Many different types of vinyl flooring can easily be installed over hardwood, from floating vinyl planks over hardwood floors and other types of vinyl flooring over hardwood. The key is simply to select a product that doesn't need to be glued, stapled, or nailed to the hardwood subfloor.
Yes, you can install LVP over hardwood as long as the existing floor is in good condition, level, and free from damage. It's important to ensure the hardwood is clean and dry before installation to avoid issues with adhesion. For more flooring installation tips, you can explore my Quora Profile.
Most LVP can be installed directly over hardwood, no need to remove the original flooring.
Vinyl planks on top of existing wood flooring is not likely to cause any damage that refinishing later wouldn't fix. Vinyl plank flooring can be a temporary solution or stay in place for the life of your home.
If you decide to install over existing floors anyways, we recommend adding an underlayment that will cover any potential imperfections from the previous flooring.
Laminate flooring is one of the easiest types to install over hardwood. There is virtually no preparation that is required. If, however, the hardwood flooring underneath is wavy, you will want to level it before placing laminate over it.
Under vinyl flooring, underlayment is essential for moisture control, sound deadening, warmth, and minimizing floor deflection.
With the right professional team in place, it is cheaper to refinish hardwood floors than to replace with laminate or hardwood anew. Laminate and new on-trend luxury vinyl try to replicate the colour variations and grains of natural wood, but they always fall short.
Vinyl floors: the cons
Because it is softer than other hard surface flooring, sharp objects and heavy furniture can cause scratches, abrasions, and other permanent damage. With certain vinyl tiles, the attrition can cause the whole tile to pop out and require replacement.
The good news is that, depending on the flooring you choose, you essentially have two choices on how to install your luxury vinyl flooring: glue down vs. floating.
To cover an ugly or damaged wood floor, consider options like large area rugs, vinyl planks, or laminate flooring. If you want a permanent solution, you could refinish the floor by sanding and re-staining it.
Making the right choice for your home
Durability: Hardwood is durable but requires more maintenance; LVP flooring is highly durable and low-maintenance. Cost: Hardwood is more expensive and often requires professional installation; luxury vinyl is more budget-friendly and can be installed as a DIY project.
A flat and level floor is key so that the adjoining vinyl plank flooring doesn't have varying heights. It is absolutely essential that the subfloor is completely level.
Unless your floors are very old and thin or have structural or water damage, chances are they can be saved. If you want a new or exotic type of wood or are unhappy with the current pattern or thickness of your floorboards, you may want to consider replacing them.
The solution is to place a thin layer of plywood down first on top of the floorboards, secured with some short, flat head nails. This creates a perfectly level surface across your entire room, which you can then lay your vinyl flooring on top of as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile. It is also prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.
Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.
Mold Growth: Mold can thrive under vinyl plank flooring due to moisture. Health Risks: Exposure to mold can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and more serious health conditions. Vinyl Plank Flooring: While durable and versatile, can be a breeding ground for mold if not properly maintained.
Does vinyl flooring devalue a home? It's possible. While vinyl plank floors are affordable and versatile, they might not boost your home's resale value like hardwood or tile would.
Vinyl is a very versatile material that is well suited to go over hardwood. It stands up well to heavy foot traffic, pets, kids, dirt, and soil, making it a great flooring solution for just about any room or setting with less maintenance than hardwood.
Typically, moisture barriers are needed when vinyl flooring is installed on top of a concrete subfloor or crawl space. Please refer to the manufacturer guidelines, installation instructions, and warranty information for more details.
Generally speaking, LVP can be installed directly over subfloors such as concrete or ceramic tile assuming they're clean and level. Additional underlayment may be required if installing over existing hardwood or vinyl sheet floors to protect against moisture damage and sound transmission.
When you walk on tile, you are pushing it down into the adhesive, and if the tile is not conformed, you are pushing it into contact with the adhesive which causes the clicking/crackling sound. To fix this, you can usually heat the area for at least a day, and then roll the tile using a 100-pound roller.