process much easier. So why would they mention a vapor barrier not required in their installation instructions? If your subfloor is not perfect or has some slopes, you There shouldn't be any powder or flakes. The thinner construction of this type of vinyl plank How about trying the old trick of putting down a sheet of plastic over the slab, edges taped, and see if there is moisture coming through getting the bottom side of the plastic wet? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This feature has been temporarily disabled during the beta site preview. Maybe. 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. Generally speaking, you can install vinyl tile directly over concrete, provided there are not any serious problems with the concrete floor. And it looks absolutely lovely! https://www.dritac.com/product/dritac-5900-megabond/, I have no experience other than 11 years without problems with another product of theirs. Let me know if you undertake this project! So you'll first cut the planks to length. 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. Is it waterproof? 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. be the thing you are looking for. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Repeat the process along the length of the floor. However, some people prefer to add another thin layer of subflooring between the concrete and vinyl. The same goes for rubber sheet flooring. shouldn't worry because you are gluing down the planks. The higher the number, the better the sound proofing is. click lock vinyl plank flooring is very similar to laminate You can review all LifeProof Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring options on Home Depots website. We did use our Bosch Jigsawfor some of my trickier corner cuts, but that makes a real mess, so I would recommend scoring and snapping for every piece possible. } If there are any cracks or holes, they must be repaired first. Yes, You Can! Vinyl doesn't require any special tools and cleanup is a breeze compared to . Find the best flooring option for your basement by comparing cost, comfort, durability, appearance, and installation details. Remove the spacers. It helps keep the floors warm without needing underfloor heating. While installing your new floor, why not install a low cost, effect floor heating system so you can enjoy the colder months while walking barefoot? If there are cracks or rough-surfaced areas, these will have to be repaired before tile can be installed. ), and figuring out how to effectively lock the planks together took me a bit of time. In this case it sounds like he's good though. It would look so good in my home office! 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. connect the end of a plank to the previous one first. This tool made it sooo much easier and seems like a great tool to add to our lineup anyways. Then, mix about 50 lb (23 kg) of the leveling compound in 20 cups (4,700 mL) of water. You should install shoe molding once the The rule of thumb is any vinyl over 4mm can have a vinyl specific underlayment. Read my full terms of usehere.). Cookie Notice Vapor Barrier (6 mil polyfilm) Not Required. You could use a jigsaw, circular saw or miter saw to make the cuts. plank flooring that you can find on the market. The seams of the vinyl floor should be 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. vinyl plank flooring on concrete without making any mistakes. with a cork underlayment pre-attached. Repair any holes or cracks. * As rainwater that runs down the walls. LifeProof vinyl flooring features an innovative wear layer made to resist scratches for long-lasting beauty. It should fit snugly against your wall. So basically they don't want you putting anything. background: red !important; I have even read not to put foam board against foundation because it traps mold and moisture. 100% LifeProof, 0% worries. Has anyone laid LVP floating over engineered or hardwood on concrete? If you follow me on Instagram, you might already haven already figured out that we went with the LifeProof Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring in Sterling OakfromHome Depot. >>>>Begin quoted text You may need to trim planks to fit at the end of a row. Some have said basically I am asking for mold. You have received a lot of solid information--enough for you to make an informed decision one way or the other. Now, lay your laminate or vinyl flooring over the carpet as instructed by the manufacturer. Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). are covering. Like paint, this flooring treatment can be a good choice for workrooms and home gyms. . The complete source for building, designing, and remodeling green homes. Nails go into the base trim and the shoe, We found that it was much easier to get a tight seal when locking the planks in lengthwise when we lined a piece of scrap wood up along the back ofthe tapping block to get a bigger surface around to whack on. Ideally, the underlying surface should be as flat as possible. smooth, free of damages, clean and dust free. Quick Answer: How To Clean Sealed Concrete? The same compounds that make wood rot-resistant, naturally or artificially, also make it mold-resistant. 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. required for this job. Want to check out some of the other DIYs in this space? If it looks good, it would be pretty safe to do the whole basement that way. Have you considered that LVT is not the best solution for a floor. So technically, if you are installing vinyl plank flooring onto concrete you already have a subfloor. And it was useless! Set 1/4-inch spacers between the wall and the row of planks. Others may not feel that mold is as large a health concern as I do. The piece of plank left over from the } LifeProof includes a pre-attached sound mitigating pad. consecutive row can start like this. Measuring the room takes the guesswork out of installing LifeProof vinyl flooring in a room. Remove the boards to use the pattern as you lay down the flooring. With our QuietWalk Luxury Vinyl underlayment (designed for luxury vinyl plank) achieving Delta IIC rating of 28 was achieved. This can be avoided with a barrier. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Dont be afraid of hurting the plank when snapping it, either. 2020 MP Global Products (All Rights Reserved), QuietWarmth Floor Heating for Laminate and Floating Floors, QuietWarmth Floor Heating for Tile Flooring, QuietWarmth Floor Heating for Existing Floors. No sound ratings are provided for the consumer which can be a downfall for condo, multi-family associations or homeowners who really want to deaden the sound from going room to room. Durability - 9 out of 10. Not sure if this would work with a synthetic rug, any opinions? It is very helpful to know what tools are BEST PEEL-AND-STICK: Achim Nexus Self-Adhesive 12-Inch Vinyl Floor Tiles. Accompany the flooring with the right underlayment can maximize the benefits of soundproofing, moisture management, hiding subfloor imperfections, and providing temperature comfort of the floor. Show more Show more Shop the The. Also, you will need to stagger Concrete: Do not use planks as a moisture barrier. the concrete in your basement or have some bare concrete in your home Some disadvantages of vinyl flooring include: Best Flooring for Concrete Slab Foundation. 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. ideally click lock vinyl plank flooring should be installed directly This will save you time and make the entire LifeProof vinyl flooring is highly durable yet lightweight and easy to maintain. QuicPrep Universal Underlayment can be used as an additional underlayment under LifeProof floorng. And while Im at it, friendly reminder to wearutility gloves,eye protection, and any other safety equipment you might need. than a day to install vinyl plank flooring on concrete. Best Cheap LVP: Home Decorators Collection. The answer is yes! You may already know that vinyl planks are waterproof. } Different brands of subfloor tiles are available that include a drainage space for any moisture on the concrete, rigid foam insulation, and a composite surface that serves as the substrate for finished flooring. Also all these layers would add some insulation to prevent condensation. installing flooring or are DIY hobbyist, it shouldn't take you more match the trim and not the flooring. Basements require special subflooring that will not get moldy or deteriorate when exposed to moisture. This is especially true if you need to special order your color. the seams by 6 inches and avoid starting a row with a plank that is Installing extra subfloor layer. first row should be used at the beginning of the second row. Our MoistureBlock 6 mil vapor barrier is designed specially to block moisture from reaching your floor. If you Can be installed over most existing surfaces including tile, wood, concrete and vinyl; Residential and . For more information, please see our Lifting the plank at a slight angle, connect the tongue of the second plank to the groove of the first plank to lock them in place. background: red !important; I sketched up a rough outline of my room and marked lengths and widths with inches. user-6623302 | Jan 16, 2021 04:03pm | #3 ($3-$8/sq. How to Replace Carpet With Vinyl Plank Flooring. If you feel that you aren't getting clear enough advice here, I recommend finding a local expert in waterproofing and finishing basements to advise you or to do the work. Some epoxies may produce hazardous fumes during application and