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How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring On Uneven Floor

You can install a vinyl plank over a slightly uneven floor. However, for vinyl flooring installation, you need to ensure that your subfloor is clean and level. This may involve the use of a sanding or self-leveling compound. But for highly uneven surfaces, you can install laminate flooring.

Can you put vinyl plank flooring on uneven floor?

A vinyl plank can be installed on a slightly uneven ground. You must, however, ensure that your floor is clean and level for vinyl floor installation. The use of a sanding or self-aligning compound may be required. In addition to vinyl, linoleum, carpets and hardwood floors are other flooring options.

How level does the floor need to be for vinyl plank?

Prep your subfloor so that it’s clean, dry and level within 3/16-inch change per 10 feet. Use a self-leveler on low spots and/or sand high spots of wood or concrete. Don’t sand vinyl flooring as it may contain asbestos.

What type of flooring is best for uneven floors?

The Best Flooring for Uneven Surfaces Carpet is the perfect material for uneven flooring. You can roll, bend, fold and buckle carpet any way you like and can do so easily. Linoleum is very similar to vinyl but is a bit more difficult to cut. The second trick is to liberally butter the tiles during installation.

Do I need to level floor before vinyl flooring?

If you are installing vinyl planks over a concrete subfloor, you first need to level or sand any deformities. It means you have to sand down high spots in the concrete or fill in low spots with a self-leveling compound. Dry the levelers for one day before installing vinyl planks over it.

How do you level a floor before installing vinyl plank flooring?

First, clean the area by sweeping or vacuuming it. Next, dampen the area by using a wet sponge to help prevent the material from drying too quickly. Then, pour the self-leveler into the low points. You’ll need to use a metal trowel to make sure that the hole is filled before gravity levels it out.

How smooth does subfloor need to be for LVP?

It needs to be level (i.e., smooth/flat) to within 3/16″ per 10 foot radius, and not have a moisture problem (the planks won’t be damaged, but the moisture can collect under them and wick to walls and cause damage).

Can I lay laminate flooring over uneven floor?

Laminate can be installed on an uneven floor; however this can degrade the quality of your new laminate. The finished product may become warped as a result, causing the floor to shift and become damaged when walked on. For this reason, it is best to level the subfloor prior to installing laminate.

What do you lay on uneven floors?

Below are the best possible options for you to cover and decorate your uneven flooring. Engineered Wood. Among all floating floorings, engineered wood is one of the most favorites. Luxury Vinyl. Luxury vinyl is the newest version of vinyl flooring. Sheet Vinyl. Laminate. Linoleum. Carpet. Solid Hardwood.

How do you cover an uneven concrete floor?

Grind any high and inconsistent spots into the same level by moving the grinding plate back-forth and sideways. Mix your leveling compound into a thin and consistent paste. The paste seals the floor cracks. Spread the leveling primer on the surface using a soft bristle push broom and ensure the layer is smooth.

Do I need underlayment for vinyl plank flooring on concrete?

The key to installing luxury vinyl over concrete is to ensure the floor is level and clean. Underlayment isn’t a necessity, but you might consider it to add noise reducing qualities or additional softness to the product. If the concrete is uneven, you will have to level it out.

Can you lay vinyl planks over concrete?

Vinyl planks are an easy floor covering for a concrete subfloor. If you’re looking for an easy-to-install floor covering for a concrete subfloor that will resist wear and look great longer than practically any other flooring material, consider vinyl flooring.

What should I put under vinyl flooring?

The rule of thumb is any vinyl over 4mm can have a vinyl specific underlayment. With thinner vinyl flooring construction, adding a foam underlayment can effect the locking system strength. Vinyl floors under 4mm should be installed right over the subfloor.

How do you prepare a subfloor for LVP?

Preparing a Concrete Subfloor for Luxury Vinyl Flooring Test the moisture content of your concrete subfloor. Thoroughly clean your subfloor. Check your subfloor to make sure it is level. Level your floor by filling low spots with patching compound and a putty knife. Use a belt sander to reduce high spots.

How smooth does floor need to be for laminate?

Most manufacturers recommend that the floor be flat to within 3/16” in a 10 ft. radius. These measurements are consistent with most other types of floor coverings. On floating floors, vertical movement needs to be kept to a minimum.

What kind of subfloor do you need for vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl flooring is usually not installed directly over the subfloor in residential applications. In most cases 4-by-8-foot sheets of particle board or plywood must be installed in preparation for the vinyl floor install.

Does floor have to be perfectly level for laminate?

The only leveling you need to do is to smooth out the surface to get rid of any bumps or dents. This is the foundation on which you surface (finished) surface rests. It gives sturdiness and balance and is attached to the floor joists.

How do you fix low spots under laminate flooring?

Soft spots in a laminate floor can be caused by an uneven sub-floor or improper installation of flooring underlayment. For quick repairs of soft spots in your laminate floor use an air inflation needle or a syringe (used to blow up sports balls) on a can of spray foam.