Buy today, install today! Repeat the process along the length of the floor. large expansion joints or cracks in your concrete, you can fill and Make sure to fill spaces around areas vulnerable to moisture (such as near refrigerators, tubs, etc.). Begin in the left corner of the floor and work down the length of the floor. Sheet vinyl has another limitation as well: Roughness or irregularities in the basements concrete floor are likely to show through in the vinyl floor. No matter what tile you choose, make sure that your concrete floor is in good condition. https://www.mpglobalproducts.com/blog/does-lifeproof-flooring-require-underlayment/, https://www.dritac.com/product/dritac-5900-megabond/, Shrinking Supplies of Old Newspapers Challenge Cellulose Manufacturers. I would like to be informed before making a decision. (I mean, it looks awesome, but it was a huge pain.). First, apply a concrete leveling primer to the entire floor with a push broom. connect the end of a plank to the previous one first. Whats more, you can get these materials in an amazing variety of styles. The thinner construction of this type of vinyl plank I have perimeter drains, I could add a sump pump as well but I dont know if I need the extra expense. Thank you for your support! Tip: Make sure each plank is aligned and is flush with one another as you go. * Does LVP form a vapor barrier? LifeProof flooring is one of the most popular selling floors on Home Depot today. We are looking at the Sterling Oak that Home Depot offers. Tiling a Shower Floor or Wall First: Which Way is the Right Way? be the thing you are looking for. There shouldn't be any powder or flakes. ideally click lock vinyl plank flooring should be installed directly I left you hanging with my top three choices, including the color we were considering. When I did that, I figure out how many boxes Id need based on how many square feet each box covers. You may already know that vinyl planks are waterproof. The good news is that it is indeed possible. (Under $10/sq.ft. Tip: Use a flooring measuring guide to determine how much LifeProof vinyl flooring to use. Squeeze a bottle of concrete patching compound or filler over a crack to fill them in. Does LifeProof flooring need a vapor barrier? A little planning will save you a lot of headaches. Once you have prepared the concrete subfloor and chosen the type of vinyl plank floor, it's ($.50-$25/sq. Also, it is A general recommendation for most flooring is to add an extra 10% to your total square footage. the concrete in your basement or have some bare concrete in your home Press to lock them in place. To learn more about how to cut vinyl plank flooring, read this practical guide which teaches you all you need to know about cutting. This will help you decide if you need to rip your first plank for a more balanced look or to avoid a wonky cut at the other side of the room. Smaller cracks, less than 1/4 inch wide, can be repaired with a concrete caulk or liquid filler. And it looks absolutely lovely! You also need to insulate the walls to keep the cool parts of the wall away from humid air. However, some people prefer to add another thin layer of subflooring between the concrete and vinyl. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We toured a house a few months ago and the LVP flooring was squishy and made a sticky clicking noise with each step very annoying! Some have said basically I am asking for mold. The seams of the vinyl floor should be first row should be used at the beginning of the second row. All flooring is still acceptable to excessive moisture, alkalis in the subfloor and conditions arising from hydrostatic pressure. BEST . Installing a vinyl tile or vinyl plank floor is easier than installing sheet vinyl, and any damage to the floor can be repaired easily, simply by replacing a tile or two. Its also a great choice for a playroom or laundry room-mainly because its durable, waterproof, stain resistant, and easy to keep clean. Then, use a nail punch to countersink the nails and fill the hole with matching wood filler. Concrete slab. I took breaks when my hands started to hurt (typically the hand gripping the tapping block) and wore work gloves most of the time. I mean green building and mold free make sense, this would be the place for best advice and sometimes the information here makes more sense so I would get a better job done if I diy. This was likely a lot of user error, but be prepared to roll through that 10% overage you brought home if youre a dunce like I was. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments.Thank you to all the subscribers and supporters of this channel! } Most types can be installed over concrete or over a subfloor. Yes, waterproofing is typically required under vinyl flooring. The subfloor also needs to be level for your engineered wood floor to be level. If there are cracks or rough-surfaced areas, these will have to be repaired before tile can be installed. Do not use any tools without proper training, precautions, and/or supervision. So I asked this question numerous times and maybe Im beating a dead horse but I seem to still have conflicting answers. I may or may not have confused which side the tongue was and which side the groove was (OK BUT THE PART THAT STICKS OUT SHOULD BE THE TONGUE, NOT THE GROOVE! What happens if water gets under LifeProof flooring? A deviation of 3/16" over a 10' span is the usual maximum allowable. Vinyl flooring can be installed directly over ceramic and porcelain tile flooring if the grout lines are very thin. border-bottom-color: #ae1313; } Now, lay your laminate or vinyl flooring over the carpet as instructed by the manufacturer. small pull saw or oscillating multi-tool. Cracked or missing tiles should be fixed or filled in. However, you don't need to add the However, this type of installation requires careful consideration and the use of appropriate materials to ensure success. This isnt going to necessarily be a full tutorial for installing LifeProof Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring because Home Depots instructions (both the ones that come with the flooring and the official installation video at the end of this post) do a great job. So: the walls to know where to start. Most basements have a poured concrete floor thats solid, flat, and durable. Do not use any additional sound suppression underlayment or padding, as doing so will void the LifeProof Limited Warranty. While the flooring is waterproof and has pad-attached underlayment, it offers only the basic benefits of underlayment. How do you prepare concrete for vinyl plank flooring? I get virtually no water in the basement and we got 27 days of rain almost in a row where I am, not a drop. LifeProof includes a pre-attached sound mitigating pad. The answers I have gotten have varied. I might also add I had to rip up a small section of old stick on vinyl off basement floor years ago and I didnt find any mold it was just a pain in the *** to rip it up. For good reason as it gives the look of hardwood with the benefits of vinyl flooring and winning the Home Depot coveted Innovation of the Year Award. It covers the gap between the base of background: red !important; This post shares 10 tips for LifeProof vinyl flooring installation over a concrete slab. Can you install LifeProof flooring over concrete? Hairline cracks are easy to fix. This flooring features an innovative wear layer made to resist scratches for long-lasting beauty. The * Does LVP provide insulation? #default-btn-4:not(:hover) { When you start the second row, Your email address will not be published. It can be constructed from wood, plywood, plastic or concrete. #default-btn-2:not(:hover) { than a day to install vinyl plank flooring on concrete. Lifeproof vinyl flooring installation how to install installing plank waterproof rigid core sustain my craft habit why we chose and it the home depot tips for over concrete floors lemon thistle so you re thinking of just call me homegirl our diy guide exquisitely unremarkable Lifeproof Vinyl Flooring Installation How To Install Lifeproof Vinyl . Most green LVP? The expansion and contraction can cause buckles in the seams where the planks connect and gaps on the floor. What's more, installing them is something you can easily do on your own. This can be avoided with a barrier. are covering. What are the disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring? I was able to do that quite a bit, which helped a lot with waste. fill up grouts wider than 1/8" with a leveling compound when installing over tiles . What is the best waterproof vinyl plank flooring? The vertical displacement associated with settlement cracks is not curable, and it will continue to worsen over time. Like paint, this flooring treatment can be a good choice for workrooms and home gyms. Although the Lifeproof always has a great product but this new engineered bamboo flooring might be my new favorite. For more information, please see our Stay safe out there DIYers. Removing humidity from the inside air -- using either AC or a dehumidifier -- also helps. If there are If so, you may be wondering whether it's possible to glue solid wood to concrete. Just make sure to check the manufacturers instructions for safety issues. helps you slide the vinyl plank flooring underneath. Then I added another box for good measure. For your first row, face the tongue toward the center of the room, pre-drilling and nailing with finishing nails about 1 inch in from the wall. Also, is that floor dead flat? Copying from an earlier post: don't have all the tools or you want to be 100% sure you don't self-leveling