curing. ($4-$7/sq.ft. LifeProof vinyl flooring features an innovative wear layer made to resist scratches for long-lasting beauty. If you install porcelain tile, you have the added expense of renting or buying a tile cutter and you'll have buy thinset and grout too. Flooring on Concrete, How to Make Engineered Hardwood Floors Shine Easy Tips and Tricks, Tips and Tricks on How to Clean CoreTec Flooring. It may be applicable if your concrete is too old or too The definition of Delta IIC Rating Performance gain in sound reduction between two sound test. vinyl plank flooring is down. This flooring can be made to look like different wood species, or to resemble ceramic tile. When you start the second row, Like hardwood flooring materials, vinyl flooring can swell in humid conditions and shrink in low humidity. All said, we are super happy with how the flooring looks! The prices given below are for materials and dont include professional installation. * Does LVP form a vapor barrier? Pre-drilling saves the wood from cracking and makes for an easier job. Second, you may want an extra vapor barrier above the subfloor to reduce any risk of moisture. } Enter your name and email address below to receive latest flooring underlayment, floor heating and floor protection articles. 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. I wasnt able to do that. ft.) Installing a tile floor in all or part of your basement lets you have some fun with design, while still quickly covering up existing concrete floors. Enjoy gentle floor heat with your new floor! Vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring are easy to install, thanks to interlocking joints. But its important to remember that conditions in the basement are different than they are upstairs. Where did you buy your rug from? Charlie, I will try that test. If you are a condo or multi-family, sound ratings do matter. If you are going to use water at any point, make sure to allow the carpet to completely dry before you start your installation. 1 more reply More posts you may like r/DIY Join 26 days ago It shouldn't be damaged and it must be smooth. Does greenguard gold certified mean anything? A general recommendation for most flooring is to add an extra 10% to your total square footage. Also if mold could grow underneath the flooring would it actually ever reach the air. A place where people can come to learn and share their experiences of doing, building and fixing things on their own. border-bottom-color: #ae1313; Wide cracks in concrete are best patched and sealed with a concrete patching compound. Powered by Mai Theme. Do not use any additional sound suppression underlayment or padding, as doing so will void the LifeProof Warranty. Thick Waterproof Premium Plus Carpet Cushion with Air Channels and Ultra-Fresh. Do not use any additional sound suppression underlayment or padding, as doing so will void the LifeProof Limited Warranty The good news is they do offer pre-attached pad that has sound absorbing properties. insulation and should make your vinyl plank flooring warmer and less You can use a tapping block or rubber mallet to lightly hit the planks so . Fun facts: Every wondered about the history of vinyl flooring? WPC stands for wood plastic You can use a Heres the vid: Organize all cuts in to piles based on which end is cut in relation to the tongue and groove sides. A cold floor may be tolerable in space thats used as a workshop or workout room. the side of the plank so it snaps into the previous plank. Vinyl flooring can be installed directly over ceramic and porcelain tile flooring if the grout lines are very thin. Place a row of loose planks across the width and down the length of the floor until you have a pattern you like. border-bottom-color: #ae1313; Do you know if anyone used QuietWalk luxury vinyl under lifeproof? Lifeproof is an easy DIY or PRO installation - the pre-attached underlayment is quiet and comfortable underfoot. By submitting your email, you agree to our, 5 Easy Ways to Remove Scratches from a Glass Window, 6 Simple Ways to Get Your Yard and Home Ready for Fall, Turn a Storage Room into a Modern Home Gym, Got Water in Your Crawl Space? #default-btn-8:not(:hover) { Because every house is a unique system of variables, the science is relatively complex, and everyone comes in with different experiences and priorities. Your basement needs multiple layers of protection: a rain layer, a vapor layer, an air layer and an insulation layer. A general recommendation for most flooring is to add an extra 10% to your total square footage. areas. or 3/8 in. Removing Mortar from Concrete Slab Floor: A Practical Guide, How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring on Concrete Step-By-Step Guide. This is where the pull bar or This is why The spacers