How to install glue down vinyl tile flooring on plywood

How is vinyl flooring made?

What does the thickness and the wear layer thickness mean?

Vinyl flooring packaging will show two thicknesses, one for the total product and one for the wear layer. Total thickness will determine how well the vinyl hides subfloor imperfections and is measured in millimeters (or sometimes inches). The wear layer thickness will determine your floor’s durability and is measured in millimeters or in mil. A 0.5 mm (20 mil) wear layer is usually the minimum required for commercial uses.

Are there formaldehyde emissions from vinyl flooring?

Formaldehyde is a harmful chemical usually associated with laminate and engineered flooring products. It is not a concern with today’s vinyl flooring. All our vinyl products are verified as formaldehyde free.

is vinyl flooring completely waterproof?

Because vinyl is made from PVC, it is completely waterproof by itself. However, glue used during installation may decrease the overall imperviousness of the final floor. Also, a large amount of standing water can seep through the seams between the planks or tiles, and damage your subfloor, just like with other types of flooring. For this reason, you should clean up spills as quickly as possible.

How much vinyl flooring should I buy?

Multiply the length of the room by its width to get its area. Add 10% for waste during installation and for replacement repairs in the future. Divide the total area by the area in each carton to get the number of cartons that you need to purchase.

Where can I install vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring can be installed in almost any room, over a lightly textured or porous surface, or over a well-bonded, solid floor. We do not recommend that you install vinyl in areas where it will be exposed to long-term direct sunlight, such as in sunrooms or solariums.

Can I install vinyl flooring over concrete?

You can install vinyl flooring over concrete that has cured for at least 60 days prior to installation. Glue down and peel and stick products should not be installed on below-grade concrete surfaces where moisture may be a problem.

Can I install vinyl flooring over ceramic tiles?

Yes, but you will need to fill grout lines with a leveling compound. Subfloors must be even within 3 mm over 1.82 m (1/8″ over 6′)

Can I install vinyl flooring over wood, plywood, particleboard or chipboard?

You can install vinyl over wood floors if you put a plywood subfloor on top of it. Do not install glue down or peel and stick products over particleboard, chipboard or any form of embossed floor. Do not install peel and stick products over Lauan (Luan) decorative plywood.

Can I install vinyl flooring over carpet?

No, all carpet and padding should be removed completely prior to installation. Rough, heavily textured and/or uneven surfaces may telegraph through the vinyl and distort the finished surface.

Can I install vinyl flooring over radiant heating?

Most vinyl flooring can be installed over electric or hydronic radiant heated floors, with the exception of peel and stick or self-locking (Vinloc) products. Loose lay vinyl flooring will need to be glued down if you have a radiant heated floor. Do not turn heat above 29ºC (84ºF).

What kind of adhesive should I use?

For glue down vinyl flooring, use a high tack universal flooring adhesive. For premium glue down/looselay vinyl flooring, use an acrylic based adhesive or double-sided tape.

Do I need to use underlay?

Vinyl flooring that is bonded directly to the subfloor does not require underlay.

Do I need to use transition moulding?

If you exceed the maximum run length for your click or self-locking vinyl, you will need to use transition moulding. For click vinyl only, you also have the option of adhering the vinyl to your subfloor using the “dri-tac” (full spread method). For the “dri-tac” method, apply a high-tack universal flooring adhesive specifically designed for vinyl plank flooring on the subfloor prior to installation.

What should I do before installing vinyl flooring?

1. Read all installation instructions included in your carton before you begin, as improper installation will void warranty.
2. Inspect each vinyl piece for defects under good light conditions. Do not install damaged planks. Our warranties do not cover materials with visible defects once they are installed.
3. Leaving the cartons closed, let your vinyl flooring acclimate in a horizontal position for 48 hours prior to installation. Click engineered vinyl, however, only only needs to acclimate to room temperature.
4. Gather your tools. You will need a saw, utility knife, spacers, pencil, tape measure, ruler and safety goggles. If you are installing a glue down or loose lay vinyl, you will also need flooring adhesive.
5. Make sure the floor is smooth, clean, free of wax, grease, oil or dust and sealed as necessary before laying vinyl. Securely nail all loose boards. All nail heads must be driven down below the surface. Scrape, plane or fill uneven boards, holes or cracks using floor-leveling compound.
6. When installing click and self-locking products, first try clicking together a few pieces while examining the profile in good light. This will help you understand how the pieces fit together and will make it easier for you to install your final floor.

How do I install vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring is the most DIY friendly flooring product. We sell many different types of vinyl flooring, ensuring that you can find the installation method that suits your needs and skills. Click products, including click engineered products, are installed by lowering and locking the grooves of each piece into the tongue of the one next to it, similar to laminate flooring. Self-locking installation is similar, but uses the Vinloc self-locking system. Glue down planks and tiles, also known as dry back, are glued to the floor using flooring adhesive. Peel and stick vinyl comes with a self-adhesive backing – simply peel off the paper and stick the piece to the floor. Loose lay vinyl, also known as premium glue down, can be installed without any clicking and minimal gluing. Loose lay vinyl can also be installed using the glue down method.

Should I stagger planks during installation?

Yes, always stagger vinyl when installing the floor. Start the first row with a full plank, the second row with 2/3 of a plank and the third row with 1/3 of a plank. The distance between joints from one row to the next must be 20 cm (8”) or greater for the remainder of the installation.

Which direction do I install vinyl flooring?

First consider which way the light enters your room, as it is best to install vinyl with the planks running parallel to the light coming in windows or doors. The starter wall should also be as long and straight as possible.

What happens if my first row of planks is not straight?

It is very important that your first row be absolutely straight as it is the foundation of your installation. If your first row is not properly aligned or joints are not sealed tightly, there may be gaps between the planks. This will allow residue or unwanted particles to get caught in the grooves and result in poor alignment. Do not continue to install your second row of planks if your first row is installed incorrectly.

How do I make my vinyl flooring last?

• Use protective pads under furniture.
• Use doormats at entrances to protect the floor from discoloring. Avoid using rubber-backed rugs, as they may stain or discolour the vinyl flooring.
• Be careful of high heels and the unclipped nails of pets, as they may scratch or damage vinyl flooring.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Use drapes or blinds to minimize direct sunlight during peak sunlight hours. How do I clean my vinyl flooring?
• Sweep regularly to remove surface grit and dust. Use a damp cloth or mop to clean up any dirt and footprints.
• All spills should be cleaned up immediately.
• Never use wax, polish, abrasive cleaners or scouring agents as they may dull or distort the finish.

What should I do if a plank is damaged?

Planks can be replaced or repaired by a flooring professional.

Can you glue vinyl flooring to plywood?

Do I need underlayment for vinyl flooring on plywood?

How do you prepare plywood for vinyl flooring?

How do you lay self stick vinyl tile on plywood?