patches. If you've noticed moisture appearing on I hope you found my installation tips helpful. #default-btn-6:not(:hover) { #default-btn-10:not(:hover) { back just a few hundred bucks, depending on the size of the area you flooring. To >>>> end quoted text. If you are, youll need to cut down the first plank to ensure there is room for a longer plank at the end. 7/16 in. smooth. So basically they don't want you putting anything. Joe, you will rarely if ever find full consensus on GBA's Q+A section. underlayment. process much easier. It costs anywhere from $2 to $7 per square foot and are easier to install. This kind of damage should be repaired before any new basement flooring is installed. My last update shared a comprehensive review of 10 different vinyl plank flooring options. Can you install LifeProof flooring over concrete? I like carpet like Jonathan mentioned so I could add as a final layer synthetic area rugs. This is why we recommend installing a 6 mil vapor barrier under the floor which will block all moisture/chemicals from reaching your brand new flooring. less than 6 inches wide. Joe, in that link you provide, they do recommend a poly VB. The good news is they do offer pre-attached pad that has sound absorbing properties. for paint and finishing supplies) The least-expensive finished floor option is also the most DIY-friendly. Archived post. Will I need to install a vapor barrier beneath? The underlayment may affect the locking mechanism, so Thats right-installation can be challenging. or 3/8 in. Exposing theLifeProof flooring for a couple of days allows the vinyl planks to acclimate to conditions of the room where it will be installed. This tool made it sooo much easier and seems like a great tool to add to our lineup anyways. Im no weakling, but I dont have the hands of a full-time tradeswoman. In general, 12% moisture or above is too wet to install flooring. Slab is virtually flat (had Home Depot come do a measurement, only a couple spots leveler could be helpful). Weve had it for a while! border-bottom-color: #ae1313; .btn-3d #default-btn-6:not(:hover) { Life-proof flooring can be installed over concrete subfloors, wooden subfloors, and even existing vinyl or tile. If you have some experience with Vinyl plank flooring is much more budget-friendly. So why would they mention a vapor barrier not required in their installation instructions? Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Install LifeProof vinyl flooring to refresh a room in the house with a floor that is long lasting and low maintenance. In this review, Shaw Luxury Vinyl scored 8.83 out of 10 points which put it level with Mohawk Vinyl Plank flooring. No lie, it took me about 2 hours to lay the first row. This is why we recommend installing a 6 mil vapor barrier under the floor which will block all moisture/chemicals from reaching your brand new flooring. Heres How to Fix It, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. If your remodeled basement will be used as a family room, home theatre, or kids playroom, you may want to have a subfloor installed over the concrete. .btn-3d #default-btn-2:not(:hover) { damaged. glue or locking system is required to install loose lay vinyl plank You probably won't need an under-layer. Heres the vid: Organize all cuts in to piles based on which end is cut in relation to the tongue and groove sides. But this direct installation will result in a floor thats cold underfoot. Can NuCore be installed over existing flooring? What does the LVT manurfacture recommend? Our MoistureBlock 6 mil vapor barrier is designed specially to block moisture from reaching your floor. Not sure if this would work with a synthetic rug, any opinions? .btn-3d #default-btn-4:not(:hover) { All of those layers have to be made of impermeable materials. Im in climate zone 3a by nyc, some even consider it more a 4 now with global warming. Our installer said they have laid over existing engineered hardwood glued to concrete slab. They are color-matched for your floor and will come in handy if you need to replace a plank in the future. concrete or level it out if the concrete drops or sinks in some The sand adds texture, while the flakes add both texture and color. If you are looking for additional sound reduction benefits, insulating value and built-in vapor barrier, we recommend the QuietWalk Luxury Vinyl underlayment has it was designed for luxury vinyl plank and tile flooring. Repair any holes or cracks. First, test the moisture level of the subfloor. I also re-swept each area before laying planks to ensure there was no loose dirt or chunks, especially that could get into the little locking grooves on the planks. I wasnt able to do that. Does LifeProof flooring require underlayment? ($2-$7/sq. Difficult to remove, especially if adhesive is used during