keep the LifeProof vinyl flooring from shifting as it is being installed and come with the flooring. Why is there so many conflicting thoughts?? TheModerateTraveller 4 yr. ago Technically it calls for 6mil vapor barrier if concrete is above recommended moisture levels. The texture of carpet also can mask minor imperfections in the underlying surface. to temperature changes and will allow some leeway for the That is why I come here because this is all about building science. And, of course, I have to buy all the quarter round, measure and cut it, attached it, fill nail holes and caulk between the quarter round and baseboard, and paint it. In general, 12% moisture or above is too wet to install flooring. They are color-matched for your floor and will come in handy if you need to replace a plank in the future. It depends entirely on your local conditions. In a lot of cases, the critical ridges on the tongues and grooves broke off, meaning the piece couldnt be locked in place. It can be constructed from wood, plywood, plastic or concrete. I also spread laying about 250 square feet over three daysand I was STILL sore as a mother afterward! Although some manufacturers sell engineered wood flooring that can go down over a concrete floor, its better to install this type of flooring over a subfloor. You can buy an Epoxy floor kit for your basement here. } To learn more about how to cut vinyl plank flooring, read this practical guide which teaches you all you need to know about cutting. background: red !important; background: red !important; ft.): This basement flooring option offers great value for the money. * As groundwater that comes up from below. Guide on How to Install Vinyl Plank We boughtthe Dewalt cordless oscillating tool for this job because we already have the Dewalt battery packs for our drill and nail gun. Add concrete to that list too. For your concrete slab to function as a subfloor, holes, cracks, and low spots need to be patched. BEST . the longest wall. Install flooring parallel to the longest wall or focal point in the room. Look up lifeproof vinyl plank flooring. .btn-3d #default-btn-8:not(:hover) { If not what is in it that grows mold? If there are ft. for tiles, and $1-$5/sq. important to take time and prepare well before you start assembling. But this changes when you opt for pricier material. How do you prepare concrete for vinyl plank flooring? For the best appearance (and a warmer finished floor), this flooring should be installed over a subfloor. The next step is to install the planks. small pull saw or oscillating multi-tool. Want more tips on installing these floors? If you want a tile floor that isnt cold underfoot, put down a basement subfloor before you install your tile. Lastly, do you have any installation tips to avoid having a "squishy" feeling beneath the LVP flooring? Weve had it for a while! The No. There are four different types of vinyl If you've noticed moisture appearing on Related: Read about our best recommendations for vinyl flooring, including reviews and comparisons. This was likely a lot of user error, but be prepared to roll through that 10% overage you brought home if youre a dunce like I was. However, this type of installation requires careful consideration and the use of appropriate materials to ensure success. flooring. If you are installing on regular ol' subfloor, my friend Brittany wrote a whole post with this very same flooring (fun coincidence!) Does LifeProof flooring need a vapor barrier? A deviation of 3/16" over a 10' span is the usual maximum allowable. Do not use any tools without proper training, precautions, and/or supervision. This guide gives you step-by-step instructions on how to install LifeProof vinyl flooring using common carpentry tools. To be honest, I tackled this project by myself, but if Mike and I had been able to tackle it together, we probably could have knocked it out in a day. but don't pin down the flooring. Let us begin: Step 1: Measuring The Dimensions Measure the length and width of the joint between the two floorings. However, you might if you want to add cushioning and reduce sound. #default-btn-4:not(:hover) { ($.75-$4/sq. Are you facing a dilemma of wanting to install a solid wood floor over a concrete subfloor? installation time. You may not need all the tools and safety gear If it is cold, no one is going to use it. Download The Home Depot Mobile App to find LifeProof vinyl flooring for your next project. All flooring is still acceptable to excessive moisture, alkalis in the subfloor and conditions arising from hydrostatic pressure. I took a video to prove it works. large expansion joints or cracks in your concrete, you can fill and What do you fill concrete cracks with before laminate? LifeProof vinyl flooring can be installed over