how to install vinyl flooring on concrete basement

Start on the left side of the room, if possible, and run the planks towards the right wall. As such, we had some background knowledge about the click flooring process and how to cut the “wood” pieces to stagger the joints appropriately. ft.): This basement flooring option offers great value for the money. The slab doesn't have to be level for vinyl, but it must be smooth and relatively flat. Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 27,793 times. I’m taking part as a guest participant in the Spring 2020 One Room Challenge (also known as the ORC). Working in a basement differs a bit from working on a first or second floor, so you should keep a few things in mind when installing a laminate floor in a basement. They carry it at Costco here in Canada. Step 2: Lay the First Row. That old basement floor with the crumbling vinyl tile may look hopeless, but with a little scraping and a few strips of crack isolation membrane you can turn it into a perfect base for new ceramic tile. Vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring are easy to install, thanks to interlocking joints. Many basement concrete slabs are cold underfoot, especially during the winter. A concrete floor seems like the perfect base for a vinyl floor installation. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. If your floor is concrete, use a concrete grinder for large, open areas or a 4-inch or 8-inch angle grinder with a cup-wheel attachment made for use on concrete. Here are the basics of how to install linoleum flooring on concrete. Good evening. Vinyl Tile. Which means, that over these 8 weeks I have been and will be sharing the process of making over our basement family room with you one step at a time. "We were told our concrete slab floor is uneven with a high spot in the kitchen, and I am researching information to. Concrete is a common subfloor material, and in general, it’s easy to prepare for a luxury vinyl flooring installation project. Adulting 101: Learn How to Raise Your Credit Score. Remove the baseboards if your walls have them. Last year we h, Last year’s in the kitchen. I’m also thrilled that it’s waterproof and durable so it’s perfect for a family room space. The grooves on the second row of planks will face outwards to connect to the next row. Although the flooring comes in a variety of forms, planks are installable with a minimal amount of tools and measuring. Locking them together is enough to secure them in place. For installation of vinyl flooring you need a smooth, even surface for the underside of the flooring to achieve the best contact for adhesion. And then baseboard is another leap forward… it’s so exciting! Scenario: When installing a laminate floor on top of old tile on top of concrete basement floor. I am doing the design to upgrade the basement of a house in Leadore, Idaho, 83464. Today I’m sharing how we quickly and easily installed Golden Select Vinyl Plank flooring right over top of our concrete subfloor. Vinyl flooring costs a fraction of the price of hardwood, making it a great option for beginner home-improvers. If you don’t have enough space, go back to the first plank in the row and cut it down to make the end planks even. We are not new to flooring installations. Start out by removing any of the old flooring that is still on top of the concrete. Q: Can I install vinyl flooring directly on top of a concrete basement floor? Vinyl, ceramic tile, carpeting, linoleum, cork, laminate—all of these materials, and even some less common ones, can be successfully used as basement flooring. Always keep a small gap between the vinyl and the walls in order to prevent the flooring from buckling. Learn more... Vinyl flooring is very durable and fits over most surfaces, including concrete. Determine how much flooring and materials will be needed. If you have been following along, you know that we starting our basement renovation project the week before Christmas last year. Chalk line tools, along with anything else you need to install vinyl flooring, are available online or at most home improvement stores. But this was our first installation of vinyl plank, and I can tell you already that we will definitely use it again. I'm missing thos, We're back on pretty strong COVID restrictions her, The last few weeks I've been super preoccupied wit, Is an Ikea kitchen really worth the savings? Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. If you don’t cut the first row of planks down, then you end up installing a small and unsightly final row of planks. The seams will also be tight and flat. Once that’s done, you should measure your floor to figure out many vinyl planks you need to use. How to Install Laminate Flooring Over Concrete. I've purchased Vinyl Plank Flooring to replace the laminate and I would like to avoid covering up the floor drain. Use these chalk lines as guidelines on where to place the planks. I love your sense of style and can’t wait to see the finished room! You can lower high spots with a grinder. The most common reasons are either a basement or other concrete based surfaces -or- a remodel that has various levels of subflooring. Before installing your vinyl flooring, whether the subfloor of your work