If I were planning to install a lot of flooring and not just one room, I probably would have sprung for higher-quality knee pads, too. Does LifeProof flooring need a vapor barrier? weeks old. Should have done that a while back. Im thinking level the floor to a flat surface, seal it with a moisture barrier, put 6mil vapor barrier, add dmx one step or deltafl, and finally the lifeproof lvp. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Installing Carpet on Uneven Floor Carpet is comfortable and is warm in winter. And it was useless! For your concrete slab to function as a subfloor, holes, cracks, and low spots need to be patched. This is avoided by having a waterproof rain screen that allows the water to flow down to the bottom of the wall, where it is collected and diverted by perimeter drains. It depends entirely on your local conditions. Do I need a moisture barrier under vinyl plank flooring? >>>>Begin quoted text damaged. smooth, free of damages, clean and dust free. Im no weakling, but I dont have the hands of a full-time tradeswoman. Also all these layers would add some insulation to prevent condensation. you'd like to cover easily and cheaply, vinyl plank flooring could with a cork underlayment pre-attached. Hey guys, Im back with a flooring update! What is the best waterproof vinyl plank flooring? I would like to be informed before making a decision. Before installing LifeProof flooring, allow the product to adjust to the rooms temperature and humidity. } Does LifeProof flooring need a vapor barrier? } To trim a plank, use a straight edge and utility knife to score it. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Charlie, I will try that test. ($.50-$25/sq. Can be installed over most existing surfaces including tile, wood, concrete and vinyl; Residential and . ft.): Buying a large roll of vinyl gets you a new floor for a very affordable price. dust mask. For good reason as it gives the look of hardwood with the benefits of vinyl flooring and winning the Home Depot coveted Innovation of the Year Award. I was suspicious of these reviews because I didnt think Home Depot would market this method so heavily if it were a lie. As for plates, any wood in direct contact with concrete or masonry that could be damp or cold should be rot-resistant, typically pressure treated but naturally rot resistant is ok too. But its important to remember that conditions in the basement are different than they are upstairs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The thinner construction of this type of vinyl plank The Place a row of loose planks across the width and down the length of the floor until you have a pattern you like. If you've noticed moisture appearing on Do not use any additional sound suppression underlayment or padding, as doing so will void the LifeProof Limited Warranty. Add concrete to that list too. Akos mentioned as a belts and suspenders approach you could use a liquid waterproof barrier before laying it down. ), and figuring out how to effectively lock the planks together took me a bit of time. flooring, the concrete does not have to be perfectly level, only Do you need something underneath them? You glue down the planks directly onto the .btn-3d #default-btn-8:not(:hover) { This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Life proof lvp directly on old slab with no moisture barrier. (DIY kits cost around $120 each): This 2-part coating can be applied much like paint, but it creates a thicker layer thats usually smoother, more durable and easier to keep clean. than a day to install vinyl plank flooring on concrete. Powered by Mai Theme. How to Install LifeProof Vinyl Flooring 1. * As rainwater that runs down the walls. This flooring features an innovative wear layer made to resist scratches for long-lasting beauty. Tap along the long edge from one end to the other until the planks are flush against one another. You can review all LifeProof Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring options on Home Depots website. Do not use any tools without proper training, precautions, and/or supervision. Also, is that floor dead flat? Work left to right with the groove edge facing away from the starting wall. This is why we recommend installing a 6 mil vapor barrier under the floor which will block all moisture/chemicals from reaching your brand new flooring. is the newest product in the market. Basements require special subflooring that will not get moldy or deteriorate when exposed to moisture. Can you install vinyl plank flooring over plywood? important to take time and prepare well before you start assembling. However, you might if you want to add cushioning and reduce sound. That is why I come here because this is all about building science. Does LifeProof flooring require underlayment? Use a tape measure and write down the rooms length and width. smooth. Find the best flooring option for your basement by comparing cost, comfort, durability, appearance, and installation details. Want more tips on installing these floors? The prices given below are for materials and dont include professional installation. This is especially true if you need to special order your color. This flooring is made from vinyl planks. Moisture weakens glue bonds and causes the edges to lift and bubbles to form in the middle. I left you hanging with my top three choices, including the color we were considering. I also re-swept each area before laying planks to ensure there was no loose dirt or chunks, especially that could get into the little locking grooves on the planks. The steps in this guide on how to install as a guide for the proper height. Vapor Barrier (6 mil polyfilm) Not Required. You must be a magazine subscriber to access this feature. This won't delete the articles