How To Level Floor For Vinyl Planks

Installing vinyl flooring in your home is a great way to enhance its look and feel. But before you start laying out your vinyl planks, you’ll need to make sure that your floor is level. If your floor is not level, the vinyl planks will not lay properly and can create a bumpy surface. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to level the floor so you can enjoy a smooth and even surface.

Check the Subfloor

The first step to leveling the floor is to check the subfloor. If the subfloor is not level, you will need to repair it before you can install the vinyl planks. To do this, you’ll need to use a level and a hammer to tap down any high spots or use a saw to shave down any low spots. If the subfloor is severely uneven, you may need to use a self-leveling compound to fill in the gaps.

Clean the Floor

Before you start to level the floor, it is important to make sure it is clean and free of debris. This will help to ensure that the vinyl planks will lay down properly. Use a vacuum to remove any dirt and dust from the floor, then mop it with a mild cleaning solution and a microfiber mop.

Lay Down the Underlayment

Once the floor is clean, you will need to lay down the underlayment. This is a thin sheet of foam or other material that helps to provide a smooth and even surface for the vinyl planks. Carefully unroll the underlayment and cut it to fit the shape of the room. Use a roller or a heavy object to press the underlayment down into the floor. Make sure that there are no gaps between the underlayment and the floor.

Check the Level of the Floor

Once the underlayment is installed, you will need to check the level of the floor. Use a level to check for any high or low spots in the floor. If you find any, use a self-leveling compound to fill in the gaps or use a hammer and a saw to smooth them out. Make sure that the entire floor is as level as possible before you start to install the vinyl planks.

Install the Vinyl Planks

Once the floor is level, you can start to install the vinyl planks. Start in one corner of the room and carefully lay down the planks. Use a tapping block and a rubber mallet to tap the planks into place. Make sure that the planks are tight against each other and that there are no gaps between them. Once all of the planks are installed, you can enjoy a smooth and even surface.

Conclusion

Leveling the floor before installing vinyl planks is essential for creating a smooth and even surface. To do this, you will need to check the subfloor, clean the floor, lay down the underlayment, and check the level of the floor. Once the floor is level, you can start to install the vinyl planks. With the right steps, you can enjoy a beautiful and long-lasting vinyl floor in your home.