How to Install Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring [Step-by-Step Guide]

Vinyl plank flooring has grown increasingly popular as a flooring option in both homes and businesses due to the huge variety of styles available and the exceptional longevity of vinyl plank flooring.

It is possible to achieve the look of real wood in spaces where hardwood flooring is not an option by using this cost-effective flooring.

It is suited for use in moist and humid environments, making it suitable for use from the front entrance all the way through to the bathroom and even in basements and cellars.

Many vinyl plank floors demand that you glue them down to the subfloor during the installation procedure.

Determine whether this flooring type is a good fit for your area by inspecting the subfloor and performing some basic preparation work in preparation for the installation of vinyl plank flooring.

Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation Instructions

Glue down vinyl installation is a simple installation method that is quick and user-friendly for the DIY enthusiast.

Use this as a guide, but always refer to the manufacturer’s installation instructions before proceeding.

What is Glue Down Vinyl Flooring, and how does it work?

The glue-down installation method entails the application of an adhesive to the subfloor in order to secure your dry-back luxury vinyl flooring.

The use of adhesive results in dimensional stability, which ensures that the flooring retains its natural qualities over the long term.

When using the glue-down approach, there are two types of adhesives to consider: firm set and pressure-sensitive.

Solid — Similar to a broadloom carpet adhesive in that it spreads along with the subfloor, solid vinyl flooring adhesive adheres to the subfloor and retains the vinyl flooring firmly in place This is especially critical in locations where there is a lot of rolling traffic, such as those involving wheelchairs and gurneys, or shopping carts and dollies, in the healthcare or retail industries.

In the luxury vinyl flooring market, hard-set adhesive is a relatively new adhesive solution. It allows your glue-down flooring to handle severe point loads, which reduces the possibility that furniture and fixtures would leave large indentations when they are moved.

The hard set is intended for use with sheet vinyl, but it also works well with vinyl tile and plank installations.

Pressure-sensitive – Pressure-sensitive adhesive, which has been the industry standard for decades, enables an installation technique that makes your flooring durable while also making it easier to repair.

the adhesive is particularly well suited for use in the retail and hospitality industries, as well as for businesses that change their branding on a consistent basis.

Vinyl tile and plank floors are particularly well suited to pressure-sensitive adhesives.

Settled in Stone

The adhesive is applied to the floor first, and then the flooring is set on top of it.

Those who are sensitive to pressure

The flooring product itself has adhesive applied to it, and it is attached to the floor by applying pressure to the adhesive.

Both the hard-set adhesive strategy and the pressure-sensitive adhesive approach require similar installation techniques relating to spread rate, which may generally be found in the adhesive or installation handbook for the flooring product in question.

Subfloors that are Suitable For Vinyl Plank Flooring

Subfloors made of wood

When installing vinyl plank flooring over a wood subfloor, it is necessary to construct the wood subfloor with two layers of plywood.

If the plywood is porous, prepare the subfloor by using a primer that plugs in the pores and prepares the floor to take the glue before proceeding.

Subfloors made of concrete

The installation of vinyl plank flooring over concrete subfloors is a fantastic alternative. Remember to take into consideration the slope level while installing this flooring on concrete.

Prior to installation, concrete subfloors that are suspended, on-grade, or below-grade must be evaluated for moisture content.

Installing a moisture vapor barrier over the concrete subfloor prior to installing the floor will provide the best results.

Flooring that is already in place

Vinyl plank flooring is so adaptable that it can be installed directly over a variety of existing floor substrates, such as plywood, terrazzo, fiber cement underlayment, vinyl sheeting, and radiant heat flooring, without the need for additional preparation.

Installation over the cork, carpet, a floating floor system, laminate, or vinyl with a cushioned backing, on the other hand, is not recommended.

You can glue down vinyl plank flooring over appropriate existing flooring to save hours of time and effort by eliminating the need to tear up the floor.

It is sufficient to simply remove the baseboards and begin the installation procedure, with the baseboards being replaced once the vinyl plank flooring has completely covered the previous layer of flooring.

Preparation of the Floor

A few floor preparation activities will be required to prepare the subfloor for the installation of the vinyl plank flooring that has been selected.

To begin, thoroughly clean the subfloor to ensure that there is no dust or filth that will interfere with the adhesive of the vinyl planks to the surface.

If the carpet has been removed, use a floor scraper to remove any remaining staples or glue residue from the subflooring.

If there are cracks, uneven spots, or gaps in the subfloor, apply a cement-based patching compound or leveling compound to smooth out the inconsistencies and make the floor more level.

For proper installation of vinyl plank flooring, it is necessary to have a level and consistent surface.

It may be necessary to apply a paint-on primer to some flooring prior to installation.

This primer plugs the pores in the subfloor and aids in the adhesion of the adhesive by allowing it to attach more efficiently.

Moisture should be tested

Because any concrete slab has the potential to hold moisture, it is necessary to do an initial moisture test on it.

Purchase a Calcium Chloride Moisture Test to see how much moisture is present.

Make certain that the results are less than 5 pounds of moisture per 1,000 square feet in 24 hours otherwise the results are rejected.

According to ASTM F2170, the relative humidity of concrete floors shall not exceed 80 percent RH.

These permitted values may differ significantly depending on the type of glue used, thus it is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Inspection of the Flooring Material

As soon as the subfloors have been prepared, it is important to acclimatize the floors to the space and perform an initial check of the floors to ensure that they are in good condition.