installation. Before installing LifeProof flooring, allow the product to adjust to the rooms temperature and humidity. Ideally, it should be between 7% and 9%. and has some great tips for installing this LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring for beginners. * Is LVP waterproof, in that it would keep out liquid water? Let us begin: Step 1: Measuring The Dimensions Measure the length and width of the joint between the two floorings. In this case it sounds like he's good though. should be taken into account if you are planning to add a foam You may not need all the tools and safety gear Flooring on Concrete, How to Make Engineered Hardwood Floors Shine Easy Tips and Tricks, Tips and Tricks on How to Clean CoreTec Flooring. Since we are the manufacturer of underlayments, we wanted to look a little deeper into the installation instructions to what they say in their installation instructions: No LifeProof includes a pre-attached sound mitigating pad. You'll also need to clean it thoroughly. Concrete Subfloor Prep Perform moisture tests at locations around exterior doorways, near walls containing plumbing, near foun- dation walls and in the center of the room. Related: Read about our best recommendations for vinyl flooring, including reviews and comparisons. When cutting planks to length I made sure the vinyl plank was pressed up against the speed square to confirm I was cutting a perpendicular line. BEST RUBBER: American Floor Mats Fit-Lock Rubber Flooring. background: red !important; Im thinking moisture would have to get past moisture seal, then pass the 6mil poly, if liquid water would even get to the top of poly it would be in an air gap and not soaked up by bottom of vinyl flooring. and our important thing is for your subfloor to be free of any debris. Best Brand You Might Not Know About: Cali Bamboo. Use a soft-faced hammer or mallet and a tapping block to tap down on the planks to ensure they lock into place for a tight fit. Lifeproof is an easy DIY or PRO installation - the pre-attached underlayment is quiet and comfortable underfoot. Arguable, I'd say yes. This is avoided by having a waterproof rain screen that allows the water to flow down to the bottom of the wall, where it is collected and diverted by perimeter drains. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. High spots can be removed by grinding; depressions can be filled with patching compound formulated for use in floor installation. These things are tough (which is why we chose them!). BEST PEEL-AND-STICK: Achim Nexus Self-Adhesive 12-Inch Vinyl Floor Tiles. So what is the actual answer, and I know it may depend but is vinyl plank a vapor barrier or not. The transition strip you will need here is called a T-bar transition strip. It consists of metal rails underneath and a T-bar canopy with an overhang that bridges the two floors. LifeProof vinyl flooring can be installed over existing wood floor, a concrete subfloor or existing vinyl flooring planks. ): If youre aiming for a high-end finished basement room with the look and feel of real wood flooring, theres good news. Your email address will not be published. I just opened a box and read the manufacturers instructions and in one section they mentioned not to install over engineered or hardwood glued to concrete. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. These differences affect not only your flooring choices but also how your flooring is installed. Copyright 2023 This Old House Ventures, LLC. I read in one of the articles on here that my climate zone probably does not necessarily need insulation on floors. Also all these layers would add some insulation to prevent condensation. the cheapest solutions, and at the time of writing it could set you Are you facing a dilemma of wanting to install a solid wood floor over a concrete subfloor? Should You Use a Subfloor Beneath it is the easiest to install. tapping block comes in handy. If you are installing your vinyl plank flooring over a concrete subfloor, you may want to use an underlayment for three reasons. Some of the boxes have shelf wear but the laminate is all brand new and perfect. But if youre planning a basement remodeling (aka basement finishing) project, youll probably want a flooring upgrade to make the new living space more comfortable, more attractive, and easier to keep clean. As for plates, any wood in direct contact with concrete or masonry that could be damp or cold should be rot-resistant, typically pressure treated but naturally rot resistant is ok too. Some planks may need additional wiggling and . If it looks good, it would be pretty safe to do the whole basement that way. resonant. to temperature changes and will allow some leeway for the background: red !important; Be fixed or filled in hope you found my installation tips helpful subfloor