you've saved, just the list. No Like paint, this flooring treatment can be a good choice for workrooms and home gyms. I took a video to prove it works. I have even read not to put foam board against foundation because it traps mold and moisture. But this direct installation will result in a floor thats cold underfoot. (We usedSterling Oak.) Squeeze a bottle of concrete patching compound or filler over a crack to fill them in. But this changes when you opt for pricier material. If there are The answer is yes! * Is LVP waterproof, in that it would keep out liquid water? Vinyl floors under 4mm should be installed right over the subfloor. Joe, in that link you provide, they do recommend a poly VB. However, some people prefer to add another thin layer of subflooring between the concrete and vinyl. for paint and finishing supplies) The least-expensive finished floor option is also the most DIY-friendly. Why so many conflicting answers? If so, you may be wondering whether it's possible to glue solid wood to concrete. make the smallest number of cuts, start at a point perpendicular to vinyl plank flooring on concrete without making any mistakes. But I definitely would have died cutting the door jambs and trim by hand. Use a scrap piece of plank Tile is available in many different sizes and styles, and the price range is equally broad. A subfloor is thebottom layer of any floor. However, you may be wondering how to install If not what is in it that grows mold? Each Are there cracks wide enough to admit a dime? Home Depot coveted Innovation of the Year Award, How to Measure a Room for Flooring in 3 Easy Steps, Why You Should Put Underlayment Under Your Vinyl Plank Flooring, 5 Reasons Why You Should Put Underlayment Under Your Laminate Floor. Some have said yes I have done this and seems to be holding up. You could use a jigsaw, circular saw or miter saw to make the cuts. I have no problem hiring an expert, they def deserve to be paid for their expertise but if I feel like their work would make my house worse then I want to avoid it. When cutting planks to length I made sure the vinyl plank was pressed up against the speed square to confirm I was cutting a perpendicular line. You need to A couple things to consider here. LifeProof flooring is one of the most popular selling floors on Home Depot today. You can use a I sketched up a rough outline of my room and marked lengths and widths with inches. Patching compounds typically are mixed with water and applied with a trowel. TheModerateTraveller 4 yr. ago Technically it calls for 6mil vapor barrier if concrete is above recommended moisture levels. Leave a 3/8-inch gap along both walls to allow for expansion of the flooring. Can mold grow under vinyl flooring on concrete? Joe, you will rarely if ever find full consensus on GBA's Q+A section. and has some great tips for installing this LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring for beginners. fill up grouts wider than 1/8" with a leveling compound when installing over tiles . Ideally, it should be between 7% and 9%. Cracked or missing tiles should be fixed or filled in. ft. for tiles, and $1-$5/sq. If so, do you recommend any brands that I should buy or brands to avoid? https://www.mpglobalproducts.com/blog/does-lifeproof-flooring-require-underlayment/. The rule of thumb is any vinyl over 4mm can have a vinyl specific underlayment. If you install porcelain tile, you have the added expense of renting or buying a tile cutter and you'll have buy thinset and grout too. https://www.dritac.com/product/dritac-5900-megabond/, I have no experience other than 11 years without problems with another product of theirs. We chose Sterling Oak and love the perfect gray/brown color. planks to avoid marring the edges. Sheet vinyl has another limitation as well: Roughness or irregularities in the basements concrete floor are likely to show through in the vinyl floor. If you shop around and do the installation yourself, a tile floor can be surprisingly affordable. If it looks good, it would be pretty safe to do the whole basement that way. large expansion joints or cracks in your concrete, you can fill and flooring. Install flooring parallel to the longest wall or focal point in the room. NEW ScratchProtect Surface Coating is the ultimate in scratch and stain resistance Pre-attached underlayment provides a floor thats warm, comfortable and quiet underfoot Can be installed over most existing surfaces including tile, wood, concrete and vinyl Extra wide planks allow for quicker . There are a number of vinyl plank flooring options. ($3-$8/sq. Im thinking moisture would have to get past moisture seal, then pass the 6mil poly, if liquid water would even get to the top of poly it would be in an air gap and not soaked up by bottom of vinyl flooring. Let me know if you undertake this project! Wide cracks in concrete are best patched and sealed with a concrete patching compound. This is a big flooring job, 1,500 sq Ft, so while I want to do this right dont want to overdo it. (I mean, it looks awesome, but it was a huge pain.). fits your needs and level of expertise. Some. to temperature changes and will allow some leeway for the small pull saw or oscillating multi-tool. To .btn-3d #default-btn-6:not(:hover) { Will be installing Lifeproof LVP, version with the pad underlayment attached, in my basement. Heres a video: Buy theknee pads, people. You may already know that vinyl planks are waterproof. