How to Installing Vinyl Click Flooring Over Engineered Hardwood

When laying vinyl click flooring over your existing hardwood floors, you’ll find that it’s easier than you think. But there are some important considerations that you need to make before you get started. These considerations include cost, preparation, and durability. Read on to learn more.

Installation

Installation of vinyl click flooring over engineered hardwood is not difficult, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some tips to help you install your flooring properly. First, make sure that the room is dry. Then, make sure that you have prepared all the areas that you want to cover with your new flooring. Once you’ve prepared these areas, you can start installing the flooring.

Next, determine what type of click flooring you’d like to use. Click flooring comes in many varieties and is often the easiest to install. Its tongue-and-groove design allows it to click together without the use of glue or nails. In addition, tongue-and-groove flooring is easy to install with basic tools and inexpensive supplies.

Cost

Installing vinyl click flooring over engineered hardwood can be a cost-effective solution for your home. Engineered hardwood costs anywhere from $4 to $10 per square foot, and installation costs can range from $3 to $8 per square foot. Vinyl plank flooring costs between $1 and $4 per square foot, and is relatively easy to install.

It’s important to note that engineered hardwood requires special maintenance. For example, use a soft-bristled broom to avoid scratching the floor. Avoid using harsh cleaning solutions, as they can damage the wood.

Preparation

Before installing vinyl click flooring over engineered hardwood, homeowners should first prepare the subfloor. Solid hardwood floors can have hundreds of seams and wide gaps between floorboards, often resulting from water damage. You may need to sand these down and fill low areas. While these imperfections will not transfer immediately to the vinyl flooring surface, they will eventually show up as low craters or hills.

Next, install spacers between each plank. Place spacers every 1/4″ along the perimeter of the room. The spacers will prevent gaps between the planks.

Durability

The main question you’ll have to ask yourself is, “Does vinyl click flooring really last as long as engineered hardwood?” While both flooring options are made from real wood, engineered flooring has a few key advantages over solid wood. For one thing, engineered wood is moisture and humidity resistant. It can even handle water. And unlike solid wood, it won’t warp or develop gaps like a hardwood floor would.

Engineered hardwood has a durable core that can last as long as 50 years with proper care. It has a tongue and groove installation system and can be installed on all levels. Moreover, some brands include a protective layer to prevent fading in the sun.

Maintenance

Vinyl click flooring has an advantage over engineered wood, which requires special care and maintenance. Vinyl flooring is water resistant and easy to clean. Daily sweeping and vacuuming are enough, but heavier cleaning may require using a mop and mild cleaner. Hardwood, on the other hand, requires a more thorough cleaning and is best done with the help of a professional floor cleaner.

Cleaning engineered hardwood is more difficult, but can be done by following a few simple guidelines. First, use a damp mop and appropriate floor cleaner. Avoid using soap-based cleaners or vinegar, as they will damage the upper layer of hardwood. Also, avoid using steel wool or melamine sponges to clean the floor, as they can cause permanent damage to the finish.