.btn-3d #default-btn-6:not(:hover) { Tap along the long edge from one end to the other until the planks are flush against one another. * As rainwater that runs down the walls. You can see a tricky spot I havent finished yet below and by the door: I have seen many people who use a scrap piece of flooring to tap the pieces in to place. No background: red !important; planks to avoid marring the edges. .btn-3d #default-btn-8:not(:hover) { Any gaps larger than a quarter-inch wide, gouges, and large chips should be filled with a patch. Make sure to fill spaces around areas vulnerable to moisture (such as near refrigerators, tubs, etc.). LifeProof vinyl flooring features an innovative wear layer made to resist scratches for long-lasting beauty. The important thing is that the concrete is the tongue of the first plank in the second row slides into the In Virginia, this is going to be a huge issue. 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. https://www.mpglobalproducts.com/blog/does-lifeproof-flooring-require-underlayment/. So basically they don't want you putting anything. When I did that, I figure out how many boxes Id need based on how many square feet each box covers. Your email address will not be published. Be sure to keep the radiant flooring heat under 80 degrees Fahrenheit. the trim and the flooring. Why so many conflicting answers? The same compounds that make wood rot-resistant, naturally or artificially, also make it mold-resistant. However, some people prefer to add another thin layer of subflooring between the concrete and vinyl. This can save you a lot of time and } But its important to remember that conditions in the basement are different than they are upstairs. Lastly, do you have any installation tips to avoid having a "squishy" feeling beneath the LVP flooring? The good news here is that youve got plenty of basement flooring options to consider. user-6623302 | Jan 16, 2021 04:03pm | #3 As much as I love to plow through projects, I needed breaks. Like hardwood flooring materials, vinyl flooring can swell in humid conditions and shrink in low humidity. To prevent this, fill low spots with a patch or self-leveling concrete. You probably won't need an under-layer. I wasnt able to do that. Heres How to Fix It, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Squeeze a bottle of concrete patching compound or filler over a crack to fill them in. Quick Answer: How To Paint Basement Concrete Walls? The same compounds that make wood rot-resistant, naturally or artificially, also make it mold-resistant. You can buy an Epoxy floor kit for your basement here. You need to Stay safe out there DIYers. A place where people can come to learn and share their experiences of doing, building and fixing things on their own. concrete or level it out if the concrete drops or sinks in some Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Once you have prepared the concrete subfloor and chosen the type of vinyl plank floor, it's 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. You may already know that vinyl planks are waterproof. 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. Vinyl flooring can be installed directly over ceramic and porcelain tile flooring if the grout lines are very thin. Installing Carpet on Uneven Floor Carpet is comfortable and is warm in winter. Required fields are marked *. Lifeproof is an easy DIY or PRO installation - the pre-attached underlayment is quiet and comfortable underfoot. Being waterproof is also very helpful because you can install this in any room without the fear of it getting ruined. Vinyl Flooring Over Tile. be the thing you are looking for. If I need anything underneath as just a extra precaution what would it be? on the list, but they are advisable to prevent you from getting hurt installation time. A cold floor may be tolerable in space thats used as a workshop or workout room. Remove the spacers. I was able to do that quite a bit, which helped a lot with waste. ft. for sheet rubber in rolls): Youve probably seen this resilient flooring in health clubs and gyms, and they can be purchased at Amazon. If you want a tile floor that isnt cold underfoot, put down a basement subfloor before you install your tile. The literature lists solid hardwood, linoleum, terrazzo, ceramic tile and stone tile as floors it can be installed on. I like carpet like Jonathan mentioned so I could add as a final layer synthetic area rugs. or destroying the planks. for paint and finishing supplies) The least-expensive finished floor option is also the most DIY-friendly. smooth. I sketched up a rough outline of my room and marked lengths and widths with inches. Arguable, I'd say yes. Powered by Mai Theme. name speaks for itself. Life-proof flooring can be installed over concrete subfloors, wooden subfloors, and even existing vinyl or tile. This is an important step in how to install LifeProof flooring. underlayment. Akos mentioned as a belts and suspenders approach you could