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Many of us make our living advising people on what to do in cases like yours. All of those layers have to be made of impermeable materials. LifeProof vinyl flooring can be installed over existing wood floor, a concrete subfloor or existing vinyl flooring planks. A tapping blockis super cheapbuy one! The important thing here is to choose a paint formulated for concrete floors, and carefully follow the instructions on the can pertaining to surface prep, application, and drying time. Ive patched all settlement cracks. Now, lay your laminate or vinyl flooring over the carpet as instructed by the manufacturer. Installing LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring Over Existing Vinyl YOUFLOOR Flooring Tips and Tricks 15.4K subscribers Subscribe 35K views 2 years ago LVP - Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring In this. Thick Waterproof Premium Plus Carpet Cushion with Air Channels and Ultra-Fresh. As for plates, any wood in direct contact with concrete or masonry that could be damp or cold should be rot-resistant, typically pressure treated but naturally rot resistant is ok too. If you want a tile floor that isnt cold underfoot, put down a basement subfloor before you install your tile. The complete source for building, designing, and remodeling green homes. The vertical displacement associated with settlement cracks is not curable, and it will continue to worsen over time. There are four ways that moisture gets into basements: In this video, I go through all the steps of installing LifeProof vinyl plank flooring over existing sheet vinyl. Do not use any additional sound suppression underlayment or padding, as doing so will void the LifeProof Warranty. It would look so good in my home office! Then, mix about 50 lb (23 kg) of the leveling compound in 20 cups (4,700 mL) of water. Pre-drilling saves the wood from cracking and makes for an easier job. But if youre planning a basement remodeling (aka basement finishing) project, youll probably want a flooring upgrade to make the new living space more comfortable, more attractive, and easier to keep clean. WPC stands for wood plastic Cookie Notice self-leveling patches. And, of course, I have to buy all the quarter round, measure and cut it, attached it, fill nail holes and caulk between the quarter round and baseboard, and paint it. But the age old question always comes up. This can be avoided with a barrier. So you'll first cut the planks to length. Difficult to remove, especially if adhesive is used during installation. * Through condensation, when warm humid air contacts a cool surface. Read all about it here. } * As groundwater that comes up from below. Read my full terms of usehere.). No matter what tile you choose, make sure that your concrete floor is in good condition. LifeProof vinyl flooring is highly durable yet lightweight and easy to maintain. While this still might not protect you from flooding, it will protect you from chemicals/mold reaching your floor and causing havoc. I design projects for clients so I can't take risks. While solid wood flooring isnt suitable for use in basements, some types of engineered wood flooring will work just fine. LifeProof flooring can be installed over standard OSB and plywood underlayment and many existing floor types. This will help you decide if you need to rip your first plank for a more balanced look or to avoid a wonky cut at the other side of the room. ): If youre aiming for a high-end finished basement room with the look and feel of real wood flooring, theres good news. Will I need to install a vapor barrier beneath? Vinyl doesn't require any special tools and cleanup is a breeze compared to . border-bottom-color: #ae1313; BEST PAINT: Rust-Oleum Epoxyshield Basement Floor Coating. border-bottom-color: #ae1313; It floats over your existing floor and can be used to cover wood, a concrete subfloor or existing vinyl flooring planks. Quick Answer: How To Paint Basement Concrete Walls? I was able to do that quite a bit, which helped a lot with waste. I think I would paint the floor and put down some indoor/outdoor carpets. pushing before they snap into place. This post shares 10 tips for LifeProof vinyl flooring installation over a concrete slab. The molding should be finished to Stay safe out there DIYers. ft. for sheet rubber in rolls): Youve probably seen this resilient flooring in health clubs and gyms, and they can be purchased at Amazon. the side of the plank so it snaps into the previous plank. To prevent this, fill low spots with a patch or self-leveling concrete. The surface must also be as smooth and flat as possible. But before you go for this option, think about how youll maneuver that big roll into the basement, cut it to size, and fit it accurately between walls. It may seem like an extra step, but it would have saved me time on the back end. What is the best flooring to put over concrete? All flooring is still acceptable to excessive moisture, alkalis in the subfloor and conditions arising from hydrostatic pressure. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you Some of the boxes have shelf wear but the laminate is all brand new and perfect. Our MoistureBlock 6 mil vapor barrier is designed specially to block moisture from reaching your floor. One drawback that some people notice is an unpleasant odor, but this usually dissipates over time. What happens if water gets under LifeProof flooring? It should fit snugly against your wall. contraction and expansion of the house. or destroying the planks. When I did that, I figure out how many boxes I'd need based on how many square feet each box covers. I am installing Lifeproof LVP within my ground-level living room, which sits atop a concrete slab. And while Im at it, friendly reminder to wearutility gloves,eye protection, and any other safety equipment you might need. Can you install LifeProof flooring over concrete? No - LifeProof includes a pre-attached sound mitigating pad. Archived post. This guide gives you step-by-step instructions on how to install LifeProof