However laying vinyl flooring over concrete requires a bit more preparation.
Floor prep for vinyl tile on concrete.
Inspect the floor and repair cracks pits holes or other uneven patches.
That old basement floor with the crumbling vinyl tile may look hopeless but with a little scraping and a few strips of crack isolation membrane you can turn it into a perfect base for new ceramic tile.
Similar to linoleum a vinyl tile floor resists stains and spills is a snap to mop and maintain and is durable enough for busy kitchens and playrooms.
A concrete subfloor typically requires very little preparation for vinyl flooring.
Self leveler is available in powder and pre mixed form and is used to create a flat smooth surface in flooring projects.
Multiply length times width of the room.
Prepare the subfloor repair cracks and holes.
Determine how much flooring and materials will be needed.
Tape a 3 foot square piece of scrap vinyl to the concrete with duct tape sealing the edges tight.
How to prep a floor for vinyl tiles.
Once the compound is dry then you will be ready to apply the vinyl tile.
Vinyl plank flooring with a robust backing has some insulation value but not much so if you want the cold concrete to feel comfortable you may.
So technically if you are installing vinyl plank flooring onto concrete you already have a subfloor.
It supports your decorative floor finish whether it s carpet hardwood vinyl laminate or tile.
Use a self leveler on low spots and or sand high spots of wood or concrete.
Prep your subfloor so that it is clean dry and level within 3 16 inch change per 10 feet.
This additional layer can improve insulation and should make your vinyl plank flooring warmer and less resonant.
Push air bubbles out to the edge with a j roller or the edge of a grout float.
Regardless of what type of vinyl tile you are planning to install preparing the existing concrete floor correctly will help make the vinyl last for years.
For more information download our pdf about types of subfloors.
If you have a vinyl floor you may be able to install your flooring directly on top of it.
Do not sand vinyl flooring it may contain asbestos.
Test the floor for moisture.
Use concrete filler or a similar floor patching compound to repair the damage.
Concrete subfloors are prepared differently than wood subfloors.
Remove any carpet or other flooring.
Add about 10 to that number to account for any possible mistakes and warped boards.
It has to be level and even though vinyl is waterproof a floating floor always benefits from a moisture barrier.
Leave the vinyl in place for 72 hours.