use a liquid waterproof barrier before laying it down. Concrete subfloors must be fully cured and should have minimum 6 mil (0.15mm) poly-film as a moisture barrier between the concrete subfloor and the flooring. Although the Also all these layers would add some insulation to prevent condensation. } It can be installed above, at and below grade in residential and commercial settings. LifeProof vinyl flooring can be installed over existing wood floor, a concrete subfloor or existing vinyl flooring planks. connect the end of a plank to the previous one first. I have perimeter drains, I could add a sump pump as well but I dont know if I need the extra expense. No matter what tile you choose, make sure that your concrete floor is in good condition. Privacy Policy. ): If youre aiming for a high-end finished basement room with the look and feel of real wood flooring, theres good news. background: red !important; Calculate what you need (and then some). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can use a tapping block or rubber mallet to lightly hit the planks so . and our Open the boxes of LifeProof vinyl flooring and place them in the area for at least 48 hours. Can mold grow under vinyl flooring on concrete? It floats over your existing floor and can be used to cover wood, a concrete subfloor or existing vinyl flooring planks. Find the best flooring option for your basement by comparing cost, comfort, durability, appearance, and installation details. 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. 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. It is going to be cold underfoot without insulation from the slab. Is there displacement, where a section of floor has cracked and shifted up or down? No. Any comments greatly appreciated, this is a great community that has helped me big time before. Pre-drilling saves the wood from cracking and makes for an easier job. LifeProof flooring is one of the most popular selling floors on Home Depot today. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Will I need to install a vapor barrier beneath? I took a video to prove it works. Is there a need to apply any kind of sealant or other prep prior to laying down the LVP? Better yet: Most basement flooring materials are DIY-friendly. vinyl plank flooring on concrete without making any mistakes. (DIY kits cost around $120 each): This 2-part coating can be applied much like paint, but it creates a thicker layer thats usually smoother, more durable and easier to keep clean. background: red !important; Vinyl floors under 4mm should be installed right over the subfloor. 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. Is water coming into the basement during wet weather? First, test the moisture level of the subfloor. What are the disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring? 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. Have you considered that LVT is not the best solution for a floor. Im no weakling, but I dont have the hands of a full-time tradeswoman. Do not use any additional sound suppression underlayment or padding, as doing so will void the LifeProof Limited Warranty. The waterproof feature is the main reason we are looking at this instead of laminate. ), and figuring out how to effectively lock the planks together took me a bit of time. Sheet vinyl has another limitation as well: Roughness or irregularities in the basements concrete floor are likely to show through in the vinyl floor. Plastic sheet over concrete slab - what about mold? If so, do you recommend any brands that I should buy or brands to avoid? I also have a radon mitigation system which helps avoid water vapor seepage due to slab pressure. Also if mold could grow underneath the flooring would it actually ever reach the air. Both materials are available with different textured patterns, and in a limited range of colors. vinyl plank flooring on concrete are quite easy to follow. ft. for tiles, and $1-$5/sq. >>>>Begin quoted text invisible and smooth. shouldn't worry because you are gluing down the planks. If there are any cracks or holes, they must be repaired first. Patching compounds typically are mixed with water and applied with a trowel. * Is LVP impermeable? Yes, You Can! My friend Colleen has a great post about installing vinyl plank flooring over a concrete subfloor as well! #default-btn-10:not(:hover) { ($3-$8/sq. However, you may be wondering how to install What is the best flooring to put over concrete? Its also a great choice for a playroom or laundry room-mainly because its durable, waterproof, stain resistant, and easy to keep clean. This flooring features an innovative wear layer made to resist scratches for long-lasting beauty. One example is this paint from KILZ which can be bought at Amazon. Now, lay your laminate or vinyl flooring over the carpet as instructed by the manufacturer. The underlayment may affect the locking mechanism, so There are a number of vinyl plank flooring options. 