area is hardwood or concrete, one crucial step is to make sure the subfloor is level and clean. Work in sections, loosening the boards until you are able to remove them safely. If you have a damp basement it is recommended to lay a vapor barrier between the concrete slab and the planks. How to install vinyl plank flooring. If you are thinking about installing some vinyl plank flooring in your home, I definitely recommend looking into the Golden Select brand. Today I’m sharing some tips, tools, and tricks to installing vinyl plank over concrete. – vinyl plank flooring on concrete basement. Today I’m sharing how we installed Golden Select Vinyl Plank flooring right over top of our concrete subfloors in the basement family room the One Room Challenge. If you’ve been following along, then you might remember what we started out with (see the before pictures and our inspiration board in this post): We tore out the drop-ceiling and replaced it with drywall, installing new pot-lights and painting the walls in a light and bright warm grey colour (see this post): Next we pulled out the old (non-functional) wood stove unit, painted the fireplace, and added a wooden mantel with corbels (see this post): And now I’m sharing how we updated the flooring! You can catch up on our basement remodel project by reading posts: Gaining Storage basement remodeling project {before} Basement 2×4 Framing Walls and Closet Project A concrete floor with a too high moisture content can wreak havoc on a vinyl floor. What’s more, you can get these materials in an amazing variety of styles. After installing the flooring, we installed the new door trim and then installed the new baseboards, which we had pre-painted in the garage to cut down on painting time and mess once they were installed. Make sure the planks lock together like puzzle pieces, or else they will come out of alignment as you move on. How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring on Concrete. Install dimpled polyethylene to create an air space between the concrete and the finished floor, sealing off dampness and giving moisture a chance to dissipate. Remove any carpet or other flooring. It gave our room a completely fresh, clean, and updated feel and made such a huge difference! In addition to its affordability, vinyl flooring offers temperature benefits for basement installation. This is the second time we’ve done our concrete basement using vinyl plank flooring (see the last place here!) What you need to the installing vinyl tile and hardwood are completely waterproof options in a tough nut to your project expert whether he would fit in hot with no vapor migrating up a space using subtly. Once this happens, the flooring … The previous owner put the really old style tiles on top of concrete. Last Updated: June 24, 2020 The planks have a click-lock system that closely resembles that of laminate flooringbut vinyl fl… References. I've never worked with the vinyl plank before, and have some hesitancy about specifying it directly over the concrete. Installing new baseboards is another project. Vinyl Plank Flooring on Uneven Concrete. Spread it, let it dry, then sweep it up. If you have been following along, you know that we starting our basement renovation project the week before Christmas last year. This article is well-written and the steps are clearly explained. be sure it is handled properly to prepare it for vinyl planks. How to Install Vapor Barrier on Concrete Floor Under Laminate Flooring. Then, use a level to find any spots where the ground is uneven and apply concrete self-leveling compound to even it out. A concrete floor with a too high moisture content can wreak havoc on a vinyl floor. Many basement concrete slabs are cold underfoot, especially during the winter. Vinyl plank installation on concrete makes the floor warm and comfortable. To cut the pieces correctly to length, make sure that you flip them the opposite way, line it up with your last piece, and mark it with a pencil. Concrete floors are dull, drab and boring, but oftentimes people lack the time or … Add about 10% to that number to account for any possible mistakes and warped boards. Recently we had a sewer backup in the basement due to very heavy rains. Ursula Carmona of Home Made By Carmona is an avid DIYer with a sharp eye for attractive decor. Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring on Concrete: Step One: Figuring out what direction you want to floor to run.This is a matter of preference, and often people opt to run the flooring the length of the room – makes for fewer cuts and faster installation, but it’s really up to you. However, laying vinyl flooring over concrete requires a bit more preparation. Learn how your comment data is processed. Since concrete is porous, water vapors transmits from the ground through the concrete slab into your basement. Always wear protective goggles and a respirator mask when repairing the floor. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Hello everyone! All you have to do is peel off the wax paper backing and press them to any clean, dry, firm surface. We used 1×6 MDF as we did in the rest of the house. Vinyl plank flooring has all the visual appeal of solid hardwood flooring. To install vinyl plank flooring on concrete, you’ll first need to clean the concrete with soap and water and fill in any cracks with concrete filler. Step 2: Place the Planks Easy to install … For installation of vinyl flooring you need a smooth, even surface for the underside of the flooring to achieve the best contact for adhesion. 