How to Protect Your Laminate Floor Using Vinyl Planks

Wood is the real deal when it comes to flooring. No other material delivers beauty, functionality and a natural feel in the same way that wood does. Particularly, those who opt for laminate flooring enjoy many benefits compared to those with traditional planks of wood. Laminated flooring is made using pressed wood, which makes it very durable. It also resists dents and scratches quite well. However, some conditions in the home can get to the heart of the material and damage it. You can control such damage using vinyl planks over your laminate flooring. Here are the steps you should follow when fitting the planks:

Take Your Measurements

Vinyl planks are very user-friendly, unlike vinyl sheets. The pieces are easy to handle compared to large sheets. Start by taking measurements of the floor area that you think is susceptible to damage and needs added protection.

A good example is the laundry area in your house. Chances of water finding its way to the floor, flooding or trickling around are quite high. When this happens, you risk damaging your laminate flooring. You can break down the area into rectangles and squares so then proceed to order the material you need.

You are better off getting the material from a store that offers both laminate flooring and vinyl services. It will help you match your vinyl style and the adhesive that will suit your job.

Prepare Your Laminate Flooring

You need to examine the condition of the laminate flooring before you begin your installation. If the laminate flooring has an uneven surface, dents or signs of warping, then you need an underlayment. Nail it on top of the laminate flooring before rolling out your vinyl planks. Ideally, a quarter an inch of underlayment should suffice.

Spread Out Your Adhesive

The next step is to spread the adhesive over the area that you want to cover with your vinyl planks. Use a mason's trowel for distributing thick glues over your laminate flooring. However, be careful when pressing against the floor so that you do not dent it. Paint rollers will work if you have a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Lay Down Your Planks

Lay your one plank over the area with the adhesive and press it firmly against the floor. Take a second plank, fit it tightly next to the first one and press down firmly again. Repeat this process until you cover the area you want. When you reach a wall, you will have to cut the plank accordingly so that it fits. Finish by wiping any excess adhesive with a soft cloth.


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