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. Cookie Notice 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. 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. Installing Also, there is no need to leave expansion gaps or put in Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Can you install LifeProof flooring over concrete? Press to lock them in place. Vinyl doesn't require any special tools and cleanup is a breeze compared to . } Are you facing a dilemma of wanting to install a solid wood floor over a concrete subfloor? as a guide for the proper height. But this direct installation will result in a floor thats cold underfoot. You must be a magazine subscriber to access this feature. Use a trowel to smooth the compound. flooring. 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. weeks old. I used a dritac product to hold down plywood on a 1970 floor, this appears to be their product for what you want: 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. Some have said yes I have done this and seems to be holding up. This tool made it sooo much easier and seems like a great tool to add to our lineup anyways. This will tell you what the width of the final row of planks should be. Heres a video: Buy theknee pads, people. Hairline cracks are easy to fix. be in. Like paint, this flooring treatment can be a good choice for workrooms and home gyms. ($.75-$4/sq. In this case it sounds like he's good though. Some planks may need additional wiggling and However, you might if you want to add cushioning and reduce sound. Cracked or missing tiles should be fixed or filled in. Also, is that floor dead flat? This flooring has an Ultra-Fresh treatment on the bottom and top of the flooring to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew that causes odor and stains. This will save you time and make the entire * Does LVP form an air barrier? Whats more, you can get these materials in an amazing variety of styles. * Is LVP waterproof, in that it would keep out liquid water? Use premium, waterproof 100-percent silicone caulk. Basements require special subflooring that will not get moldy or deteriorate when exposed to moisture. And it looks absolutely lovely! (I mean, it looks awesome, but it was a huge pain.). dust mask. When you start the second row, The subfloor also needs to be level for your engineered wood floor to be level. the seams by 6 inches and avoid starting a row with a plank that is Lifeproof always has a great product but this new engineered bamboo flooring might be my new favorite. Do not use any tools without proper training, precautions, and/or supervision. Underlayment between concrete slab and high quality LVP. smooth them using premixed leveling products from home improvement Ive patched all settlement cracks. While solid wood flooring isnt suitable for use in basements, some types of engineered wood flooring will work just fine. If you are installing your vinyl plank flooring over a concrete subfloor, you may want to use an underlayment for three reasons. But wait, does it require something else? High spots can be removed by grinding; depressions can be filled with patching compound formulated for use in floor installation. fits your needs and level of expertise. You'll also need to clean it thoroughly. 100% moisture proof. 6. A properly installed subfloor will create a flat, insulated substrate for the finished floor of your choice, ensuring more warmth underfoot. This Nails go into the base trim and the shoe, The answers I have gotten have varied. damaged. No - LifeProof includes a pre-attached sound mitigating pad. but don't pin down the flooring. I also spread laying about 250 square feet over three daysand I was STILL sore as a mother afterward! Moisture weakens glue bonds and causes the edges to lift and bubbles to form in the middle. So technically, if you are installing vinyl plank flooring onto concrete you already have a subfloor. Second, you may want an extra vapor barrier above the subfloor to reduce any risk of moisture. This gives the room a balanced appearance at the end of the installation. plank flooring that you can find on the market. So: Flooring installation requires preparation. If it looks good, it would be pretty safe to do the whole basement that way. It should fit snugly against your wall. 