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Resource Center
Dear Bob and Betsy,
I’m so excited! My new vinyl flooring arrived in the mail today. I’m eager to start installing it but I want everything to go smoothly. What can I do to prepare for my vinyl flooring installation to make sure I don’t do anything wrong?
– Ben L.
Dear Ben,
Congratulations on getting your new flooring! It’s always exciting when you’re on the verge of making a major update to your home. You’re smart to wait before jumping in blindly. Preparation is key in flooring projects! Here are a few important items to look for before you begin the installation process. Cheers! Bob & Betsy
Holes or Cracks in Your Subfloor
Your subfloor is the foundation where your flooring will sit. If you’re installing your vinyl over concrete, look for any major holes or cracks. If you’re installing your vinyl over old vinyl, make sure the planks are all in good condition before you begin the installation. If there are any dents, dings, or deep scratches, repair them with a trowel before installation.
Uneven Subfloors
If you’re installing your floors over uneven or buckled flooring, you will need underlayment. Without using underlayment to smooth the flooring, you risk your new flooring resembling the same damaged subfloor you’re trying to hide. If you can, remove the damaged flooring before installation. If that’s not possible, cover it with plywood underlayment to avoid the imperfections showing through.
Dry Your Floors
Moisture and vinyl flooring don’t create a strong bond. If you install your floors over a wet subfloor, you risk damaging your floors over the long run. They could buckle or warp. Always ensure that your floors are completely dry before you begin the installation process.
For a complete guide to your vinyl flooring installation, click here.
Congratulations again on your new floors! We can’t wait to see the finished product!
Contact the Bestlaminate Flooring Experts today! Call us at 1-800-520-0961 or send us a quick message to get expert advice and answers.
We are here to help. Schedule a free consultation with our friendly experts or call us today at 1-800-520-0961.
We are considering placing LVP over tile that lost its grout twice, came off in 70% of ~1500 sqft in a beach condo that is on 2nd floor on top of garage (no one under)
1) Tile was not correctly installed, not leveled in one location. In the past, some tiles popped. Now you can feel some wiggle, not all feel too glued as they move a little bit.
2) Closet doors have bottom rails for doors (sharp edges)
3) Closets have permanent California closet shelving to the floor. Concerned on how to install new floor around without leaving visible gaps, and around or over the rails. And, then raising floor level and having issues with the new height left for closet doors
4) Baseboards are old and rather small 3″
A) What type of LVP do you recomment? Traffic is pets, children, family, rental.
B) What type of installation method and underlayment do you recommend?
c) How do we troubleshoot the closets with cabinets and rails vs. spaces/gaps against them.
c) What do you recommend for installing around the edges described in closets and baseboards?
Thanks for your questions, Rose. First of all, we would recommend using a click-lock vinyl plank flooring for your project. Vinyl flooring is easy to install, 100% waterproof and extremely durable and can withstand high amounts of traffic. We would suggest removing the tile and making sure the subfloor is level and prepped prior to installing flooring. The tile being unlevel and losing grout could lead to issues if you were to install directly over it. For the closets, you can install the flooring up until the rails while leaving a little gap and can then install either an end-cap molding or a quarter round to give it a finished look. If you have any questions in regards to your project, please feel free to give our customer service team a call at 1-800-520-0961 and we will be more than happy to help you!
I have plywood subfloor in kitchen of 3rd floor condo.
I am considering vinyl or engineered hardwood for the kitchen.
Do you have recommendation of one over the other?
Do I need an underlayment? I wold like to reduce noise for unit below me?
If so, what underlayment do you recommend for vinyl v. Eng, hardwood?
Any other tips or pitfalls to look out for?
Thank you<
I would never put a hardwood in a kitchen as any moisture is going to ruin it. In this case I would put down luxury vinyl. We sell paddings made for vinyl that will reduce noise for your downstairs neighbor.