How to Install Vinyl Flooring to Your Basement Floor

Vinyl flooring cleans easily and is among the least expensive flooring materials available. Depending on the size of the basement floor, installing vinyl flooring can take a little effort and some patience. Use the following tips to install vinyl flooring to a basement floor.

Things You'll Need

• Vinyl flooring
• Vinyl flooring adhesive
• Cutting blade

Instructions

1. Prepare the surface of the basement floor by removing any dust or debris. Use a quality push broom to get into any cracks in the concrete floor substrate. Remove any oil or chemical stains before continuing.

2. Measure any appliances or counters before adding any underlayment. Uneven concrete or existing wood floors require a layer of underlayment to even the surface.

3. Seal any areas of the floor substrate from leaks. Use a concrete sealer on these areas. Concrete sealant can be found at home improvement stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot.

4. Measure and cut the vinyl flooring to the measurements of the basement floor. A box cutter or vinyl cutting knife is best for precise cuts. Use a straightedge to create even lines.

5. Apply the vinyl flooring adhesive to the basement floor. This material is applied with a trowel onto the floor surface. A full spread method covers the entire floor area. A perimeter adhered method only spreads the adhesive to the edges of the basement floor and at the seams. Some prefer a vinyl flooring that is floated into place with no adhesive at all.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with a professional flooring installer if the substrate needs extensive reworking.

• Ask a friend to assist in laying the vinyl flooring.

• Remove all air bubbles from underneath the flooring by pushing them to the edges when laying out the flooring.

• Wear a respirator and eye protection for this project.