How do you install vinyl plank flooring on a basement floor? Here is a practical installation guide.
In recent years, the vinyl plank has become one of the most popular flooring materials in the market. It is 100% synthetic, yet it resembles the most authentic flooring materials like stone and wood.
Another reason it has become so popular is its ability to resist stains and water. To add to that, vinyl planks are not expensive, and they are easy to install.
Is luxury vinyl plank flooring good for basements? Let’s find out.
Basement Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation
When you install vinyl planks on concrete, the floors become warmer and more comfortable.
This flooring indeed has a lot to offer, yet we have to also consider its cons.
Keep reading, as we will be telling you all you need to know about vinyl plank flooring, including how to install it.
How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring In Basements
As we have mentioned earlier, vinyl plank flooring is easy to install and you can do it yourself without the help of a contractor. If you’re one to save costs on wages, then that would be an ideal option for you.
Vinyl planks are designed to latch through a click and glue-down method. These planks are already designed to be laid down on your already-existing flooring, so you don’t have to worry about altering anything.
That being said, you will still need to examine the condition of your floor before you lay your vinyl planks. The floor should be in good shape, that is smooth debris-free, and damage-free.
If your floor is in great condition, then your new vinyl planks can be installed without hassle and won’t come off later. If it isn’t, then you will not get the desired results.
A lot of homeowners are concerned about whether they should underlay their vinyl planks or not. If you’re laying the vinyl on a concrete floor, then you will need an underlay for the sub-floor.
The underlay will provide an extra cushion on the floor and make the vinyl planks comfier to walk on. It also boosts the floor’s insulating abilities, which keeps the floor warm even in the cold winter months.
Follow these steps to install your vinyl plank flooring.
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Take the measurements
If you’re sure the already-existing floor is in good shape, then the first thing you need to do before laying the vinyl planks is to take accurate measurements of the area you intend to cover.
All you need to do is a regular tape measure. When you have determined the width and length of the area, add an extra 3 to 5 square feet, just in case, there is an emergency during the flooring.
Now that you know the specifics on the area that needs to be covered, you can then look for a dealer to buy your vinyl planks from.
The flooring material you will buy has to be ideal for vinyl planks. The vinyl has a click-lock mechanism that looks like that of laminate flooring. However, vinyl flooring is significantly thinner than laminate flooring.
The standard thickness for modern-day vinyl planks stretches between 2mm and 8mm. If the planks have a thickness that’s less than 4mm, you can boost its click-locking with a simple foam underlay application.
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Prepare the materials and subfloor
When your vinyl planks arrive, don’t be in a hurry to lay them. You need to give the planks about two days to acclimatize with the indoor temperature of your home.
During the waiting period, you can begin preparing the subfloor. This involves removing any obstructions, cleaning the floor, placing the underlay, and making sure everything else is set for the vinyl planks.
To successfully and effectively install your new vinyl planks, you will need some basic tools, most or all of which you should already have at home.
These tools include a measuring tape, a sharp utility knife, spacers, rubber mallet, markers, the flooring material of your choice, chalk, T-square, tapping block, and level.
Having these tools in hand, and following the right installation processes, you will successfully lay down your new vinyl plank flooring.
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Choose your preferred pattern
Before you begin flooring, you should make up your mind on the pattern you want. Not doing so could leave you wishing for a better pattern after you have finished laying the planks.
Be sure to cut the floor pieces according to the pattern you have chosen. You should also mix all your vinyl planks in an even manner so you’ll have a uniform look at the end.
Key Steps To Follow For Basement Vinyl Flooring
Here are the key steps you must follow to install your vinyl planks.
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Spacing
Using your spacer, make sure you create a gap of about 1.3cm from the wall, then begin laying the first row of your vinyl plank flooring. Ensure you start from the left.
You should also make sure the groove of the plank sits perfectly into the tongue of the other plank. Then complete the rows by interlocking the groove and tongue connectors as you align the seams.
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Tapping
With a rubber mallet and tapping block, softly hit the planks so they fit all the way in as you continue laying the planks.
There would be some leftovers, and you can use them to cut terminals that are about 6 inches or longer to begin the next row. Be sure to give the pieces a good mix to achieve a uniform look afterward.
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Interlocking
From a slight tilt, fix the planks to the previous row until you are sure that they are locked in the right way.
Keep on with the task while you ensure that all the planks are Interlocking correctly and all the seams are tightly fitted.
Feel free to add spacers every few feet around the edges, then take them off after you are done with the installation.
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Re-Installing The Baseboards
You will end your new vinyl plank installation by re-installing the baseboards. Now you can use the brad mailer to install the finishing molds that seal the expansion gaps.
With all these steps completed, your vinyl plank would have been fully installed and they would sit perfectly into your floor space.
Before you proceed, ensure that you first read through the manufacturer’s specifications and understand them.
These instructions will brief you on how to clean your vinyl plank flooring and advise you on the best cleaners you should use.
Do not use sharp objects on the vinyl planks to avoid accidental damages.
Advantages Of Vinyl Plank Flooring
There are many basement flooring options for you to choose from, but since we’re already talking about vinyl planks, we might as well tell you why it’s a great choice for your home.
As you already know, vinyl plank flooring is becoming increasingly popular, and below are a few reasons why.
It is waterproof:
Water is one big issue that many flooring types have to contend with. Rugs and carpets are among those that can be soaked by water, which leaves it damp and with an unpleasant smell.
Vinyl plank flooring doesn’t have this problem, thanks to its waterproof nature. This makes it ideal for areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
Basements are prone to water so installing a vinyl plank floor in that area is also ideal. With these, you don’t have to worry when there are accidental spills, all you have to do is mop it up.
It looks real:
Another advantage of this type of flooring is that it looks like the real deal. You can also combine patterns and colors to bring out the natural looks of wood or stone.
It is easy to clean:
Vinyl plank flooring isn’t just waterproof, it can also resist almost any stain. This makes it very easy to clean and maintain, even in high-traffic areas.
Just give it the occasional cleaning and it will remain looking as good as new. All you need to do this are simple cleaning tools like brooms, vacuums, mops, and a mild cleaning liquid.
There’s more good news, vinyl planks do not need to be waxed. They also have a protective wear layer at the surface which helps it retain a new look, even after many years of use.
They are very durable:
Nobody wants flooring that won’t last, and this is why vinyl planks have become so popular. Thanks to its toughness, the flooring can last for a very long time without wear and tear.
It is scratch proof and it is stain proof, so it’s perfect for those who have kids and pets. They are also waterproof, so you can place them in areas of your home with a lot of water activity.
These include the basement, bathroom, and kitchen.
Conclusion
Can you put a vinyl plank in your basement? Yes.
Vinyl plank flooring is waterproof, and this is why it is a great fit for your basement. Remember, the basement is the lowest point of your home and it is more prone to moisture than the other spaces.
It is also stain and scratch-proof, so it’s ideal for areas with high human or pet activity.
We hope the vinyl plank basement installation tips we have provided here have been helpful.
Take care.