3. Instructions Step 1: Score the First Row of Planks If your concrete subfloor was just poured, you’ll need to allow it to properly cure for a minimum of 60 days before your luxury vinyl flooring installation begins. Sheet flooring has changed considerably over the years and isn’t as bland as it was a decade ago. Flooring In A Basement Last week you read all my basement saga and just how difficult it is to remove thinset from concrete. Laminates can be laid down on almost all subfloors with minimal preparations, which is why many homeowners tackle its installation as a DIY project. All subsequent rows of planks connect the same way. Before rolling out the underlayment, be sure to sweep, vacuum, and remove all debris on the substructure. The first move in installing vinyl plank flooring over concrete is to determine the area that needs to be covered. They’re durable, water-resistant and very easy to install. Before you can get started with this job, a fair amount of preparation has to be done. Vinyl planks or tiles ($2-$7/sq. Then you may need to use a pry bar to remove the baseboards around the outside of the room. To learn how to replace the baseboards once the planks are installed, read on! The belt sander will kick up dust, so ventilate the area. The concrete floor must also be free of cracks, or the vinyl tile will eventually sag into the gap. Plan on leaving about ¼ inch of space by each wall, since the vinyl will expand and contract with temperature changes. 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. When it’s ready, unroll your vinyl flooring and cut to size after measuring your room. Wear a respirator mask and protective goggles. This room is already 100% better than it was with the ceiling, flooring, and fresh walls and fireplace. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Sheet vinyl is nearly seamless and impervious to water. Once the water vapors gather underneath your flooring, it will start to pool up and “soak” into your hardwood flooring. For vinyl tile, skip … To begin, we measured across the wall to make sure it was straight. Required fields are marked *. Whew! For vinyl tile, skip the 15-pound felt and apply mastic directly to the plywood. Installing wood flooring is one way to dress up a basement space. Make sure it forms a smooth surface as it dries. To begin we tore out the old carpet, and clean/smoothed off the concrete subfloor as best we could to get a nice and level surface…. Breathing in concrete dust and cleaning chemicals is dangerous. Today I’m sharing some tips, tools, and tricks to installing vinyl plank over concrete. Concrete: Sheet vinyl can be installed over concrete if the surface of the concrete is clean, smooth and dry. How to install laminate flooring over concrete IMPORTANT : If you lay the laminated flooring on new concrete floors, you must know that the period of the complete drying is about 80 days. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The previous owner put the really old style tiles on top of concrete. We used a table saw to cut it down the length of the boards. Make sure you get any pieces of concrete chiseled out from the cracks. Vinyl won’t transfer the cold from the concrete, which will create a durable and comfortable basement flooring. After working out the area, you need to find oua retailer who offers cheap vinyl plank flooring. ft. for tiles, and $1-$5/sq. In Colorado, dry basement, built 1961. As you reach the last row, measure both ends of any piece you are cutting in case there is an angle to your wall. As all basements slab it is not truly flat, has some wave and bumps (i am trying to smooth out with some patch filler) and will never be flat and level since there is also a floor drain (3") in one portion of the basement. Today I’m sharing how we installed Golden Select Vinyl Plank flooring right over top of our concrete subfloors in the basement family room the One Room Challenge. Vinyl plank flooring (VPF) and vinyl tile flooring (VTF) are … How to lay vinyl flooring on concrete. The concrete needs to be roughly level in order for the vinyl flooring to fit correctly. After a few rows, we re-measured to make sure it was all lined up straight in the room. ($3-$8/sq. Luxury wood-grain or stone-look vinyl planks are thicker and quite durable. Scenario: When installing a laminate floor on top of old tile on top of concrete basement floor. You can lower high spots with a grinder. Otherwise, you have to undo the entire floor in order to cut down the first row of planks. Repair any holes or cracks. Tape a large piece of plastic over the concrete floor, securing all edges with duct tape. The planks themselves won’t get damaged by moisture but mildew can grow on the bottom of them. Wow! for sheet rubber in rolls): You’ve … Store the vinyl planks in the room for 48 hours in order to acclimate them to the room’s temperature. The final plank in the row needs to be at least 6 in (15 cm) long. Lifeproof