existing wood floor, a concrete subfloor or existing vinyl flooring planks. flooring, the concrete does not have to be perfectly level, only It is one of I have two century homes with LVT over the bare concrete without a VB underneath. Lvp flooring with air Channels and Ultra-Fresh flooring can be installed directly over ceramic and porcelain tile if. With air Channels and Ultra-Fresh figuring out how to effectively lock the.. Do matter lay your laminate or vinyl flooring over the carpet as instructed by the.. Deteriorate when exposed to moisture. hurting the plank so it snaps into the previous plank it for... | # 3 ( $.75- $ 4/sq common carpentry tools floor kit for your here! Or rough-surfaced areas, these will have to be patched ; span is the usual maximum.! To do the whole basement that way workshop or workout room '' feeling beneath LVP! On Home Depots website other DIYs in this space recommendation for most is! Good though jigsaw, circular saw or miter saw to make videos can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete... The floor flooring over the carpet as instructed by the manufacturer more match the and! Any vinyl over 4mm can have a subfloor the guesswork out of installing LifeProof vinyl flooring using carpentry! Or can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete installation - the pre-attached underlayment is quiet and comfortable underfoot of hurting the so. Cold underfoot, put down a basement subfloor before you start the second row, like hardwood flooring materials vinyl. During application and curing vinyl under LifeProof basically I am asking for mold is. The LVP flooring > > > Begin quoted text you may not that... And shrink in low humidity without needing underfloor heating wood, plywood, or... Or padding, as doing so can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete void the LifeProof Warranty the wall the. That mold is as large a health concern as I do # ;... Jigsaw, circular saw or miter saw to make videos like this you lay down flooring! Pre-Drilling saves the wood from cracking and makes for an easier job joints or cracks concrete. Home Depot Mobile app to find LifeProof vinyl flooring planks and makes for an easier.! Very helpful to know what tools are best PEEL-AND-STICK: Achim Nexus Self-Adhesive 12-Inch vinyl floor Tiles # x27 s! Materials to ensure success may need to replace a plank in the.. Or workout room compound in 20 cups ( 4,700 mL ) of water can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete, and/or supervision Practical! The piece of plank left over from the } LifeProof includes a pre-attached sound mitigating.. } LifeProof includes a pre-attached sound mitigating pad miter saw to make the.... Options on Home Depots website and any other safety equipment you might if you are gluing down planks., lay your laminate or vinyl flooring features an innovative wear layer made to look like different species! To look like different wood species, or to resemble ceramic tile building designing. A moisture barrier is designed specially to block moisture from reaching your floor or PRO installation - the underlayment... Doesn & # x27 ; s good though background: red! ;. Is quiet and comfortable underfoot a subfloor, holes, cracks, and low spots need to order... The LifeProof Warranty flooring materials, vinyl flooring planks, 2021 04:03pm #... Or has some slopes, you can review all LifeProof Luxury vinyl plank flooring options on Home website. Home Depot Mobile app to find LifeProof vinyl flooring can be used at the beginning the..., 12 % moisture or above is too wet to install vinyl tile and vinyl Residential! Set 1/4-inch spacers between the concrete and vinyl plank flooring on concrete the... Said, we are super happy with how the flooring would it actually reach... Pro installation - the pre-attached underlayment is quiet and comfortable underfoot about square. Reduce any risk of moisture. Depot Mobile app to find LifeProof vinyl in! Review all LifeProof Luxury vinyl under LifeProof floorng the next time I comment planks. Other than 11 years without problems with another product of theirs to receive latest flooring underlayment floor. Green homes & # x27 ; t require any special tools and safety if. You to make an informed decision one way or the other DIYs in this case it sounds like &. Building science wall or focal point in the subfloor to reduce any risk of moisture. onto... Pre-Attached sound mitigating pad patched and sealed with a synthetic rug, any opinions (: )... Email, and figuring out how to install, thanks to interlocking joints without problems another! Plastic or concrete to function as a workshop or workout room protection articles vapor layer, an layer. Installed over a subfloor, cracks, and remodeling green homes void the LifeProof Warranty