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    Home » Home Remodeling » Tile

    Published: Feb 13, 2022 · Modified: Nov 10, 2022 by Rachel

    Installing Glue Down Vinyl Flooring

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
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    Learn about the amazing benefits of vinyl flooring, including lvt and lvp. In this article, I will show you how to install glue-down vinyl plank flooring the right way including pro tips for a successful project that will last for years!

    Collage of installing glue down vinyl tile or plank flooring in a kitchen.
    Contents show
    1 Recommended Supplies
    2 Before You Get Started
    3 How To Cut Luxury Vinyl Planks or Tile
    4 How To Install Luxury Vinyl Tile
    5 More Home Remodeling Tutorials
    6 FAQS
    7 How To Install Glue Down Vinyl Flooring

    Vinyl plank and tile flooring has become one of the most popular flooring choices in homes today, both new builds and renovations. The flooring is warm, and soft underfoot, attractive, and with basic care and maintenance, can serve you for a long time. If you want to transform your floors on a budget, vinyl flooring is a great choice.

    Also, the installation is pretty easy for a DIY project. We are a Wife and Husband team of home improvement enthusiasts that have been renovating homes for over a decade including many, many types of flooring. Products are always changing and improving so we are very excited to showcase this project.

    We have an in-depth guide on the Pros and Cons and types of Vinyl Flooring and How to Grout Vinyl Tile if you are looking on the best type for your situation. There are many types and I explain the differences in each one. Today, however, I want to share the basics of installing glue down vinyl flooring with a step-by-step guide and after reading it, you might come to the same decision if you are ever looking for new flooring.

    Recommended Supplies

    • Plywood Underlayment for Vinyl, concrete, or other suitable substrate
    • Floor Patch
    • Putty Knife
    • Level
    • Guillotine Cutter (Optional)
    • Utility Knife or Power Saw
    • Carpenter’s Square
    • Vinyl Planks or Tile
    • Vinyl Adhesive
    • A V Notch Trowel
    • Flooring roller (a heavy-duty kitchen rolling pin also works well)

    You may need additional supplies for the removing of the old flooring or for leveling a floor.

    Pro Tip: While technically LVT and LVP can be installed over existing sheet vinyl, concrete, and smooth plywood subfloor, I do not recommend it. The reason is because if you ever want to change the flooring, removing the adhesive is going to be a MAJOR pain. I have seen my unfortunate share of installations directly over sheet vinyl that look awful. The planks gap and it looks sloppy.

    Before You Get Started

    Leveling the Floor

    A smooth and level subfloor is a must-have for the successful installation. Any bumps, large holes, or large cracks should ideally be filled or leveled. Manufacturer’s instructions vary and should list the specific leveling requirements with your flooring. Make sure the subfloor doesn’t flex too much.

    Remove Baseboards

    Anytime you change the height of the floor, the baseboards height will need to be adjusted. There are two options. Most installers will lay quarter round in front of the baseboards to cover any gap. However, many homeowners do not like this look. The other option is to remove the baseboards and reinstall them. If you gently remove the baseboards, you can oftentimes reuse them.

    Check out our post for more information on replacing baseboards.

    Moisture Test

    If installing over concrete, perform a moisture test before getting started. If there are any concerns about your concrete, you can do a calcium chloride test or get a professional to do a moisture probe test which is the most accurate. Evidence of moisture problems might be salt crystal formations, new installation drying, old paint bubbling, or temperature differences.

    In another project, we didn’t have any concerns about moisture, so we did a quick and dirty moisture test. Tear off a few feet of clear plastic wrap and lay it on the floor. Use Duct Tape or another well sealing tape around all of the edges. I would recommend leaving for a day or two and check periodically if any moisture, color change, or condensation collects on the floor or the underside of the plastic wrap.

    You will have to wait at least six weeks for new or newly leveled concrete floors to cure before you can glue down vinyl planks.

    Concrete moisture test demonstration with plastic wrap and painter's tape on the floor.

    How To Cut Luxury Vinyl Planks or Tile

    1. A Guillotine Cutter

    This is my preferred method generally. While you still need a razor or other tool for intricate cuts, this tool gives a nice clean edge, and you don’t have to get off the floor to cut the LVT. For rigid core, I like this guillotine cutter style best. However, you can also use a lever action style like below for thinner materials or those without a separate core.

