Laying vinyl over laminate is an easy process and provides durability. However, working with an underlay that is uneven or moisture-prone may reduce the lifespan of the floor. Is it possible, then, to lay vinyl on laminate flooring, and if so, what is the best way to install it?
It is largely recommended not to lay vinyl on laminate because there is a chance that the laminate may be uneven, and putting vinyl on top may make it look unprofessional. However, vinyl can be installed over existing flooring as long as it is clean of debris and completely smooth.
In this article, we will look at the methods that you need to employ when laying vinyl on laminate. Keep on reading to understand under what circumstances you can lay vinyl on laminate or if at all you should do so, and finally, how to install vinyl on laminate.
Can You Lay Vinyl on Laminate?
It is not recommended to lay vinyl on laminate as laminate tends to buckle if there is moisture. This, in turn, may cause the vinyl to look unprofessional.
However, technically, it is possible to lay vinyl on laminate, but it may be a long and arduous process if the subfloor is not properly prepped first. This is because laminate flooring is installed using a floating method and is neither nailed or glued to the subfloor.
Because of how laminate floors are installed, they do not make a great base as a subfloor for the vinyl to be laid over. Rather, removing the laminate and creating an even subfloor before commencing with the vinyl will likely be a greater success.
Think of this as you would think of painting a wooden cabinet. There is no point in bringing the paint (in this case, the vinyl) out unless the primer is first applied (in this case, the sub-floor is smoothened out) to prepare the cabinet for painting.
Should You Lay Vinyl on Laminate?
Before laying vinyl on any surface, you need to check for the moisture content level. If the moisture is too high, it is better to first dry up the surface before installing the vinyl. A wet surface is more prone to mold and mildew, which will affect the finished work. Usually, the kitchen sink area, dishwasher, refrigerator, and bathroom floors tend to be prone to moisture retention.
Another thing to bear in mind before laying vinyl over laminate is to check for uneven surfaces. Laying vinyl over uneven surfaces will only make it look shabby. So, it is important to thoroughly check that there are no troughs or crests on the surface before you begin to lay down the vinyl.
How to Install Vinyl on Laminate
There are a few steps to installing vinyl on laminate. In this section, we will look at each of those steps carefully. First, you will need some things from your toolkit to get started with putting the vinyl on the laminate.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on September 5, 2020.
What You Will Need
These are the things you will need to get started with installing vinyl over laminate:
- Vinyl adhesive
- Pencil
- Chisel
- Scissors
- Knife
- Measuring tape
- Knee pads
- Hand broom
- Mop
Measure the Floor Area Before You Put the Vinyl
It is important to get the room measurements right before commencing with the actual laying out of the vinyl. To have the correct measurements in place, draw a rough diagram of the room you wish to install the vinyl in. Make sure that you get the dimensions correct in the diagram.
The idea is to understand the floor area that the room covers. It is quite easy in a square or rectangle room where you simply multiply the length by the breadth to arrive at the area. As a buffer, keep an additional 100 mm (10 cm) on each side.
For rooms that are oddly shaped or have recesses or fireplaces and chimneys, break down the room into smaller surface areas to calculate the total surface area. The golden rule is always to measure twice so that your measurements are correct.
Prepare the Laminate for Vinyl
Vinyl can be easily put on most surfaces that are smooth, clean, and flat. You will have to first remove all the furniture in the room, including any removable fixtures that may be tied to the floor. Any carpets covering the area should also be removed, including any floor tiles.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on September 5, 2020.
You can still go ahead and install the vinyl as long as the tiles are securely in place, clean, and in good condition, in case removing the tiles is not possible. Any grout lines or gaps and dents need to be filled in with compound.
Make sure that no nails are sticking out of the floor if you are using laminated hardwood, and always remember to wear knee pads when working on the flooring. Lastly, avoid installing the vinyl on a recently laminated surface and wait for it to dry out before you put the vinyl.
Clean the Surface
After emptying the space, clean the installation area with a broom and mop. The surface needs to be rid of any debris or dirt before you start installing the vinyl. Allow the surface at least a day before laying down the vinyl.
Fit the Vinyl Sheet
For the best aesthetic results, it is recommended to use a single sheet for the whole project. It also reduces any peeling around the edges. It is recommended to keep the vinyl roll in the same room where it will be installed for two days before the actual installation. This is important as it will allow the vinyl to adapt to the room’s temperature and humidity levels.
Use your hands to trace the skirting profile on the vinyl. You can press the vinyl when the floor meets the baseboard to make a sharp crease. Then with the help of a utility knife, cut the vinyl so that it is perfectly aligned to the skirting of the room.
If you are using a light, non-cushioned vinyl, you will need to stick it down to the floor with vinyl adhesive. There are other varieties of heavy-duty vinyl that comes with adhesives already applied to them.
If you want a step-by-step guide, a YouTube video by B&Q will show you how to lay sheet vinyl flooring. You can watch it below:
Join Vinyl Sheets
This is the last step on installing vinyl on laminate. In case it is not possible to cover the whole floor with a single vinyl sheet, such as in a large room, you will need to use two or more sheets from the same sheet to maintain consistency in the color and print of the sheets.
Try to lay the vinyl in such a way that there is a continuity in the print pattern. The second sheet matches the original one unless you decide to get adventurous and get multi-color and multi-patterned sheets for fun.
You can use a double-sided tape such as the 3M Double Sided Tape, or adhesive in order to glue the edges together and secure it to the floor.
Final Thoughts
Vinyl is largely used in kitchen remodel projects because of its economic viability and durability. It is largely picked up as a DIY project in most home renovations. These projects can be completed within a day or two. Just make sure that the place where you are laying the vinyl is free from moisture, mold, and mildew.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on September 5, 2020.