Don't want to deal with removing baseboards? You can leave them in place, but you will need to leave a ¼” gap between the baseboard and flooring, to account for expansion over time. You may want to purchase some quarter-round pieces in a matching color to cover up this gap.
It's better to do the floor first, but some installers leave existing baseboards and add a quarter-round moulding to hide the expansion gap.
No, it is not necessary, you can leave it and cover the gap created between the new floating floor and the existing baseboard with quarter round trim.
You can use 100% silicone caulking and it will absorb the expansion & contraction. Or you can install a shoe mould trim to cover the gaps and because it is thin and much more flexible than baseboard it will follow the contour of the floor.
Caulking is required if there is a gap of at least one-eighth of an inch between the flooring and the baseboard. This helps to protect them from moisture and dust. Caulk should ideally be applied to solid surfaces such as stone, wood, and other similar materials for the best results.
Most modern vinyl flooring comes with an attached underlayment or pad, often with a built-in moisture barrier—unless the pad is cork. If the vinyl flooring product you choose doesn't have an attached underlayment, you can almost always install directly over the subfloor without one.
A 1000-square-foot space will take around two to three days with a couple of people working on it. However, the timeframe can also depend on the space.
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.
Don't want to deal with removing baseboards? You can leave them in place, but you will need to leave a ¼” gap between the baseboard and flooring, to account for expansion over time. You may want to purchase some quarter-round pieces in a matching color to cover up this gap.
The Sequence of Baseboard and Hardwood Flooring Installation
Some pros swear by setting those baseboards first, but others argue for laying down all that beautiful wood beforehand. Industry sources suggest there's no one-size-fits-all answer because each method has its merits depending on the situation at hand.
To ensure a secure and professional-looking luxury vinyl floor installation, it's recommended to remove baseboards and shoe molding before installing luxury vinyl plank flooring.
Most flooring applications do not require you to remove existing baseboards. However, you may choose to remove the baseboards and replace them at the same time as flooring installation if you want to switch to a different baseboard height or change the style to match the overall look of your remodel.
If you want to save cost on materials and time cutting, you'll want to lay them in the direction that follows the longer dimension of the room. This way, you'll only need to cut planks that meet the shorter-length walls. Following the direction of the longer-length walls in the room help to make it feel more open.
If you plan to install baseboard moulding before adding carpet, it needs to be installed 1 inch above floor level to allow room for both pad and carpet. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid, it should be installed at the same height as without carpet.
Vinyl Plank Installation Cost
Materials: $2-3 PER SQ. FT. Labor: $2-3 PER SQ. FT.
This project can be done in as little as an afternoon and is easy enough that even first-time home renovators can tackle it with relative ease. In this article, we'll take a look at how to install vinyl plank flooring in your house, step by step.
Which side is the tongue, which the groove, and which goes first during installation? The tongue is the side that you will want to place against the wall as you start your laminate-flooring installation.
When moisture penetrates your flooring, it can cause mold, mildew, and the potential for water damage. A moisture barrier helps control the water vapor's movement to help protect your floors. Therefore, if you're installing floors in an area that sees moisture, even a little, a vapor barrier is needed.
Choosing between felt or foam-backed vinyl flooring ultimately comes down to personal preferences, alongside the specific needs of the space where it will be installed. Felt-backed vinyl offers an enhanced underfoot experience that's warm, comfortable, and forgiving of minor subfloor irregularities.
When preparing your subfloor for luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, it is important to ensure that the surface is level, clean, and free of any debris or obstacles.
No matter whether baseboards or flooring is installed first, it's essential that a gap of at least 1 inch is left between the baseboard and the floor.
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.
When installing over a concrete subfloor, a felt underlayment is the best choice. Felt does a fantastic job of insulating the flooring from the cold concrete. It will also provide shock absorption. This will help absorb the impacts of everyday foot traffic, making the flooring more comfortable.