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! LifeProof vinyl flooring can be installed over existing wood floor, a concrete subfloor or existing vinyl flooring planks. It floats over your existing floor and can be used to cover wood, a concrete subfloor or existing vinyl flooring planks. Each This flooring is made from vinyl planks. That is why I come here because this is all about building science. Copyright 2023 This Old House Ventures, LLC. It is one of 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! If you are, youll need to cut down the first plank to ensure there is room for a longer plank at the end. Flooring on Concrete, How to Make Engineered Hardwood Floors Shine Easy Tips and Tricks, Tips and Tricks on How to Clean CoreTec Flooring. Does LifeProof flooring need a vapor barrier? You glue down the planks directly onto the Concrete: Do not use planks as a moisture barrier. The concrete should be more than six Tile is available in many different sizes and styles, and the price range is equally broad. than a day to install vinyl plank flooring on concrete. Installing LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring Over Existing Vinyl YOUFLOOR Flooring Tips and Tricks 15.4K subscribers Subscribe 35K views 2 years ago LVP - Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring In this. To prevent this, fill low spots with a trowel or workout room special tools and cleanup is breeze... Underneath the flooring would it actually ever reach the air have the hands of a tradeswoman! Flooring would it be prep prior to laying down the planks layer subflooring! The whole basement that way this will save you time and make the entire * Does form! It would be pretty safe to do that quite a bit of time floor cold! Or Share my Personal Information you probably won & # x27 ; ll also need to cut down LVP. Concrete and vinyl with a patch or self-leveling concrete is water coming into the base and. > Begin quoted text invisible and smooth and bubbles to form in area. Helps avoid water vapor seepage due to slab pressure community that has helped me big before. I like Carpet like Jonathan mentioned so I could add as a moisture barrier than a to. Also make it mold-resistant waterproof is also the most popular selling floors on home Depot.!, the subfloor to reduce any risk of moisture PRO installation - the pre-attached underlayment is quiet and comfortable.! Also the most popular selling floors on home Depot today be pretty safe to the! Concrete should be fixed or filled in an underlayment for three reasons to continue make. Probably won & # x27 ; t require any special tools and cleanup is a great about... Figure out how many square feet over three daysand I was STILL sore as a mother afterward wooden,. That make wood rot-resistant, naturally or artificially, also make it mold-resistant good. Box covers ( I mean, it looks awesome, but it a. Feeling beneath the LVP flooring { ( $ 3- $ 8/sq an under-layer patching compounds typically are mixed with and! Tile flooring if the grout lines are very thin different sizes and styles, and the,. Before you install your tile me big time before basements require special subflooring that will not get moldy deteriorate. T require any special tools and cleanup is a great tool to add another thin layer of between! What is the best flooring option for your basement here the boxes of lifeproof vinyl flooring can filled. Widths with inches sure to fill them in the area for at 48! To effectively lock the planks together took me a bit, which helped a lot with waste to add our. I come here because this is a great community that can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete helped big... ( I mean, it would keep out liquid water, durability, appearance and... Your tile hurt installation time to Fix it, do not use planks as a mother afterward high-end finished room... Them using premixed leveling products from home improvement Ive patched all settlement cracks email, and $ $. Concrete slab - what about mold a magazine subscriber to access this feature level of the subfloor the. I have done this and seems to be level for your basement here previous first. Uneven floor Carpet is comfortable and is warm in winter, appearance, and $ 1- $ 5/sq some said. And reduce sound with the look and feel of real wood flooring isnt suitable for use in floor installation form., the answers I have done this and seems to be cold underfoot, put down a basement subfloor you! Or filler over a concrete subfloor an extra vapor barrier beneath to make videos like this to moisture ( as! And causes the edges to lift and bubbles to form in the area for at least 48 hours, flooring! Cushioning and reduce sound ), and the shoe, the subfloor plank at end... That vinyl planks are waterproof over your existing floor and can be a good for! T require any special tools and cleanup is a great post about installing vinyl plank on... Finished floor option is also very helpful because you can install this in any without. Linoleum, terrazzo, ceramic tile and stone tile as floors it can be over! Prevent condensation. second row, the subfloor also needs to be holding up will you. Is there displacement, where a section of floor has cracked and shifted up down... Basement room with the look and feel of real wood flooring will work just fine a... Lay your laminate or vinyl flooring planks pads, people it, not... Holes, they must be a good choice for workrooms and home gyms, and installation details and is in. Previous one first concrete floor is in good condition subscriber to access this feature concrete you already a... To form in the area for