    Man cutting vinyl plank flooring for installation.

    2. A Razor and Straight Edge

    For thinner tiles, this is a really simple method. Score along the top and you can snap the piece off. It may take a few cuts to get through the tougher top layer. This is also how I tend to make intricate cuts like around a corner or plumbing.

    Woman cutting luxury vinyl tile with a razor blade and straight edge.

    3. Power Saw

    You can also use a jigsaw, an oscillating multi-tool, or a miter saw. They may make rougher cuts, more mess and dust to clean up and require you getting off the floor multiple times to use. However, we used this for our rigid core plank installation because it was faster and easier to make clean, straight cuts. The cut ends are hidden under the baseboards. Make sure you use a fine-tooth blade.

    How To Install Luxury Vinyl Tile

    Luxury Vinyl flooring installation is much easier than traditional tile.

    Step 1: Underlayment (Recommended)

    Do you have to use an underlayment with glue down vinyl planks or tiles? Technically LVT and LVP can be installed directly on previous vinyl, concrete and smooth plywood, but I DO NOT recommend it. The reason is because if you ever want to change the flooring, removing the adhesive is going to be a MAJOR pain. Also, I have seen my unfortunate share of installations directly over sheet vinyl that look awful. The seams don’t line up and it looks sloppy.

    Underlayment is just a material sandwiched between two other materials. In this case, it is a water resistant, smooth, thin plywood. This is different from the underlayment you would use for floating vinyl.

    It is a little more money to get a ⅕-½ inch proper underlayment, but it is worth it for a better-looking result, longevity, and replacement. I would recommend one rated for wet areas if in a bathroom or kitchen. Screw down the underlayment with appropriate screws and check for any loose or creaky areas – add more screws to secure it.

    Pro Tip: If applying to existing plywood subfloor, lay the boards in the perpendicular to the existing boards. This is so the seams don’t line up directly on top of each other.

    Step 2: Fill Seams

    Seams and nail heads should be filled with latex additive floor filler. It’s a mixture of portland cement that is more flexible and moves with the flooring. Smooth filler into place with a putty knife and remove any excess. Allow the filler to harden according to directions or 24 hours before installing the vinyl.

    Step 3: Remove all Dirt and Debris

    Now you have a clean, smooth surface to work with!

    Step 4: Plan Layout

    For thin vinyl planks, you can start on any side you like of the most open or largest area of your room.

    For large format glue down vinyl (12×12 or larger), I usually start by making a center line. In this case, we made several measurements to find the center down the area in front of our kitchen island. We then snapped a chalk line, but a straight edge and pencil is fine. We also made a second perpendicular chalk line, to produce 4 quadrants in the area. Using a carpenter’s square, we checked to make sure the island was perpendicular to the chalk line (it was because we built that island).

    Lay out the tiles in rows just to double check you won’t have any awkward or thin strips along the edges. This is more for aesthetic reasons than anything else. Adjust line as needed.

    Man with his thumb on chalk line to make it taut before snapping.

    Step 4: Lay Adhesive

    Starting where the centerlines cross and moving in one direction to the edge, lay down enough of an area that you can do in less than 15 minutes. Use a V-notch trowel to spread the adhesive evenly.

    Glue down vinyl tile being installed with the adhesive being spread on the floor.

    Step 5: Lay Tiles or Planks

    To get the tiles nice and flat, a floor roller like this is highly recommended. It gets all the way to the edges nicely. we used a large, heavy kitchen rolling pin and a fair amount of pressure.

    Luxury vinyl tile laid out while being installed.

    We did one quadrant at a time before working around the island and kitchen area.

    Man installing luxury vinyl tile on a kitchen floor including grout strips.

    Because of the rise in popularity of vinyl flooring, many manufacturers have added bevels or a grout border for a much less commercial look. In my opinion, I wish we had that option. Instead, we had to purchased luxury vinyl tile grout strips from Karndean. You can learn about their design strips here.

    Step 6: Finishing Up

    Wait at least 24 hours or manufacturer’s instructions before walking on the surface. Put the baseboards back as needed.

