Generally speaking, LVP can be installed directly over subfloors such as concrete or ceramic tile assuming they're clean and level.
You can install vinyl plank flooring directly on a subfloor if it's smooth and level. However, underlayment is recommended for added benefits.
If you still have swirling and glue lines, I'd put something down. 1/4'' underlayment (luan) is really mean for this type of thing. It can just be stapled to the floor, and the vinyl goes on top.
Most modern vinyl flooring, such as Happy Feet, comes with an attached underlayment or pad, often with a moisture barrier built-in – unless the pad is cork. If the product you choose doesn't have an attached underlayment, you can almost always install directly over the subfloor without one.
Felt underlayment is a popular choice for vinyl plank flooring due to its affordability and ease of installation. It is made from recycled materials and offers excellent noise reduction properties.
Plywood Subfloor
There is no need for a moisture barrier when installing on plywood. However, you will want to look for an underlayment with sound reduction and feels comfortable.
Underlayment is not required if the vinyl flooring will be laid over a cushion-backed vinyl floor or a tile floor below grade. In all other applications, however, you should use one, such as covering existing hardwood floors, vinyl flooring without cushion, and concrete floors.
Before installing the LVP, it's important to make sure that the subfloor is level and dry. Use a self-levelling smoothing compound to smooth them out. 2-3mm of smoothing compound will dry to walk on within 2 hours however will need at least 24 hours to dry sufficiently for the LVP to be adhered to it.
Choosing a vinyl flooring with rubber backing is ideal. Rubber features several properties that make it a quality choice for a long-lasting floor. Rubber is a strong option that can withstand heavy loads. It also offers valuable shock absorption that can help to make your floor more comfortable to walk on.
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.
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.
Subfloors must be clean, dry, level, and free from imperfections before any type of luxury vinyl plank flooring is laid down. That said, you don't necessarily have to remove your existing subfloor. Just make sure it is properly prepared for installation by smoothing out any bumps or ridges in the surface.
Second, we use various rooms for drastically different purposes. While luxury vinyl plank flooring is ideal for several rooms in your home, it will eventually meet other flooring types. It is here that you'll need the right transition piece(s) to create an effortless flow between these surfaces.
A plywood subfloor should also be strong and stable, so it's recommended that it be at least 1.9 cm thick too. It's worth noting once again that the more effort you put into making sure your subfloor is in great condition before laying any LVT, the better the condition of your LVT will remain for a much longer time!
You may want to purchase some quarter-round pieces in a matching color to cover up this gap. For a better look, however, our experts recommend removing the baseboards prior to laying down new flooring.
If the type of vinyl flooring is similar to a snap fit free floating floor then you can actually put that down directly over top of a subfloor and not have to worry about the minor gaps between plywood sections, although it's always a good idea to ensure all nails are fastened down.
Cork underlayments have shown to have a clearly superior performance when compared to the 100% foam-based solution, maintaining their characteristics. After 100,000 charge cycles, cork only lost 5% of its thickness while foam recorded a loss of 55%.
If the floor is less than 50 ft in length or width, leave at least a ¼-inch expansion gap around the entire perimeter.
Click vinyl comes in styles with and without attached underpad. Altogether, this is another fine choice for homes. GLUE-DOWN is the most durable of the three and ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic. It's a bit harder and pricier to install, though the planks themselves sell for less.
In most cases, you can confidently walk on your floating vinyl plank flooring 24-48 hours after installation once the planks have had time to acclimate and settle. Of course, following the manufacturer's specific guidelines for your product is always a good idea to ensure a successful installation.
To lay your flooring in a basic pattern, design experts recommend starting from the most visible wall of the room from the entrance. Lay your planks so that they run from end to end, parallel against this wall. It's recommended you start ¼ of an inch off the wall.
If your subfloor is very even and smooth, you do not need an underlayment under your vinyl plank on hardwood. However, underlayment can still prove resourceful when used for sound reduction and cushioning.
Luxury vinyl plank manufacturers mention only vapor barrier in their installations. They recommend this due to not allowing (concrete subfloor) getting moisture or alkalinity to your flooring choice. This will eliminate any potential for claims or damages to the manufacturers flooring.
All Stainmaster luxury vinyl needs underlayment, which isn't a big deal: most floors do. That said, Stainmaster is super picky about the kind of underlayment you use.
Your subfloor should be clean, rigid, level and free of cracks. Remove any carpeting or old vinyl flooring and temporarily remove the baseboard. If you are installing vinyl planks in a bathroom, you may need to temporarily remove the toilet, or you can install around it.