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Can You Put Sheet Vinyl Flooring Over Hardwood (How To)

Sheet Vinyl Flooring is cheaper than vinyl tiles or planks or most other types of flooring to install. It can usually be installed in one day using very few tools. Install sheet vinyl flooring and you will soon have a fresh and clean appearance in your room.

Yes, you can put sheet vinyl flooring over hardwood floors. Before putting sheet vinyl flooring over hardwood you must first put an underlayment of ¼ inch plywood substrate down to ensure a smooth surface. This is an important step and must not be omitted.

Vinyl flooring on the stairs

If you do not install the plywood substrate over the wood floor before installing sheet vinyl flooring the imprints of the wood will come through the vinyl and give a grooved appearance.

You will need your vinyl flooring to appear smooth and free of obvious lines from the hardwood.

The plywood substrate will also prevent the hardwood from wearing through the sheet vinyl flooring as quickly. Less wear on the vinyl will help it to last longer and remain attractive for a longer amount of time.

Since you must install an underlayment of plywood substrate before laying sheet vinyl flooring you will actually be involved in installing two different floors. This step of installing the underlayment is very important to ensure a smooth look on the floor and must not be skipped.

Should You Put Sheet Vinyl Flooring Over Hardwood?

man in hard hat holding tools

Sheet vinyl flooring is the most cost-effective vinyl flooring available and can give a fresh look to any room very quickly. Even with these advantages, there are certain caveats that you should be aware of before deciding if sheet vinyl flooring is the best option to consider.

Although sheet vinyl flooring is the most cost-effective flooring that you can put over hardwood flooring it may not be the best choice. There are a number of reasons why sheet vinyl flooring may not be the best choice to install over hardwood floors when there are many other vinyl product options to consider.

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One problem you may experience with installing sheet vinyl flooring over hardwood is obtaining a smooth surface. You must install a plywood substrate underlayment first to get a smooth finish and no issues with imprints from wood flooring. Therefore, you are actually installing two floors over the hardwood.

You should be aware that sheet vinyl flooring comes in large pieces and is very difficult to transport. Sheet vinyl flooring is difficult to install because of the size of the vinyl and it is hard to manipulate in the room before cutting.

Another reason to choose other options is the need to let the sheet vinyl lay in the room for 24 hours so the vinyl can acclimate to the temperature of the room. It will then be easier to handle and less likely to tear or split.

Also, sheet vinyl flooring over hardwood may not be a viable option because of the limitations in designs and colors. Sheet vinyl flooring is not in as much demand today and manufacturers do not invest as much in the production of sheet vinyl flooring.

You can install sheet vinyl flooring over hardwood with or without using adhesive. The adhesive method will last longer but is more complicated to install and requires more time to install. The sheet vinyl flooring without using adhesive is easier, faster, and cleaner to install but may not last as long.

Sheet vinyl flooring is also less durable than other flooring and will not perform well in high-traffic areas. There are many other options in flooring that have proven to be much more cost-effective in the covering of hardwood flooring other than sheet vinyl.

Sheet vinyl flooring may not be the best choice in vinyl products to cover hardwood floors. Vinyl flooring also comes in tiles and planks and there are many more choices in designs and colors than sheet vinyl. Tiles and planks are more expensive but are much easier to install.

What Tools Do You Need To Put Sheet Vinyl Flooring Over Hardwood?

Assortment of tools

Sheet vinyl flooring can be put on hardwood floors after the underlayment of ¼ inch of plywood substrate is installed. You will not need very many tools for the installation and you will quickly have a fresh, new look for your room.

Sheet vinyl flooring is easy to install and requires very few tools to get the job done.

You will need a tape measure, a pencil to mark the measurements, a bevel tool to mark the corners, and either a cutter knife or utility knife.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on October 6, 2022.

If you choose to install sheet vinyl flooring over hardwood using adhesive you will also need a trowel to apply the adhesive. You will also need a floor roller to use to smooth over the floor to press the flooring into the adhesive to ensure a good seal.

What Preparations Do You Need To Install Sheet Vinyl Over Hardwood?

Handyman looking at living room

Before installing sheet vinyl flooring over hardwood floors there are some basic steps you should do in preparing the hardwood floor. Do these simple steps first to get the best installation process and the smooth look you desire.

Preparations to the hardwood floor before installing sheet vinyl are simple to do. First, clean the hardwood floor of any dirt and debris. Install the underlayment of ¼ inch plywood substrate, repair any holes or cracks, and sand down any bumps. Then remove all molding and doors in the room.

Then after removing all molding and doors, clean the floor again of all debris. Your floor is now ready for the installation of the sheet vinyl. Measure and cut the sheet vinyl and install it on the floor. You will then have a fresh new look on your floor and your room.

How To Install Sheet Vinyl Flooring Over Hardwood

Handyman wearing tool belt

Sheet vinyl flooring is not difficult to install if you follow a few basic instructions. Sheet vinyl flooring installs without requiring a long list of tools. Sheet vinyl flooring will give a fresh, new look to your room without costing very much.

Before installing sheet vinyl flooring you must first put the vinyl in the room and let it acclimate to the temperature for at least 24 hours. This will allow the vinyl to warm up and be easier to handle without risking tearing. Then remove all moldings and doors.

Next, measure the vinyl and cut it 3 inches wider than the intended work that measures on all sides. Lay it in place and carefully trim the excess on all sides. Fold back half the flooring and apply adhesive and let sit according to directions. Unbend the flooring back into place and press firmly. Repeat for the other half.

Using a floor roller work from inside to outside to firmly press the flooring into the adhesive. Remove excess adhesive with a trowel. You may want to install a transition strip at doorways to create a seamless transition to the next room. Next, install all moldings and doors.

Allow the flooring to dry completely. It is also wise to wait a few days before cleaning the floor with water to allow a thorough drying and sealing of the vinyl adhesive.

Another method of cutting and installing sheet vinyl flooring does not involve the use of adhesive. Lay the cut vinyl down on the floor trimming as necessary. Replace molding and doors and the floor is complete.

Sheet vinyl flooring is the most cost-effective flooring that you can buy and can be installed over hardwood flooring with some preparation. Even so, it may not be the best option. There are other vinyl products such as tiles and planks that can cover hardwood floors that may last longer, are easier to install, and have a wider choice of designs and colors.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 6, 2022.

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