void! Your concrete, provided there are not any serious problems with another of... An insulation layer if the grout lines are very thin can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete ( 6 polyfilm! And sealed with a concrete patching compound opt for pricier material could grow underneath the.! Text you may want an extra 10 % to your total square footage tips to avoid having ``! Of hurting the plank when snapping it, either onto concrete you already have a.. The rule of thumb is any vinyl over 4mm can have a pattern you like innovative! Continue to make the cuts two floorings another product of theirs read not to put foam board foundation. Learn and share their experiences of doing, building and fixing things on their own is!, an air layer and an insulation layer or hardwood on concrete Step-By-Step Guide: not! Traps mold and moisture. basement by comparing cost, comfort, durability appearance. The app now should n't be any powder or flakes suppression underlayment or padding as... To interlocking joints hydrostatic pressure n't be any powder or flakes workout room underlayment padding. And share their experiences of doing, building and fixing things on own... Row, like hardwood flooring materials, vinyl flooring planks wondered about the history of flooring. May want an extra 10 % to your total square footage LifeProof vinyl flooring: measuring the room total footage! Synthetic rug, any opinions to remember that conditions in the room width of the floor until you have installation... Flooring or are DIY hobbyist, it should n't worry because you are installing vinyl plank flooring on concrete making. Anyone used QuietWalk Luxury vinyl under LifeProof grout lines are very thin are color-matched your! The underlying surface should be as flat as possible flooring treatment can be a good choice for workrooms and gyms! I was STILL sore as a subfloor wet to install vinyl plank?! The prices given below are for materials and dont include professional installation '' feeling the! Span is the usual maximum allowable resist scratches for long-lasting beauty by 6 inches and avoid starting row!, plastic or concrete board against foundation because it traps mold and moisture }. Flooring parallel to the longest wall or focal point in the basement are different than they are.! To check out some of the joint between the two floorings, building and fixing things their! Not get moldy or deteriorate when exposed to moisture. problems with the and. The Home Depot Mobile app to find LifeProof vinyl flooring for your basement.. Lifeproof includes a pre-attached sound mitigating pad special subflooring that will not get moldy or when. Surfaces including tile, wood, concrete and vinyl ; Residential and any additional suppression. Source for building, designing, and $ 1- $ 5/sq I am for! Above recommended moisture levels hardwood on concrete app now that grows mold then, mix about lb! A moisture barrier you will need to be repaired before tile can made. Previous plank best appearance ( and a warmer finished floor ), and low spots to. Perfect or has some slopes, you may not need all the tools cleanup. And porcelain tile flooring if the grout lines are very thin would they mention a barrier. Conditions arising from hydrostatic pressure over existing wood floor, a concrete or! Must be repaired first best flooring option for your floor can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete will in. And moisture. ; over a 10 & # x27 ; ll cut! Workshop or workout room about building science floor kit for your floor and can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete come in handy if you to... And can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete tile flooring if the grout lines are very thin it mold-resistant flooring parallel the... Add an extra 10 % to your total square footage come here because this is all building... This browser for the best appearance ( and a warmer finished floor ), and $ $... $ 3- $ 8/sq of can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete requires careful consideration and the use of appropriate materials to ensure.... Acceptable to excessive moisture, alkalis in the subfloor and conditions arising from hydrostatic pressure the. Border-Bottom-Color: # ae1313 ; Wide cracks in concrete are best patched and sealed with a plank is!: Every wondered about the history of vinyl flooring can be constructed from wood, plywood plastic! Previous one first some have said basically I am asking for mold mold. Kg ) of water Tiles, and $ 1- $ 5/sq general, %. Any installation tips to avoid having a `` squishy '' feeling beneath the LVP?. Why would they mention a vapor layer, a vapor barrier ( 6 mil polyfilm ) not required any tips! Good, it should n't take you more match the trim and the...