If you’re contemplating a flooring project for your outdoor space, you may be wondering if vinyl plank flooring can be used outside. With its 100% waterproof nature, vinyl plank flooring certainly seems like a contender. However, before you dive in, there are important factors to consider.
Using Vinyl Plank Flooring Outdoors:
In general, vinyl plank flooring should only be used in temperature-controlled environments. We do not recommend installing vinyl plank flooring outside. Vinyl plank flooring is a floating floor, a type of floor that expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes, and outdoor spaces often experience more extreme variations. This can lead to potential damage such as cracking, warping, and buckling. Moreover, despite its waterproof nature, vinyl flooring is not designed to be constantly exposed to water. Prolonged exposure to moisture can result in problems like mildew, unpleasant odors, and mold.
Choosing the Right Flooring for Outdoors:
For outdoor applications, we highly recommend opting for flooring specifically designed for outdoor use. These products are built to withstand the demands of the elements while maintaining durability and longevity. Additionally, always refer to the manufacturer’s installation instructions as failure to do so in an outdoor environment may void your warranty.
Using Vinyl Flooring in Sunrooms or Enclosed Porches:
While outdoor installation is not advisable, you can definitely consider vinyl flooring in sunrooms, enclosed porches, or similar controlled environments. Remember, temperature changes can still affect vinyl flooring, potentially causing cracking or swelling. However, unlike laminate flooring, vinyl flooring is completely waterproof, meaning it can handle liquid spills with ease. This makes it a suitable choice for these semi-outdoor spaces.
Installation Options for Sunrooms:
When choosing vinyl flooring for a sunroom, you have flexibility in the installation method. Options include click and lock, loose lay, or glue down installations. To learn more about these methods, check out our Ultimate Guide to Vinyl Flooring Installation.
While vinyl flooring may not be the best choice for outdoor use, it can certainly withstand controlled outdoor spaces such as sunrooms or enclosed porches. Paying attention to temperature fluctuations and following proper installation techniques is crucial in preserving the integrity of the flooring. Explore your options, consult the experts at Bestlaminate, and make an informed decision to achieve both durability and functionality in your flooring project. For more inspiration, be sure to checkout our customer gallery.
Have you installed vinyl in your enclosed porch? Do you still have questions? Write to us in the comments below!
Learn More:
- Vinyl Flooring FAQ
- Ultimate Guide to Vinyl Flooring Installation
- What Are Pros and Cons Of Vinyl Plank Flooring?
- Do I Need Underlayment to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring?
43 comments
Hello! I’d like to use vinyl floor planks on the sides of my outdoor chicken coop. I’ve used them on interior walls of my chicken barn for easier clean-up (not temp controlled) and they are amazing going on 4 years.
Outside, Water will just run off but will sun fade and warp them? Or winter cold freeze and crack them? Probably eventually but I wonder if I can get a couple years out of them. I buy discounted planks, whatever colors they have leftover. Thanks!
Hi Amelia, thanks for your question! We do not recommend using vinyl flooring outside or anywhere where the climate is not temperature controlled. This will typically void your warranty. However, if you do choose to use vinyl outside, it is possible it could fade or crack in extreme cold. We would suggest using concrete pavers or something that is made to handle outdoor weather for this project!
I live in Florida
Can I install vinyl plant flooring in my patio
It is not climate controlled
John
Thanks for your question, John. We would not suggest installing vinyl plank flooring in any area that is not temperature controlled. Floating flooring will expand and contract due to changes in temperature and being exposed to such extreme temps can affect the performance of the floor.
In far South Georgia, on Florida border, on a large covered porch. Little, brief through screen sun exposure. Rarely a few hours of frost temps outside.
Only rain occasionally blowing in 3 x 6 screened openings..
Is there a vinyl planking of any sort to use over slab? ( or the bad ceramic tile already there)
Thanks for your question. It sounds like your porch is not temperature controlled and can be affected by the outdoor weather. We would not suggest using vinyl plank flooring in a space that is not temperature controlled.
How do you control the temperature outdoors? You say vinyl can be used in an outdoor temperature controlled environment? I am interested in controlling the temperature of my outdoor areas.
Thanks for your question, Allen This article pertains to areas such as sunrooms, sheds or enclosed porches. These spaces have the potential to be temperature controlled. Meaning there is air conditioning and heating keeping the room controlled in warmer and cooler temps. We do not recommend ever installing a vinyl or laminate floor in an area that is not temperature controlled.
I’m trying to determine if I could use vinyl plank flooring out side by a in a covered porch and outside on a deck around my hot tub.I have read the comments above and still have a question, I installed vinyl plank flooring through out my cottage 2 years ago… my cottage while enclosed and heated does not have winter access, so I close the cottage in the winter for 4 months and do not heat the cottage so the flooring is subjected to what ever the outdide temperature I have in northern Ontaro, minus 25, not unusual… the flooring still looks great!! so not sure why I couldn’t use the same vinyl flooring outside the temperature changes wouldnt be any different than inside the cottage, the only thing I can can see that would be different would be direct sunlight , rain and snow… any guidance you can give me would be appreciated… might just try it and let you know
Thanks for your question, Mark! We would not recommend installing vinyl flooring in a room that is not temperature controlled. It can lead to issues later down the road, and can also void the manufacturer’s warranty.