Move the flooring boxes inside the room, stacking them up to two boxes high, and then close the door.

Allow them to remain in the space for 48 hours before installation to allow them to become acclimated to the environment.

In order to ensure that any discrepancies in the finish are distributed evenly throughout the floor, open a few of the boxes at the same time during installation and mix planks from several boxes.

Installation Instructions for Glue-Down Vinyl

Glue down vinyl installation is a simple installation method that is quick and user-friendly for the DIY enthusiast.

Use this as a guide, but always refer to the manufacturer’s installation instructions before proceeding.

Pre-Installation

Acclimate the flooring for 48 hours in a clean, non-concrete area with a steady temperature of 65°-85°F and a humidity level of 50% or higher.

Purchase the pressure-sensitive adhesive that is appropriate for your purpose (the manufacturer will specify).

Remove the wall bases, undercut the doors, and start the subfloor preparation process.

The preparation of the subfloor is one of the most significant steps in the installation of new flooring.

A glue-down vinyl floor can be installed over any type of subfloor, including concrete, wood, and tile.

Everything must be in good condition, level, and free of damage. There are several requirements.

Concrete subfloors must be entirely dry and cured for at least six weeks before they can be used.

Using the calcium chloride test, concrete slabs must be thoroughly examined for moisture before being installed.

The moisture emission from the subfloor cannot exceed 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet in 24 hours, as assessed by the calcium chloride test.

Layout

Before you begin, locate the middle of the room to ensure that there are no little cuts around the perimeter and that the border is regular.

In order to accomplish this, consider the room as a rectangle (disregarding offsets, alcoves, etc.). Draw a chalk line from the center points of the end walls to the middle of the room.

A carpenter square or ceramic tile should be used to draw a second chalk line perpendicular to the first one, and this second line should be extended to the side walls as well.

The intersection of these two chalk lines marks the location of the center of the room.

A flawless 90-degree angle should be achieved in this case.

During the plank designing process, it is essential to acquire accurate and precise measurements.

All of the planks should be laid in the same direction.

Vinyl planks should be laid in a manner that is “balanced” throughout the work area.

In the work area, planks might be set out in a straight line or in a pyramid pattern.

In either scenario, be certain that the planks are properly aligned with the chalk line.

Adhesive

Vinyl adhesive, either removable or non-removable, is necessary for the adhesion of the vinyl to the subfloor.

The specific glue required will be specified by the manufacturer.

Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s directions to the letter.

Apply the glue with a notched trowel that is 1/16″ broad, 1/16″ deep, and 1/16″ apart from the surface.

Begin by placing glue at the junction of the chalk lines and spreading it over the entire set area of the chalk lines.

The glue should be allowed to expand for a sufficient amount of time such that the trowel ridges appear “cloudy” or “hazy” and the trowel “Valleys” appear “clear.”

When placing the tiles, the glue must be sufficiently tacky to prevent the tiles from sliding about.

It is important not to allow the glue to become transparent.

If glue gets on the walking surface of the planks, wipe it off with a soft, dry cloth as soon as possible before it has a chance to cure.

Installation of Planks

Following ample open time for the glue, begin laying planks along the selected starting line, working your way back to the starting wall to create an in-line pattern on the wall surface (fig 3).

Start putting the planks at the middle line for the Pyramid installation (see Fig. 4).

Continue to build the planks in a pyramid shape as you go.

It is important to stagger the plank ends in a random manner in order to avoid cluttering the end joints.

By varying the length of the starting plank, you may ensure that the end joints are spaced enough apart.

End joints should be at least 6″ apart on either side.

End joints should always be made with factory-cut ends.

Pay close attention to the randomness of the plank layout; avoid creating a pattern that repeats itself over and over again.

In Figures 3 and 4, you can see how to continue putting the planks in a random method and finishing each region before moving on to the next.

If it is necessary,

Kneeling boards should be used to avoid stepping on newly installed planks of wood.

In order to ensure that the planks are securely bound to the subfloor, roll the entire installation with a three-section floor roller with a minimum weight of 100 pounds across the entire installation.

Using a large tile cutter or the score and snap technique, vinyl can be cut into shapes and sizes.

Direct or pattern scribe the flooring to fit into intricate, irregular walls, pipes, or other obstacles, such as stairwells.

Installation is completed

The majority of vinyl glue-downs will require immediate rolling using a three-section floor roller with a minimum weight of 100 pounds shortly after installation.

Roll the flooring in both directions to ensure that the planks are securely secured in the adhesive.

Install wall molding and/or transition strips around all of the vinyl’s exposed edges to keep them from fraying.

Precautions should be taken to ensure that the fasteners do not secure the planks to the flooring.

Caulk around tubs, toilet bowls, and other fixtures.

Do not clean the floor for 48 hours after it has been installed.

After 48 hours, use a damp mop and a vinyl cleaner to remove any remaining surface filth that has accumulated.

Our Final Thoughts

The advantage of installing glue-down vinyl planks is that you can truly customize your floor to your personal liking by incorporating design and feature strips into the installation process.

Furthermore, because glue-down vinyl plank flooring adheres to the subfloor with adhesives, the likelihood of it shifting is low – even in areas with high levels of daily use.

As a result, it feels firmer underfoot, and it won’t wear out as quickly as other types of flooring.

Frequently Ask Questions