Do You Need To Install Anything Underneath Vinyl Flooring

When you install any type of flooring, you want to make sure that the quality and performance will be as good as possible. This often involves putting something down between the subfloor and the new flooring surface. Most commonly, this would be some type of underlay.

But when it comes to vinyl flooring, do you still need to do this or can you get away with simply laying it straight down?

For the most part, vinyl flooring does not need any type of underlayment. This is because the material is designed with a base layer which is used in place of the traditional ‘extra layer’ of underlay. However, there are some situations where you might need to use underlayment. For example, when the floor underneath is uneven or bumpy. 

If you’ve got a nice level subfloor then there’s really no need to do anything other than lay the vinyl flooring directly on top. 

The material of the subfloor may also play a part in deciding whether you need to use anything underneath. For example, if it is made from concrete then there is a risk of dampness and moisture which can be prevented by using a vapour barrier. Moreover, using underlay over concrete will help with noise reduction and will stop the room from feeling cold. 

For wooden subfloors, some people like the addition of underlay as this reduces noise and can make the floor feel more cushioned underfoot. But as we have already mentioned, most vinyl flooring has a built in base layer. If you buy good quality vinyl flooring, this should be more than sufficient in this case. 

What Do You Put Down Before Vinyl Flooring?

Almost every type of vinyl flooring can be laid down without the need for anything underneath. There are some websites, particularly those that are trying to sell underlayment that will tell you there are benefits to using it but this is merely a sales pitch. 

In reality, any good flooring specialist will tell you that, unless the floor is damp or uneven, underlay could do more harm than good. You see, modern vinyl tiles and planks are made with a cushioned base layer. This prevents the floor from moving around and improves heat, reduces noise and makes the flooring feel good underfoot. 

However, when using underlay, there is actually an increased risk that the vinyl flooring could become damaged. Usually, this is because it will puncture, dent or tear. This may lead to you having to replace the entire piece as just glueing it down can look messy. 

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Should Vinyl Flooring Be Glued Down?

There are different types of vinyl flooring. Each one is installed differently. For example, there are click lock planks which are not all that dissimilar to laminate only they’re thinner. These and many other types do not need to be glued down. This includes loose lay vinyl flooring. 

This type of vinyl flooring doesn’t have a locking system nor does it require glue. Instead, the individual pieces are precisely cut and laid down side by side using the walls as a way to hold everything in place.

But, there are also glue down vinyl flooring planks and tiles which, as the name suggests, do need to be secured with glue. This is normally the go to option for places where the subfloor is not as even. While it is a much cheaper option, it’s often more labour intensive and nowhere near as simple. 

Do You Need An Expansion Gap For Glue Down Vinyl Flooring?

When you purchase glue down vinyl flooring, you will find that the manufacturer’s instructions contain information on the right size expansion gap. 

However, as a rule of thumb, you should aim to leave around a ¼ inch expansion gap between the wall and the first piece of vinyl. This will ensure that any expansion owing to temperature changes can be accommodated. 

Of course, it’s always a good idea to leave your vinyl flooring to acclimate in the room for between 36 and 48 hours prior to installation. 

Can You Lay Vinyl On Uneven Floor?

One of the only times that you will need to install underlay before laying vinyl flooring is if the subfloor is not even. However, this is in terms of bumps or areas that are not smooth. If you are wanting to apply vinyl flooring to subfloors with a slight slope, you won’t need anything underneath. 

In fact, when laid correctly, vinyl flooring planks and tiles can actually improve the look of an uneven floor. The key is to make sure that your subfloor is clean and smooth before laying down the vinyl. This could involve sanding and working on the area beforehand. 

In extreme cases where a floor is very uneven and not at all smooth, vinyl flooring might not be the best option. In this case, you may be better installing laminate flooring instead. 

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Conclusion

Vinyl flooring is a popular option as it’s stylish, easy to install, durable and affordable. What’s not to love? However, one of the most pressing questions for most DIYers is do you need to install anything underneath vinyl flooring?

The good news is, that in most situations, you will be able to lay the vinyl down without anything under it. However, if the subfloor is not smooth or if there is a risk of problems with moisture then it might be a good idea to use some underlay.