of the room and made sure ...
Do you need to level the floor when installing vinyl flooring?
Level the floors - This is only needed if you’re putting Vinyl in the basement and you think the floors aren’t leveled. This is probably only an issue with older houses, but you want to make sure you’re installing the flooring on a flat, level surface.
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
These are floors that are durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. Many firms make these floors. So, expect the vinyl planks to have many styles, colors, and specs.
Benefits of Vinyl Planks for Your Concrete Basement
Vinyl planks have standard specs. The level of these features will depend on the firm that makes the vinyl floors. So, here are the things you’ll find in every vinyl plank.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring on Concrete Basements
It’s good to focus on both the pros and cons of vinyl planks before buying them. It will help you know what to expect of these floors.
Conclusion
Every vinyl plank should make your sub-floor strong and beautiful. If you are looking for the best vinyl floor for your concrete floor, choose one that will be durable and stable. Many firms will give you vinyl planks that are beautiful and can last for a long time.
Why add extra layer of vinyl plank flooring?
This additional layer can improve insulation and should make your vinyl plank flooring warmer and less resonant. The extra layer can even out any minor imperfections in the concrete or level it out if the concrete drops or sinks in some areas. It may be applicable if your concrete is too old or too damaged.
How many different types of vinyl plank flooring are there?
There are four different types of vinyl plank flooring that you can find on the market. Although the installation is quite similar you should choose the one that best fits your needs and level of expertise.
What is subflooring?
A subfloor is the bottom layer of any floor. It can be constructed from wood, plywood, plastic or concrete. So technically, if you are installing vinyl plank flooring onto concrete you already have a subfloor. However, some people prefer to add another thin layer of subflooring between the concrete and vinyl.
Can you level concrete for vinyl plank flooring?
Make sure the concrete is dry and avoid self-leveling patches. For the purpose of installing vinyl plank flooring, the concrete does not have to be perfectly level, only smooth.
Can you glue down planks on a subfloor?
You glue down the planks directly onto the subfloor. If your subfloor is not perfect or has some slopes, you shouldn't worry because you are gluing down the planks. The important thing is for your subfloor to be free of any debris.
When you start the second row of planks, what is the tongue of the first plank?
When you start the second row, the tongue of the first plank in the second row slides into the groove of the first row at a low angle. Then you lay it on the floor and work your way down the room. The piece of plank left over from the first row should be used at the beginning of the second row.
Can you install click lock vinyl planks on laminate flooring?
The thinner construction of this type of vinyl plank should be taken into account if you are planning to add a foam underlayment. The underlayment may affect the locking mechanism, so ideally click lock vinyl plank flooring should be installed directly onto the subfloor.
What is the biggest challenge with basement flooring?
Joseph Lewitin is a flooring expert who contributed home improvement content for The Spruce for four years. The biggest challenge with basement flooring is moisture. Moisture from below, rising through the concrete slab, and moisture from above, if the dreaded flood occurs. The second biggest challenge is concrete.
What is luxury vinyl?
Vinyl planks, which are often categorized as "luxury vinyl," are wide strips of flooring that snap together to create a continuous layer that floats over the concrete.
Can you put vinyl flooring in a basement?
Suitable vinyl flooring for basements pretty much includes all vinyl flooring, but if you're looking for a "floating floor" that requires no adhesive and goes directly over concrete, two options stand out: sheet vinyl and planks.
Can vinyl flooring be damaged by water?
Generally speaking, vinyl flooring won't be damaged by normal amounts of water on its surface, and it shouldn't be damaged by occasional dampness on the concrete slab below. If you have more water than that in your basement, you shouldn't be finishing it in the first place. But it's safe to say that, next to tile, ...
Is vinyl flooring waterproof?
Vinyl is largely made of plastic, which makes it water-resistant. Does that mean it's waterproof? Some manufacturers may use this term, but cautious builders almost never use it. This is because there are very few materials that aren't damaged by water. That said, quality vinyl flooring is pretty close, making it an excellent choice for covering a concrete floor. This is especially important in below-grade basement locations, which are prone to water damage both from moisture seeping up and from flooding issues that can occur (looks like that's worth mentioning three times).
Can you nail vinyl flooring down?
With vinyl flooring for basements, you've got both challenges covered. The right types of vinyl are highly resistant to water damage, and they don't need to be nailed down, glued down, or stuck down in any way.
Do you have to level a concrete slab for vinyl?
The slab doesn't have to be level for vinyl, but it must be smooth and relatively flat. Fill large cracks and dips with a floor-leveling compound designed for concrete. Sweep and vacuum the entire floor thoroughly before rolling out the vinyl.
