How to Install Floating Vinyl Flooring

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We’re back with another Pro-Follow, and today’s topic is on installing a floating vinyl floor. For this project guide, we’ve partnered with Dave Swann and team. Dave is a general contractor with over 35 years of experience in new construction, remodeling, historic restoration, and design. Check out Dave’s Facebook page to learn more and to contact him.

Dave and his team are installing about 1000 sq. ft. of Aged Hickory Cali Bamboo vinyl flooring. I’m really excited about this product for a number of reasons:

• DIY install – the click-lock system makes for an easy installation for even a beginner DIYer
• Waterproof – the joints between planks are completely waterproof
• Continuous floor – vinyl planks don’t need expansion joints between different rooms
• Durable – Cali Bamboo vinyl has a 20mil wear layer

If you’re interested in learning more, check out Jocie’s full review of Cali Bamboo Vinyl Flooring.

Here’s a quick overview video of installing Cali Bamboo floating vinyl flooring. Read on for detailed instructions, pictures, and installation tips.

Acclimate the Flooring

The Cali Bamboo vinyl flooring was shipped directly to the job site about a week prior to installation. It’s important to allow the vinyl planks 24 – 48 hours to acclimate to room temperature and relative humidity before installing. Don’t stack cartons more than 8 high, and open both ends of the carton.

Subfloor Prep

As with all flooring installations, subfloor preparation is crucial. Vinyl planks are flexible enough that you will notice if the subfloor does not meet the requirements.

The general rule is that Cali Bamboo vinyl can be installed over most hard surfaces including:

• Concrete
• Plywood
• OSB
• Ceramic tile
• Sheet vinyl
• Radiant heat systems

The subfloor must be flat to 3/16″ per 10′ radius and completely clean. You need to knock down high spots and/or fill in low spots. Depending on your application, you may even consider pouring a self-leveling compound to achieve a nice, even subfloor.

For this project, the baseboards, carpet, slate tile, and sheet vinyl were completely removed. Dave and his team scoured the subfloor for staples, nails, and screws either removing them or driving them below the surface. They gave special attention to remove any leftover mortar after the tile was gone.

Tip: Slide an old drywall knife across the subfloor to find proud nails, screws, and staples you didn’t notice before.

Wood subfloors must be securing fastened, and this is a good opportunity to eliminate squeaks. Drive screws every 6″ along a joist.

Concrete must be fully cured and at least 60 days old. You can grind down high spots or fill in low spots with a Portland-based leveling compound.

Underlayment

Cali Bamboo vinyl is waterproof; however, moisture intrusions can affect the floor over time. Moisture can also be trapped below the flooring and create mold or mildew. Vinyl planks installed over concrete or a crawlspace must have a moisture barrier, and a vapor barrier is required for plywood subfloors.

For this project, Dave installed Cali Complete. This all-in-one is a moisture and vapor barrier suitable for all subfloor types. Additionally, Cali Complete reduces noise and acts as insulation making floors feel warmer.

Installing the Cali Complete is very simple. Dave unfolded the sheets and connected adjacent sheets with the interlocking, ‘puzzle-piece’ edges. The underlayment cuts easily with a utility knife, and Dave tapped all the seams with a seal tape.

Before Installing

Before you begin, plan out the install. Decide which direction to run the planks, and measure the space at a right angle. You want to avoid the last course of planks being too thin (less than 1/3 of a plank width). If that’s the case, rip the first course of planks to adjust.

Dave measured off the wall and snapped a series of chalk lines. These guides will help ensure the planks are straight throughout the install.

Dave also cut some 1/4″ spacers to leave room for expansion around the walls and immovable objects like fixed cabinetry and the fireplace.

Cali Bamboo vinyl flooring includes 11 different patterns, and it’s important to mix them all together. Best practice is to pull pieces from several different cartons to ensure good color, shade, and appearance.

Installing the First Row

Dave started on the left side of the room. He used the spacers to create the proper expansion gap, and he measured to his first chalk line to ensure the planks were straight. Cali Bamboo vinyl planks feature a click-lock system that makes installation very quick, and the result is a waterproof joint. Often Dave used a piece of scrap as a tapping block to snug up the joint.

Cutting Vinyl Planks
Another benefit of this flooring is that you don’t even need power tools to cut the planks. Dave would grab a straight-edge, cut a score line with a utility knife and snap the workpiece much like drywall. It’s quick and leaves no mess. Often, Dave would be able to reuse the remaining piece (if it was at least 8″) to start the next course.

At other times, Dave would use snips, a jigsaw or multitool to cut the planks around door jambs, air registers, stairs, and other odd angles.

Continuing the Install

Dave and his team continued the install in much the same manner, taking care to stagger joints by at least 8″ and pulling planks from different boxes. It’s recommended to account for about 5% waste. However, Dave and his team were extremely efficient with very little scrap leftover. It’s important to inspect each piece before you install to look for damage or defects and set those pieces aside. Dave continuously checked the distance to the nearest chalk line and make slight adjustments to keep the floor straight.

The vinyl floor extends underneath appliances like the washer and dryer, the refrigerator and the stove. However, it does not go underneath the kitchen cabinets or other fixed objects.

In some areas, Dave ripped the last course of planks to fit, again allowing room for expansion. Walls are not always 100% straight so he measured each piece individually before cutting. Dave used a double-sided prybar and rubber mallet to snug up the joint.

Transitions & Molding

The expansion gap around the walls is concealed with baseboards and optional shoe molding (not installed on this job). Around the stairs, door threshold and cabinetry, Dave used quarter round. Cali Bamboo offers a variety of trim options and stair nosing to match the floor. Dave installed a threshold molding around the fireplace brick, and he used a construction adhesive to glue it down to the subfloor. It’s important to note that all the transition strips and molding are not fastened to the vinyl floor. Things like closet by-pass door guides are attached to the subfloor with room for the floor to expand and contract.

The Finished Product

This floor looks amazing, and Dave and his team did a great job!

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