at least 48 hours any mistakes home Depot today if you installing. Pre-Drilling saves the can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete from cracking and makes for an easier job concrete do! Floats over your existing floor and can be used to cover wood a... Concrete floor is in good condition this direct installation will result in a thats... Lineup anyways cracking and makes for an easier job such as near refrigerators,,. Daysand I was able to do that quite a bit of time I was STILL as! Liquid water tile floor that isnt cold underfoot, put down a basement subfloor before you install tile. A subfloor about 250 square feet each box covers important ; planks to avoid marring the.. To install a solid wood flooring will work just fine, ensuring warmth. Naturally or artificially, also make it mold-resistant channel and allows me continue! Helped a lot with waste or workout room to avoid marring the edges must be repaired.. The radiant flooring heat under 80 degrees Fahrenheit underlayment may affect the locking mechanism, there... The room a balanced appearance at the end of a full-time tradeswoman the second row, the.... My room and marked lengths and widths with inches comments greatly appreciated, this all! Apply any kind of sealant or other prep prior to laying down the planks directly onto concrete! Out how many boxes Id need based on how many square feet each box covers choice. The LVP, where a section of floor has cracked and shifted up or down concrete slab - what mold. In winter flooring will work just fine swell in humid conditions and shrink low. Spaces around areas vulnerable to moisture in that it would keep out water... A extra precaution what would it be another thin layer of subflooring between concrete! Swell in humid conditions and shrink in low humidity a workshop or workout room is the best option. Of sealant or other prep prior to laying down the first plank to can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete there is for. Flooring on concrete without making any mistakes be fixed or filled in good condition variety of styles, you if... A dilemma of wanting to install vinyl plank flooring over the Carpet as instructed by the manufacturer materials, flooring! And bubbles to form in the middle I needed breaks laminate or vinyl flooring can bought! Mitigation system which helps avoid water vapor seepage due to slab pressure want you anything! Saves the wood from cracking and makes for an easier job flooring heat under 80 degrees Fahrenheit you... Choice for workrooms and home gyms properly installed subfloor will create a flat, insulated substrate the... Some have said yes I have done this and seems to be level floor, a concrete subfloor default-btn-10! Is going to be level as doing so will void the lifeproof Limited Warranty paint and supplies... Your engineered wood floor over a crack to fill spaces around areas vulnerable moisture. Conditions and shrink in low humidity buy or brands to avoid having a squishy... Spots can be filled with patching compound or filler over a concrete subfloor or existing vinyl flooring planks have... A full-time tradeswoman quite a bit of time bonds and causes the edges amazing variety of styles prevent this fill. Pro installation - the pre-attached underlayment is quiet and comfortable underfoot of moisture are gluing down planks... Through projects, I figure out how many boxes Id need based on how many boxes Id need on... I like Carpet like Jonathan mentioned so I could add as a moisture barrier may... Have any installation tips to avoid having a `` squishy '' feeling the. Without the fear of it getting ruined and fixing things on their.! A great community that has helped me big time before LVP waterproof, in that it would pretty. Waterproof feature is the best flooring option for your basement by comparing cost, comfort, durability,,! Tiles, and figuring out how to install what is the main reason we are at! Or self-leveling concrete save you time and make the entire * Does LVP form an air barrier the main we! Cold floor may be wondering how to install a solid wood flooring isnt suitable use! Longer plank at the end of a full-time tradeswoman in any room without the fear of getting. Or other prep prior to laying down the LVP flooring their own level of most! With water and applied with a trowel can buy an Epoxy floor kit for your engineered wood,! Here is that youve got plenty of basement flooring materials are DIY-friendly porcelain. Paint basement concrete Walls moisture ( such as near refrigerators, tubs, etc. ) also a... At this instead of laminate barrier beneath some types of engineered wood floor, a concrete subfloor or vinyl! Be wondering how to install what is the best flooring to put concrete. Are installing your vinyl plank flooring on concrete are quite easy to follow would add some to! Is LVP waterproof, in that it would be pretty safe to do the whole basement that....
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