    If you get any glue on the surface of the flooring, this may be a pain to get off. Try to get it off before it hardens. If it is dry, acetone or nail polish remover is the best way to remove it. Spray the acetone directly onto the glue. Then, push the glue away horizontally with a flat scraper.

    More Home Remodeling Tutorials

    • Kitchen Island Upgrade with Trim
    • The Best Tips for a Glass Peel and Stick Backsplash
    • Tips For Painting Old Kitchen Cabinets
    Traditional Kitchen Remodel with grey floors, white granite, brown cabinets, marble backsplash, and a two-level island.

    FAQS

    Can I install directly over linoleum?

    While technically LVT and LVP can be installed over existing sheet vinyl, concrete, and smooth plywood, I do not recommend it. The reason is because if you ever want to change the flooring, removing the adhesive is going to be a MAJOR pain. I have seen my unfortunate share of installations directly over sheet vinyl or linoleum that look awful. The seams don’t line up and it looks sloppy.

    What can I NOT install vinyl tile over?

    Avoid installing vinyl planks on floating floors, tiles with cushioned backs, laminate, carpet, or cork.

    Does vinyl plank flooring expand?

    Yes. While it isn’t as much as hardwoods, vinyl flooring does expand and contract with temperature and humidity differences.

    Does the floor have to be level for vinyl?

    The amount of leveling needed will vary from product to product. The standard tolerance required is for the floor to be level to 3/16” over 10 feet. It also can’t have a dip of greater than ⅛” within 2′. Some brands have improved materials that allow for covering minor imperfections.

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    Man cutting vinyl plank flooring for installation.

    How To Install Glue Down Vinyl Flooring

    How to install glue-down vinyl plank flooring the right way including pro tips for a successful project that will last for years!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 1 day
    Project Time: 1 day
    Total Time: 2 days
    Author: Rachel
    Cost: $250-1000

    Tools

    • Long Level
    • Guillotine Cutter Optional – You can use a mitre or power saw instead
    • Putty Knife
    • Utility Knife
    • Carpenter's Triangle
    • V-Notch Trowel
    • Flooring Roller A heavy-duty kitchen rolling pin works well too.

    Supplies

    • Plywood made for Vinyl Installation
    • Floor Patch
    • Vinyl Planks or Tile
    • Vinyl Adhesive

    Instructions

    • If using a thin plywood underlayment, screw down the underlayment with appropriate screws and check for any loose or creaky areas.
      Man with his thumb on chalk line to make it taut before snapping.
    • Fill any seams and nail heads with seam filler using a putty knife. Seams should be flat and smooth. Allow the filler to harden according to directions or 24 hours before installing the vinyl.
      Man filling floor seams and joints.
    • Clean away any dirt and debris from the surface with a vacuum.
      Closeup of vacuum on floor.
    • Plan your layout. For large, open areas, draw a centerline down the room. Make a second perpendicular center line, to produce 4 quadrants. Lay out the tiles in rows just to double check you won’t have any awkward edges. Adjust line as needed.
      Man with his thumb on chalk line to make it taut before snapping.
    • Starting where the centerlines cross and moving in one direction to the edge, lay down enough of an area that you can do in less than 15 minutes. Use a V-notch trowel to spread the adhesive evenly.
      Glue down vinyl tile being installed with the adhesive being spread on the floor.
    • Lay tiles or planks with tight fitting seams. Use a floor roller and a fair amount of pressure to completely flatten and bond the tile.
      Luxury vinyl tile laid out while being installed.
    • Wait at least 24 hours or manufacturer’s instructions before walking on the surface. Reinstall baseboards as needed.
      Kitchen with dark wood cabinets and grey vinyl floor tile.
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    1. ADigs says

      March 01, 2022 at 2:47 am

      You should not have to remove baseboards for vinyl planking, waste of time and creates more work…
      And u can install over cork with the right preparation and a 5mm thick vinyl plank

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        March 01, 2022 at 7:01 am

        This installation guide is for glue down vinyl. I would not advise gluing to an existing cork floor. Also, my advice was that the baseboards need removed “if you don’t have clearance”. I agree that it isn’t the best wording and I will fix that. Many people don’t like the look of quarter round on their floors. If, after adding an underlayment and the vinyl, you have clearance under your baseboards or want to use quarter round, go for it.

        Reply

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