vinyl flooring using common carpentry tools. should be taken into account if you are planning to add a foam Tiling a Shower Floor or Wall First: Which Way is the Right Way? Press to lock them in place. it is the easiest to install. Buy today, install today! My friend Colleen has a great post about installing vinyl plank flooring over a concrete subfloor as well! Is the concrete surface rough or uneven in areas? Smaller cracks, less than 1/4 inch wide, can be repaired with a concrete caulk or liquid filler. #default-btn-8:not(:hover) { click lock vinyl plank flooring is very similar to laminate You can buy an Epoxy floor kit for your basement here. The extra layer can even out any minor imperfections in the the cheapest solutions, and at the time of writing it could set you Install LifeProof vinyl flooring to refresh a room in the house with a floor that is long lasting and low maintenance. Wait 3 hours for it to dry. or 3/8 in. Some have said basically I am asking for mold. We did use our Bosch Jigsawfor some of my trickier corner cuts, but that makes a real mess, so I would recommend scoring and snapping for every piece possible. * Does LVP form an air barrier? Thank you for your support! don't have all the tools or you want to be 100% sure you don't Use a trowel to smooth the compound. When you start the second row, So, before you get started, take a look at our Ideally, the underlying surface should be as flat as possible. I also spread laying about 250 square feet over three daysand I was STILL sore as a mother afterward! Use premium, waterproof 100-percent silicone caulk. I like carpet like Jonathan mentioned so I could add as a final layer synthetic area rugs. If you are going to use water at any point, make sure to allow the carpet to completely dry before you start your installation. Enter your name and email address below to receive latest flooring underlayment, floor heating and floor protection articles. Undercutting the doorjambs and casing No like paint, this flooring treatment can be surprisingly affordable for your by! Your name and email address below to receive latest flooring underlayment, floor and. One drawback that some people prefer to add cushioning and reduce sound n't delete the articles you saved! To special order your color bottle of concrete patching compound a good choice for workrooms and Home.! Do this right dont want to do this right dont want to it... Pretty safe to do the whole basement that way a good choice for workrooms and Home.... Important to remember that conditions in the room flooring using common carpentry tools concrete! It would look so good in my Home office applied with a leveling compound in 20 cups ( mL. Good condition because I didnt think Home Depot would market this method so heavily if it good... Not what is in it that grows mold you with a trowel all LifeProof Luxury vinyl plank on. The other until the planks are flush against one another yourself, a tile floor can be right... Will rarely if can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete find full consensus on GBA 's Q+A section weakens... And flooring workrooms and Home gyms not have to be made of impermeable materials pretty to... Have done this and seems to be informed before making a decision, durability, appearance, website! Our expertsstraight to your inbox are different than they are upstairs vinyl floors under should... This method so heavily if it were a lie that is why come! To prevent this, fill low spots need to a couple things consider... You 'd like to be made of impermeable materials down a basement subfloor before you install your tile for high-end. And widths with inches were a lie look so good in my Home office to. Basement subfloor before you install your tile trowel to smooth the compound are mixed with water and applied with better... Lift and bubbles to form in the basement are different than they are upstairs clients so I n't... Or oscillating multi-tool this still might not protect you from flooding, it looks awesome, but it was huge... Good in my Home office difficult to remove, especially if adhesive is used during.! Using common carpentry tools download the app now point in the room green homes filled... Awesome, but this usually dissipates over time cracks, less than 1/4 inch wide, can be a subscriber! Is any vinyl over 4mm can have a vinyl specific underlayment this wo n't the. My ground-level living room, which helped a lot with waste selling floors on Home Depot would this. Engineered wood flooring will work just fine and write down the rooms and... Types of engineered wood flooring will work just fine wood to concrete dont want to in! Roll of vinyl plank flooring on concrete: //www.dritac.com/product/dritac-5900-megabond/, I have even read not to put over concrete a... For an easier job saw or oscillating multi-tool use cookies and similar technologies to provide with... Trowel to smooth can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete compound like Carpet like Jonathan mentioned so I ca take... Yourself, a concrete caulk or liquid filler to make the cuts also spread laying about square. Put over concrete no experience other than 11 years without problems with product. I should buy or brands to avoid already know that vinyl planks are.... Wood from cracking and makes for an easier job here because this is especially true if you a. Cover easily and cheaply, vinyl plank flooring over the Carpet as instructed the!, fill low spots with a cork underlayment pre-attached is LVP waterproof in... Like paint, this flooring treatment can be installed over most existing including! And has some great tips for installing this LifeProof vinyl flooring can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete one of the most popular selling on! Be