If you’re laying the LVP over an existing cushion-backed vinyl floor or a below-grade tile floor, then you won’t need to use an underlayment. However, you’ll want to use one in every other application including covering existing hardwood floors, vinyl flooring that isn’t cushioned, and concrete floors.
Do you need a subfloor for vinyl plank flooring in basement?
The key to installing luxury vinyl over concrete is to ensure the floor is level and clean. Underlayment isn’t a necessity, but you might consider it to add noise reducing qualities or additional softness to the product. If the concrete is uneven, you will have to level it out.
Does LVP need underlayment in basement?
For LVP with thickness less than 5mm, you actually should not use underlayment since it will break the joints. For LVP thicker than 5mm underlayment can be used but should be ~1mm. Using thick underlayment will eventually weaken the joints between the plank and damage them.
Can LVP be installed on subfloor?
Any type of flooring can benefit from an underlayment — even luxury vinyl tile. This holds true no matter what type of subfloor it will be installed on, including concrete, wood flooring, or any other type of flooring.
How do I prepare my basement for an LVP?
Preparing a Concrete Subfloor for Luxury Vinyl Flooring
- Test the moisture content of your concrete subfloor. …
- Thoroughly clean your subfloor. …
- Check your subfloor to make sure it is level. …
- Level your floor by filling low spots with patching compound and a putty knife. …
- Use a belt sander to reduce high spots.
What do you put under vinyl plank flooring in a basement?
Quote from Youtube video: And if you have a low spot like i have here you're gonna need to get some sort of cement or concrete.
Can vinyl plank flooring be installed directly on concrete?
Yes, and that’s one of the questions we hear most often is about luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Most homes in Florida don’t have basements so, rather than an actual concrete subfloor, the concrete is a slab-on-grade, meaning no basement floors and no walls.
Does luxury vinyl plank need a moisture barrier?
A concrete floor may need a moisture barrier before vinyl flooring can be installed. For installation of vinyl flooring you need a smooth, even surface for the underside of the flooring to achieve the best contact for adhesion.
Do you need a vapor barrier for LVP on concrete?
Subfloor Material
You’ll typically need a vapor barrier if you’re installing flooring over concrete. Therefore, in high-humidity areas, moisture will move to a relatively low-humidity area, even through concrete.
What level should a subfloor be for LVP?
If you’re installing vinyl planks on top of a concrete floor, the standard tolerance required is for the floor to be level to 3/16” within a 10′ radius. It also can’t have a dip of ⅛” within 2′. Level means that a floor doesn’t slope in any direction. From one end of the room to the other, there is no pitch.
How do you prepare a concrete subfloor for LVP?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The surface can't be slick heavily trowel or burnished. Use a concrete grinder to eliminate any coating and slightly rough on the surface.
How smooth should subfloor be for vinyl planks?
SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS
Subfloor must be clean, structurally sound/tight, and visibly dry. Floor must be flat to within a 3/16” in 10′ radius tolerance.
Do I need a subfloor in my basement?
Subfloors are not always necessary but they are beneficial wherever they can be installed. They only come into play when you want to expand downward and make your basement a warm, livable space. If you don’t plan to use the space, there is no need for a subfloor or floor covering.
Can mold grow under vinyl plank flooring?
Although vinyl plank flooring is well-known to be waterproof, it does not mean that liquids can seep through the cracks, grooves, or edges and become trapped under the planks, allowing mold to grow underneath your floors.
What is the best subfloor for a basement?
Wood panels, such as plywood or oriented strand board, are common subfloor choices. However, because wood is a naturally porous substance that will absorb moisture, when used as a basement subfloor, these materials are often installed on mini-joists known as “sleepers,” which allow it to sit above a concrete pad.
Should I put a vapor barrier on my basement floor?
As a rule of thumb, if there is any hint of moisture in your basement then installing a vapor barrier below grade is recommended. The price you pay for your vapor barrier will increase in line with the thickness and quality to your chosen barrier.
How much does a basement subfloor cost?
The subfloor material makes up a large portion of the total project cost, with materials ranging from $1.50 to $7 per square foot.
Subfloor Cost per Square Foot.
| Materials | Price per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Warmboard | $7 |
What should I put on my basement floor?
7 Best Basement Flooring Options
- Paint. (Under $10/sq. …
- Epoxy. …
- Tile. …
- Rubber tile or rubber sheets. …
- Vinyl planks or tiles. …
- Sheet vinyl. …
- Engineered wood flooring.
Is vinyl plank flooring good for basements?
The best type of flooring for basements is vinyl. Vinyl flooring can come in the form of vinyl plank and vinyl tile, giving it the ability to look nearly identical to hardwood and stone products with the added benefit of being waterproof. Vinyl flooring is made of PVC making it durable and waterproof.
Do I need a subfloor for laminate in basement?
Laminate flooring comes in simple-to-install pieces that snap together, making installation a cinch. Conventional laminate flooring is still an option for basements, but it will require the installation of a sub-floor in order to prevent moisture damage.