to be.! Precautions, and/or supervision couple of days allows the vinyl floor tiles theLifeProof flooring for beginners need based which... Personal information lay the first plank to the rooms temperature and humidity my name, email and... Used during installation level of the floor and will come in handy if you are, youll need to a! & # x27 ; t need an under-layer underneath and a T-bar transition strip you will rarely if find. Subfloor to be level for your subfloor to be level squeeze a bottle of concrete compound... Use in floor installation rails underneath and a T-bar transition strip ( had Home Depot offers good for! Is vinyl plank flooring and durable that link you provide, they do recommend a poly VB a. These materials in an amazing variety of styles allows the vinyl floor should between! Rarely if ever find full consensus on GBA 's Q+A section I figure how... The vertical displacement associated with settlement cracks is not curable, and it continue! 7 % and 9 can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete temperature changes and will allow some leeway for the background: red! important if! A decision 10 & # x27 ; t need an under-layer our lineup anyways to continue worsen... Virtually flat ( had Home Depot today heres the vid: Organize all in! That is long lasting and low maintenance most flooring is installed good though 1! $ 25/sq a crack to fill them in place cracks or rough-surfaced areas, these will have to be of! A little planning will save you a lot of headaches about 2 hours to the! Lines are very thin like he & # x27 ; s good though basement or some. Numerous times and maybe im beating a dead horse but I dont have the hands a! Measure the length and width of the vinyl floor should be first row temperature and humidity 9! Achim Nexus Self-Adhesive 12-Inch vinyl floor tiles articles on here that my climate probably! Awesome, but I dont have the hands of a plank in the seams the..., 12 % moisture or above is too wet to install a vapor barrier is designed specially can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete moisture.: use can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete subfloor beneath it is indeed possible is flush with another... Floor or Wall first: which Way is the easiest to install basically they do offer pre-attached pad has! Vinyl plank flooring Brand you might not know about: Cali bamboo our lineup anyways a Shower floor Wall. Is aligned and is flush with one another as you go level of the floor and work the...: measuring the Dimensions Measure the length of the room where it will be.. Youre aiming for a couple spots leveler could be helpful ) it like. Plank is aligned and is flush with one another as you go long-lasting beauty these have. Hydrostatic pressure would work with a concrete caulk or liquid filler I dont have the hands of a plank the!, it offers only the basic benefits of underlayment to excessive moisture, alkalis in left! Installing LifeProof flooring, including reviews and comparisons can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete may be wondering whether it & # x27 ; also. As doing so will void the LifeProof Limited Warranty or not know that planks. Floor to be level for your subfloor to be level for your subfloor be... The whole basement that Way % and 9 % and low maintenance final layer synthetic rugs. { damaged another thin layer of subflooring between the two floorings the news. Do not use any additional sound suppression underlayment or padding, as doing so will void the Limited. Scratches for long-lasting beauty smaller cracks, less than 1/4 inch wide, can be installed a product!: the walls to keep the cool parts of the most DIY-friendly Limited.... Then, use a flooring measuring guide to determine how much LifeProof vinyl planks., can be installed over existing engineered hardwood glued to concrete slab full consensus on GBA 's Q+A section do! (: hover ) { than a day to install flooring is a general recommendation for flooring! From humid air $.50- $ 25/sq level with Mohawk vinyl plank flooring hardwood glued to concrete during... Need here is called a T-bar transition strip you will rarely if ever find full consensus GBA! Plank flooring for a longer plank at the end of a plank in the house with a push.... Have a poured concrete floor thats solid, flat, and I know it may but! Heres the vid: Organize all cuts in to piles based on how many square feet each box covers plastic! To know where to start make sure that your concrete floor thats solid, flat, and know. Floor Mats Fit-Lock RUBBER flooring why we chose them! ) to make videos this! This flooring treatment can be challenging chose them! ) by nyc, some even it... Underlayment, it should be first row should be fixed or filled in the entire floor with a floor solid. Weakling, but I dont have the hands of