Can you put vinyl plank flooring over linoleum? Vinyl plank flooring has become a trendy choice for home flooring in recent years. It is attractive, durable, and easy to maintain.
More and more people are trying to improve the look of their homes by using vinyl plank flooring.
With these attractive, natural wood floors, you can make your home pop.
There is also an ease of installation that makes this flooring very practical.
Can vinyl plank flooring be used on top of existing linoleum?
The short answer is yes.
However, there are a few things that you need to know before deciding to put newer vinyl plank flooring over existing linoleum.
Things to Consider When Opting for Vinyl Plank Flooring
Many people opt for vinyl plank flooring to give their homes a new look. This type of flooring is easy to install, and it comes in a variety of different colors and styles. It can also be easily customized to match the look and feel of your home.
If you are thinking about installing vinyl plank flooring in your home, consider the surface type. Linoleum is an excellent choice for many homes. It is durable and easy to clean. However, linoleum can start to look dated and worn out over time.
If you want to give your home a fresh new look, putting vinyl plank flooring over the existing surface is a quick and inexpensive way to do so.
Linoleum also provides a sturdy base for the installation of vinyl planks. The majority of vinyl plank flooring is lightweight yet long-lasting. They do not need anything underneath them since they are also waterproof; nevertheless, installing them on linoleum is acceptable.
Because vinyl planks are so thin, one can quickly notice any unevenness in the floor underneath them. As a consequence, it requires a flat, smooth base. The usage of linoleum layers under the vinyl will assist in this process.
Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring Using Adhesive or Glue
While you can glue vinyl sheets to the floor and the seams welded using solvents, vinyl planks need an adhesive component that allows for peel and sticks installation, or you must bond them separately.
Below is a step-by-step guide on installing vinyl plank flooring over linoleum using adhesive or glue. Manufacturers will often include instructions on installing the well and the appropriate bond or glue to use.
You should have a set of tools on hand to help you do your task fast and successfully.
This project will need the use of the following materials:
- Hand broom
- Vacuum cleaner
- Damp cloth
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Awl
- Chalk
- Floor roller
- Hairdryer
- Vinyl plank cutter
- Determine whether or not your linoleum floor is stuck to the bottom or glued down. If the linoleum does not attach in any way, then you can peel back the linoleum and replace it with a new flooring surface. However, if there is adhesive between the linoleum tile and the sub-floor, you will have to scrape away as much of this material as space allows.
- Be sure to take extra care when working with the adhesive. It can be challenging to remove all traces of it, but doing so will make it much easier for your vinyl planks to lay flat and stay in place. After scraping away as much of the adhesive material as possible, you need to vacuum up any small pieces or powder left behind. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth before you proceed.
- Once your surface is free of debris and adhesive, it is time to start setting up your vinyl flooring. Please read the instructions that come with your new flooring carefully and follow them step by step. If you do not set up your vinyl in this order, you could end up with an uneven floor. Measure your room carefully and make sure to allow extra space for expansion.
- Mark off where you will place each plank using tape and a knife or an awl. Lay down the first row and cut just one piece at a time as needed. When finished laying out your flooring, press each element firmly into place. This step would be simple if you use adhesive or double-sided tape for installation. If your flooring is not self-adhesive, apply a thin layer of glue to the back and press it in place.
- Use a roller to smooth out all bubbles and push the vinyl into the seams between tiles. Slice into the vinyl using a straight edge or keyhole saw to remove any excess flooring that juts out beyond the boundaries of your linoleum.
- Once the adhesive dries, you should give your new flooring one more look over to ensure all the glue has dried completely and there are no bubbles or creases. If there are, you can use a hair dryer to warm the vinyl up and apply gentle pressure with your fingers until it is smooth.
- You can now install trim pieces around doorways or under cabinets using adhesive caulk if needed. When finished with the installation, be sure to keep your home clean so any residue left behind does not stick to the vinyl.
Vinyl Placement in a Click
Furthermore, there are click-in-place vinyl planks that do not need pre-applied adhesives or glue before installation. Each plank locks into the one next to it in this technique, resulting in a floating floor where the vinyl planks are not attached to the linoleum substrate.
You may use quarter-round molding to connect the edges of the flooring to the baseboards. It is beneficial for practical instances when the flooring expands and contracts with changes in the weather and seasons. In such cases, the top remains unaffected.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Vinyl Plank Flooring
There are several benefits to using vinyl plank flooring in your home. It is a cost-effective way to upgrade the appearance of your space, and it is easy to install. In most cases, you can do it yourself in just a few hours.
One downside to this type of flooring is that it can be challenging to repair if it is damaged. If you have to replace a plank, it can be challenging to find a matching piece and require you to order from a specialty store. Additionally, vinyl plank flooring can be susceptible to moisture damage if not installed correctly or not allowed to dry completely after being exposed to water.
In the end, vinyl plank flooring is a good choice for upgrading the look of your home and improving its value. Vinyl planks can be custom cut to fit any space and are a great way to give your home a new look. It is easy and cost-effective, so it is a beautiful way to upgrade any room.
Vinyl plank flooring may survive for years if properly cared for, even when installed over linoleum or another subfloor. Frequently, there is a protective layer applied to the top of the vinyl flooring. To some degree, a moist cloth soaked in soap water can assist remove dirt, dust, and spills.
Vinyl plank flooring is a great way to update your home without the hassle of replacing your entire floor. You can install it over most existing surfaces, including linoleum, so you don’t have to spend time and money removing the old flooring.
We hope this article has given you all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether vinyl plank flooring is right for your home. Have you tried installing vinyl plank flooring over linoleum in your own home? Let us know how it went in the comments!
