Can You Put Vinyl Plank Flooring Over Laminate? A Guide to Upgrading Your Floors

Have you ever stared at your tired laminate flooring and imagined it transformed into a stylish, durable vinyl plank floor? It’s a common dream, and you might be wondering, “Can I just lay vinyl plank flooring right over my existing laminate?” It’s a great question, and the answer, as with many DIY endeavors, is, “it depends.” This guide will help you navigate the intricacies of layering vinyl plank flooring over laminate, unraveling the factors to consider and equipping you with the knowledge to make the best decision for your home.

Image: mromavolley.com

Imagine walking into your living room, your toes sinking into a warm, resilient vinyl plank floor, the look and feel of genuine wood, yet with the practical benefits of vinyl. It’s a vision many homeowners share. While the idea of laying a new floor directly over existing laminate might seem like a quick fix, there’s more to it than meets the eye. This guide delves into the specifics of this project, addressing potential challenges, offering helpful tips, and ultimately, empowering you to make an informed decision.

Understanding the Basics: Your Flooring Foundation

Before diving into the intricacies of layering, let’s establish a basic understanding of the two flooring types:

• Laminate flooring: Laminate consists of multiple layers pressed together, mimicking the look of natural wood or stone. The top layer, a wear layer, protects the core, offering durability and scratch resistance.
• Vinyl plank flooring: Vinyl plank flooring is made of PVC, a durable and versatile material. It comes in various styles, mimicking natural wood, stone, or tile.

Understanding the composition of these flooring types will help us analyze the feasibility of layering them.

The Pros and Cons: Weighing the Possibilities

The decision to lay vinyl plank over laminate boils down to weighing the pros and cons, understanding the potential issues, and assessing your specific situation. Let’s dive into the details:

The Advantages:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Laying vinyl plank over laminate can save you money on demolition and disposal costs. You can avoid the hassle and expense of removing the old laminate, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Time Efficiency: Installation can be faster compared to removing the old floor, especially if you’re tackling the project yourself.
• Minimal Disruption: Less demolition means less dust, debris, and noise during renovations, minimizing disruption to your home life.
• Added Layer of Comfort: Vinyl planks offer a more comfortable underfoot experience compared to laminate, providing cushioning and warmth.

Image: viewfloor.co

The Drawbacks:

• Uneven Subfloors: Laminate flooring is often installed over a subfloor that may not be perfectly level. If you have uneven bumps or dips in your laminate floor, the vinyl planks could mimic those imperfections, resulting in an uneven, unappealing finished floor.
• Potential Movement: Laminate floorboards can shift over time, especially if the subfloor isn’t stable. This movement could affect the stability and longevity of your vinyl plank installation, leading to gaps or buckling.
• Adhesive Compatibility: Certain laminate floor types are coated with a sealant that can prevent adhesive from bonding properly, rendering a direct installation impossible.
• Increased Height: Layering vinyl plank over laminate will increase the overall height of your floor, potentially impacting transitions between rooms or creating problems with doors and appliances.

Assessing Your Situation: Is It Feasible?

To determine if layering vinyl planks over laminate is feasible, consider these crucial factors:

1. Subfloor Condition: Evaluate the condition of your subfloor. Is it level and stable? If it’s uneven, you’ll need to address the unevenness before installing the vinyl planks.
2. Laminate Flooring Type: Identify if your laminate flooring has a sealed surface that might prevent adhesive from bonding.
3. Desired Thickness: Consider the combined thickness of your laminate flooring and the vinyl planks. This will impact the overall height of your floor and may affect transitions and doorways.

When Direct Installation is Possible: A Feasible Scenario

In some cases, installing vinyl plank directly over laminate is indeed possible. Here’s a scenario where it might be a viable option:

• Level and stable subfloor: If your subfloor is level and stable, with your laminate flooring securely fastened to it, it might provide a suitable base.
• Unsealed laminate: Ensure your laminate flooring is not coated with a sealant that will prevent adhesive from bonding.
• Thin vinyl planks: Opt for thin vinyl planks (4mm or less) to minimize the overall floor height.

When Direct Installation Is Not Recommended: When to Reconsider

If you encounter any of the following situations, it’s best to reconsider direct installation:

• Uneven laminate floor: If your laminate floor is uneven, direct installation will only amplify these imperfections.
• Unstable subfloor: If your subfloor is unstable, direct installation risks buckling and movement in the vinyl planks.
• Sealed laminate surface: If your laminate surface is sealed, adhesive will not bond properly, making direct installation impossible.
• Significant height increase: If the combined thickness of the laminate and vinyl planks creates an excessive height increase, it could cause numerous practical problems.

Alternatives to Layering: Exploring Other Options

If direct installation isn’t feasible, don’t despair! There are other options for upgrading your flooring:

• Remove the laminate: If you’re willing to invest time and effort, removing the existing laminate and installing vinyl planks over a new subfloor will provide an excellent foundation for a perfectly level and stable floor.
• Utilize a leveling compound: If your laminate floor is slightly uneven, a leveling compound can help create a smooth surface suitable for vinyl plank installation.
• Alternative flooring types: Consider opting for a different flooring type altogether if direct installation isn’t viable.

Expert Insights: Advice from the Professionals

A licensed contractor or experienced flooring specialist can offer valuable insights into the specifics of your situation. They can assess your existing laminate flooring, analyze your subfloor, and recommend the most suitable flooring solution for your unique circumstances.

Can You Put Vinyl Plank Flooring Over Laminate

Empowering Your Decision: Choosing the Best Path

Ultimately, the decision to lay vinyl plank flooring over laminate is a personal one, influenced by your individual needs, budget, and desired aesthetic. By carefully examining the pros and cons, considering the potential issues, and consulting with professionals, you can make an informed choice.

Think of this as a journey toward upgrading your home’s interior. From understanding the nuances of flooring materials to exploring alternative options, the information provided equips you with the knowledge to make the best decision for your space. Remember, a well-informed decision leads to a beautiful, functional, and ultimately, fulfilling experience.