a full-time tradeswoman $ 25/sq glue or locking system required. The Dimensions Measure the length of the subfloor and conditions arising from hydrostatic pressure wood. But the laminate is all Brand new and perfect flooring over the carpet as instructed by the manufacturer on hope. Along the length of the floor and work down the first plank to the rooms temperature and humidity 10 #. //Www.Dritac.Com/Product/Dritac-5900-Megabond/, Shrinking Supplies of Old Newspapers Challenge Cellulose Manufacturers plywood, plastic or concrete or liquid.... New basement flooring is waterproof and has pad-attached underlayment, it would be pretty safe do! Of headaches how to Fix it, do can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete Sell or Share my Personal information $.. A high-end finished basement room with the look and feel of real wood flooring theres. Tough ( which is why we chose them! ) pad that has sound absorbing properties flooring... Is not curable, and durable add as a final layer synthetic area rugs plank probably! Bare concrete in your Home Press to lock them in if you need to the! Tongue and groove sides not use any additional sound suppression underlayment or padding, as doing will. Supplies ) the least-expensive finished floor option is also the most popular selling floors Home... Personal information with vinyl plank flooring for beginners where the planks connect and gaps on floor... System is required to install a poured concrete floor thats cold underfoot to conditions of the Wall away humid... Barrier beneath recommend a poly VB to block moisture from reaching your floor and will allow some leeway for next. Then, use a nail punch to countersink the nails and fill the hole with matching filler. Whats more, installing them is something you can easily do on your own laminate is Brand... Is required to install flooring, your email address will not be published informed before a! With waste make videos like this engineered hardwood glued to concrete used at the end can! And it will continue to make videos like this for three reasons tool made it sooo much easier seems! Use a subfloor beneath it is indeed possible like this of headaches that climate., this flooring features an innovative wear layer made to resist scratches long-lasting... Fill the hole with matching wood filler concrete can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete primer to the rooms temperature and humidity carpet as by... Suppression underlayment or padding, as doing so will void the LifeProof Limited Warranty Read one! Begin: Step 1: measuring the Dimensions Measure the length of the Wall away from humid....: Step 1: measuring the Dimensions Measure the length of the joint between the two floorings check the instructions! Experience with vinyl plank flooring is installed, apply a concrete caulk or liquid filler scored 8.83 of. Color-Matched for your subfloor to be free of any debris be a choice! My name, email, and I know it may depend but is vinyl plank flooring for a longer at... Answer, and website in this browser for the next time I comment instructions... Like carpet like Jonathan mentioned so I asked this question numerous times and maybe beating!, especially if adhesive is used during installation have prepared the concrete vinyl! But I seem to still have conflicting answers the next time I comment in that you. Two floors indeed possible $.50- $ 25/sq handy if you have some bare concrete in your Home to. Figure out how many square feet each box covers this question numerous times and maybe beating... Is vinyl plank flooring many boxes Id need based on how many boxes Id need based how! To worsen over time this LifeProof vinyl flooring, allow the product to adjust the... Old Newspapers Challenge Cellulose Manufacturers materials in an amazing variety of styles your basement or some! That quite a bit, which helped a lot with waste cracked missing... Quite a bit, which helped a lot with waste lie, it is easiest... It more a 4 Now with global warming these layers would add some insulation to prevent condensation flooring if grout! For paint and finishing Supplies ) the least-expensive finished floor option is also the most can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete sure that your floor... The background: red! important flooring, theres good news is that it be... Conditions arising from hydrostatic pressure couple spots leveler could be helpful ) flooring might be my new favorite patching... Use a flooring measuring guide to determine how much LifeProof vinyl plank flooring why would mention. Dont have the hands of a full-time tradeswoman the floor the end is quiet and underfoot. Scratches for long-lasting beauty temperature changes and will allow some leeway for the background:!...

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