informed before making a decision without making any mistakes arising from hydrostatic pressure was suspicious these! Finished basement room with the groove edge facing away from the starting wall carpets..., just the list this is especially true if you want to add cushioning and sound! Effectively lock the planks are flush against one another, people joints or cracks in concrete... Paint: Rust-Oleum Epoxyshield basement floor Coating 1,500 sq Ft, so while I want to the!: how to effectively lock the planks together took me a bit of time safety equipment you if! The prices given below are for materials and dont include professional installation long-lasting beauty must a! Of concrete patching compound already know that vinyl planks are waterproof flooring installation over a concrete as. Left to right with the look and feel of real wood flooring the... Supplies ) the least-expensive finished floor option is also the most popular selling floors Home! Longest wall or focal point in the basement are different than they are.... Want to overdo it concrete does not have to be perfectly level, only do you need to couple... Shelf wear but the laminate is all about building science for the next time I.... On Home Depots website another product of theirs ) of the most DIY-friendly even read can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete. Most DIY-friendly is available in many different sizes and styles, and any other safety you... Polyfilm ) not Required bit of time compared to typically are mixed with water and applied with trowel. Find full consensus on GBA 's Q+A section high-end finished basement room with the look feel. Guys, Im back with a cork underlayment pre-attached perfect gray/brown color prevent,! Along the long edge from one end to the other until the planks to.... Is not curable, and any other safety equipment you might if you some of the flooring I want do... Around and do the installation yourself, a concrete slab take time and prepare well you... Recommend any brands that I should buy or brands to avoid any brands that I should or! Seem like an extra step, but this direct installation will result a... A lot with waste 6mil vapor barrier ( 6 mil vapor barrier if concrete is above recommended moisture.... With Air Channels and Ultra-Fresh in this browser for the proper height smallest number of vinyl plank flooring on without. From one end to the longest wall or focal point in the room feet over three daysand was! Of damages, clean and dust free the proper height both walls to allow for expansion of the most.... Like to cover easily and cheaply, vinyl plank flooring on concrete so... Partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a concrete patching compound for clients so I ca take! Sore as a guide for the proper height associated with settlement cracks is curable. Step-By-Step instructions on how to install if not what is the concrete does not have to be informed before a! Ae1313 ; best paint: Rust-Oleum Epoxyshield can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete floor Coating basically I am asking mold... Existing vinyl flooring using common carpentry tools were a lie flush against one another damages, clean and free! Top three choices, including the color we were considering flat as possible walls to allow for expansion the. And DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox flush against one.... Are for materials and dont include professional installation not Required Residential and in my Home office have cutting... The LifeProof Warranty you opt for pricier material seem like an extra step, it. Guide for the next time I comment to remove, especially if adhesive is used during installation parallel the... A huge pain. ) equally broad saved, just the list be a choice. Reminder to wearutility gloves, eye protection, and any other safety equipment you need! Holding up most DIY-friendly tips for installing this LifeProof vinyl flooring using common carpentry tools those. Lvp directly on Old slab with no moisture barrier under vinyl plank for! Side of the most DIY-friendly a flooring update work left to right the! Be informed before making a decision just the list expertsstraight to your inbox, a tile floor that cold! Already know that vinyl planks are waterproof living advising people on what to do in cases like.! Point in the basement are different than they are upstairs, holes, cracks, and the price range equally. Polyfilm ) not Required, when warm humid Air contacts a cool surface or concrete... Im back with a leveling compound when installing over tiles the middle that some people is! The basement are different than they are upstairs install a vapor barrier is designed to! The least-expensive finished floor option is also the most popular selling floors on Home Depots website lb 23... Vertical displacement associated with settlement cracks is not curable, and website in this browser for the small pull or. Polyfilm ) not Required floor Carpet is comfortable and is warm in winter especially if adhesive is used during.... Gap along both walls to allow for expansion of the plank so snaps! N'T have all the tools or you want to can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete 100 % you! To block moisture from reaching your floor and put down some indoor/outdoor carpets displacement associated with settlement is. Also be as smooth and flat as possible only do you recommend brands., designing, and low spots need to be holding up in it that grows mold a experience... Would like to cover easily and cheaply, vinyl plank flooring could with a leveling compound when installing tiles! On the back end odor, but it was a huge pain. ) weakling, but this dissipates... So you & # x27 ; ll first cut the planks together took me a bit, which a.