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Can You Put Vinyl Plank On Ceiling? (How To)

Vinyl plank flooring is absolutely beautiful and can really make a difference in the look of a room. Some people have even considered putting it on the ceiling. Is it possible?

Vinyl plank flooring can be installed on ceilings if you use the glue on variety. You can use the drywall as a type of subfloor and after you glue the vinyl planks in place, they will be in place and beautiful for a very long time.

Vinyl on the ceiling

There are many things that need to be considered when installing vinyl plank flooring on a ceiling. It isn’t just a matter of putting the planks up in place and getting on with your life, you really have to plan things out in advance.

Throughout this article, we will consider some of the factors that will make this type of job a success. It is being done in many homes because it is both beautiful and durable, and you can enjoy it in your home as well.

Can You Put Vinyl Plank On Ceiling? (How To)

One of the first things to consider is the different types of vinyl plank flooring. When you make a choice, you will need to consider this very carefully.

Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring – This is an excellent choice for use in areas of the home where you may have a problem with moisture. You can use it in the bathroom or basement and it is engineered in such a way that you can put it up and know that no moisture is going to get through.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring – This is probably the most popular type of vinyl plank flooring because it looks like wood and is of very high quality. Like laminate flooring, luxury vinyl plank flooring is made up of several different layers but the difference is, they are waterproof and scratch proof.

Rigid Core Vinyl Plank Flooring – Some special consideration needs to be given if you select this type of flooring for your ceiling. It is also similar to a laminate floor but rather than being different types of vinyl, it has a core that could be made up of many different types of materials, including composite materials, plastic, and stone. Generally speaking, you will not use this type of floor if you are putting it on a ceiling.

Along with the type of vinyl flooring you install, you also need to consider the different ways in which it can be installed.

The reason why this is so important is that you can’t use certain types of vinyl plank flooring in the way they were intended to be installed. That is true of a floating floor because you can’t float a floor on the ceiling and expect it to stay up.

Here are some different types of vinyl plank flooring installation options. In any case, you will need to use some glue to hold them in place.

Floating Floor – This is probably the most common type of vinyl plank flooring that is installed in the home. You simply snap it together and allow it to float above the floor. This type of flooring can be used on the ceiling but you will have to nail the first piece in with some tacks and then use glue on each subsequent piece.

The only other option, and it is one that is not recommended, is to use a floating floor and hold the edges in place with crown molding or trim. It’s an option to consider but if the flooring is of high quality, it will be heavier and problems could result.

Glue Down – This is probably the best option for installing vinyl plank flooring on ceilings. You would apply glue to the plank as well as to the ceiling and stick the plank in place.

Peel and Stick – This type of vinyl plank flooring is generally on the lower end in quality. It works fine on the floor but the problem is, you are not getting any foot traffic on the ceiling. The peel and stick variety of flooring adheres to the floor better over time because pressure is put on it. You can use it on the ceiling but it is recommended that you also use glue.

Of course, you should not do any DIY project without considering your safety. Here are some things to think about when installing vinyl plank flooring on a ceiling.

Odd Positions – You will be working in strange positions for an extended amount of time. It’s better if you have somebody handing you the planks so you can install them quickly. You should also stretch regularly and take frequent breaks.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on October 1, 2022.

Eye Protection – Always wear safety glasses when you are doing a DIY project. This is especially true since you will be working overhead and something could fall in your eye.

Fumes – Some types of glue have strong fumes. Either use glue that does not have those strong fumes or work in a well-ventilated area.

We will now consider some of the factors associated with installing vinyl planks on ceilings. This will include some problems as well as the method of doing it properly.

Should You Put Vinyl Plank On Ceiling?

Vinyl on the ceiling

We have already discussed the fact that it is possible and perhaps even desirable to install vinyl planks on the ceiling. Is it without problems?

Below are some of the potential issues of installing a vinyl plank floor on the ceiling. These will help you to make the determination as to whether you should do it or not.

Mold and Mildew – Even though vinyl plank flooring is waterproof, it is not impervious to the growth of mold. That is especially true if the mold already exists on the ceiling before the vinyl plank floor is glued on.

If you install vinyl plank flooring in areas of the home where moisture is a problem, it could be that mold will grow underneath the plank after some time has passed. Something similar can also happen when you install vinyl plank floor on the ceiling.

Buckling – Many people that install vinyl plank flooring on the ceiling will go from edge to edge. Although you will not have much movement because you are gluing it on, it is still important to leave at least a little gap for expansion and contraction around the edges.

Permanent – If you want to install vinyl plank flooring on your ceiling, make sure that you are fully ready to live with it for quite some time. It is possible to remove the vinyl plank floor from the ceiling but you will likely destroy the drywall in the process.

What Tools Do You Need To Put Vinyl Plank On Ceiling?

confused man standing

If you have made the decision to move on and install vinyl plank on the ceiling, you will need to gather the tools to do so. Having these tools available from the start will help you to get the job done successfully.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on October 1, 2022.

Cutting Tools – You will need a number of different types of cutting tools for this job. You might use a laminate cutter for the straight cuts but you could also use a sharp utility knife.

Multi-Tool – Having a good multi-tool, such as a Dremmel tool available will help if you have any unusual cuts that are necessary while the plank is in place.

Caulking gun with glue – The easiest way to apply glue to the ceiling and vinyl planks is to use a caulking gun. There are a number of different glue options that are available.

Glue – Always opt for the highest quality glue possible. The last thing you want is for the glue to fail and the vinyl plank to fall. Opt for a low VOC option if possible.

Square – You can use a construction square to mark any cuts for the ends.

Rubber Mallet – It is always helpful to have a rubber mallet on hand for these types of DIY projects.

PPE – Don’t forget your personal protective equipment! Safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection will go a long way in helping to keep your senses safe.

What Preparations Do You Need To Install Vinyl Plank On Ceiling?

confused woman standing

Prior to installing vinyl plank on the ceiling, you must prepare the ceiling in advance. This is not difficult to do but it is a step that should not be skipped.

Step 1: Clean – Always make sure that your ceiling is clean. You might be surprised to learn that it hasn’t been cleaned in quite some time and it is easy for grease and grime to collect on the surface.

Step 2: Drywall Repair – The drywall on the ceiling is going to become the subfloor for the vinyl plank flooring. Use joint compound or spackling to fix any holes or cracks. Be sure that the seams are smooth and flat.

Step 3: Prime – After preparing the ceiling and doing whatever repairs are necessary, you will want to prime the ceiling. This will help the glue to adhere properly.

How To Install Vinyl Plank On Ceiling

confused woman standing

Now that everything is prepared, it’s time to move forward and actually install the vinyl plank on your ceiling. Don’t worry, it’s not difficult to do.

Step 1: First Row – Apply some glue to the ceiling and the back of the vinyl plank where it will go in place. Put the vinyl plank in place carefully, using a chalk line to guide you if necessary. You can then tack through the tongue to hold it in place so it won’t move.

Step 2: Subsequent Rows – Continue to apply a bead of glue to the ceiling and the back of the vinyl planks as you put them in place. Use the tongue and groove method to tighten the vinyl planks and use a non-marring rubber mallet if necessary to force them together before the glue dries.

Step 3: Final Row – After you have reached the other side of the room, you should rip a vinyl plank down to size and install it in place. Be sure to leave at least a little gap for any expansion that may happen.

You can install vinyl plank on the ceiling if you glue it on. Any type of vinyl plank can be used for that purpose, including a floating floor or standard glue-down plank. As long as it is glued in place, it will provide a beautiful ceiling that remains up for a long time.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 1, 2022.

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