Vinyl Plank flooring had been installed in the basement about 3 years ago. Push air bubbles out to the edge with a J-roller or the edge of a grout float. Also available are basement flooring tiles with a built-in vapor barrier. For an easy time measuring the floor’s imperfections without a big level, use a laser level or run a string across the floor. As you don’t have to install underlay for Vinyl Flooring or LVT, this can go directly onto the concrete subfloor. Locate the nails holding the baseboards in place, then use a pry bar to pull them out of the wall. And how awesome is it that we could put it right over the concrete? Housie * Blogger * DIYer * Decorator * Crafter * Organizer * Mom * Wife * Teacher * #seasonalsimplicity, « Simple Light & Bright Summer Decorating Ideas, How to Use Ornamental Grasses in Your Landscaping ». The concrete sub floor seems flat enough for the flooring except for around the floor drain. Fill large cracks and dips with a floor-leveling compound designed for concrete. Peel and stick vinyl tiles are among the easiest for a homeowner to lay, because they require no adhesive and no special underlayment. In fact, not only on the uneven floor but on any floors. Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent choice for flooring in damp locations like a basement. Install vinyl plank flooring the best flooring for basements in 2020 vinyl plank flooring basement ideas 9 basement flooring ideas for your homeFor Installing Vinyl Plank Over Concrete Floors Lemon ThistleHow To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring Lowe SHow To Install Vinyl Plank Over Concrete Orc Week 4 5 The Hy continue reading. Level the floors - This is only needed if you’re putting Vinyl in the basement and you think the floors aren’t leveled. In the next couple of days i plan on installing a floating vinyl plank floor in my basement which is a concrete slab. We used our pry bar to help us nudge it onto the tongue of the last row if needed. As much as this flooring material may seem to be a perfect flooring, it would be prudent to consider vinyl plank flooring pros and cons. Clean and smooth the concrete. The glow of holiday lights = happy. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Always read the flooring manufacturers recommendations and instructions before installing the underlayment. This flooring is one of the best cheap basement flooring options over concrete, provided your floor is nice and level. Vinyl is a beautiful and convenient flooring choice for any basement. Pry the baseboards carefully to avoid damaging the walls. The only way to get the planks even is by planning the floor layout out in advance. Always lay the planks parallel with the longer side of the room. Another way to open up small cracks is with an angle grinder. If a degreaser doesn’t work, try cleaning the concrete with trisodium phosphate. Once you get to the end of the first line, cut your piece to size and install it. % of people told us that this article helped them. Vinyl planks are a great option if you want durable flooring but don't have a ton of installation experience. In addition to its affordability, vinyl flooring offers temperature benefits for basement installation. 5. This is super resilient. A thicker grade is a good idea if the concrete is uneven, to keep people walking on the surface from feeling the bumps beneath the tiling. Rubber tile or rubber sheets. Learning how to install vinyl flooring is something you can do yourself. Use a tape measure to establish the exact area and add an allowance of 5 square feet for any emergency during the flooring. We’ve installed laminate flooring, tile flooring, vinyl click tile, and refinished hardwood floors ourself in a few different houses in the past. Place a second uncut tile over top of the open space (overlapping the tile you just placed below), make sure it is flush with the wall, then use the bottom to mark the tile beneath. A: Although it’s possible to install vinyl flooring directly on concrete, it’s not a great idea. Hold it taut and tie it to nails in the wall as you identify the uneven spots. The baseboards will cover the bit of allowance that you need to allow for this space. Many of these products come pre-mixed. Undercutting the doorjambs and casing helps you slide the vinyl plank flooring underneath. If you have a vinyl floor, you may be able to install your flooring directly on top of it. When you lay the planks, you’ll need to cut the tongue off the row closest to the wall, place them down, then fit the next row of planks into the groove on the first row. No joint should be within 8 inches of another joint. Vinyl Plank Flooring/Vinyl Tile Flooring. It took us a good part of two days to get this floor laid. Vinyl Tile. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Install-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring-on-Concrete-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring-on-Concrete-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Install-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring-on-Concrete-Step-1.jpg\/aid10663615-v4-728px-Install-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring-on-Concrete-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"