Vinyl flooring is a great option for
just about every interior living space
in your home.
The flooring we're installing today is
Lifeproof Rigid Core Vinyl Plank Flooring.
LifeProof is the latest innovation in
vinyl flooring. It's rigid, strong,
lightweight, and easy to handle and
install. This product is 100% waterproof,
so it's ideal for wet areas like kitchens,
baths and laundry rooms. Of course, you
can install into any room or in any
level of your home. This product features
an enhanced wear layer with ceramic bead
technology to resist scratches and
enhanced durability. LifeProof is treated
with Ultra-Fresh on the top layer and
underlayment
to inhibit the growth of odor and stain
causing mold and mildew. Ultra-Fresh is
built directly into the product and is
permanent. LifeProof includes the
pre-attached underlayment which
minimizes sound, enhances, warmth and
is comfortable under foot. DropLock 100
end joints allow for fast and easy
installation for DIYers and Pros
alike. LifeProof is FloorScore
certified to ensure high indoor air
quality. This flooring does not require
acclamation before being installed in
residential area. Simply bring the
flooring up to room temperature prior to
installation. This is great for quickly
needed floor replacement jobs. Buy it
today, install it today. LifeProof can be
installed and maintained in a
temperature range from 50 to 100
degrees Fahrenheit. This is great
for seasonal homes. LifeProof can be installed over your
existing floor with no adhesives or glue.
LifeProof can be installed over wood or
concrete subfloors, even over existing
vinyl or tile flooring. No special tools
are required for installation and
minimal floor preparation is needed. You
should purchase 10 percent more than
needed to allow for waste. This product
is not designed to be installed on
stairs,
vertical surfaces, and non-temperature
controlled areas.
LifeProof is exclusively available at
The Home Depot.
Step 1: Surface Preparation. LifeProof can
be installed over wood or concrete subfloors,
even over existing vinyl tile
floor. Regardless of the subfloor
material, it must be sound and solid
without deflection. In a kitchen or
bathroom, install cabinetry, island and
peninsula counters, vanities tubs, and
showers first. Then, install LifeProof around them.
Step 2: Plan the Installation
Begin by measuring the room's length and
divide it by the length of the planks. Be
sure to allow for a quarter-inch gap on
either end by using quarter-inch spacers.
If the resulting number is less than 8
inches, you'll need to cut your first
plank accordingly to avoid having planks
less than 8 inches on the opposite side
of the room. Measure the width of the
room and divide it by the width of the
plank. If the number is less than half
the width of the plank, you'll need to
trim the first and last row to equal
widths. This will result in a more
balanced looking room at the end of
the installation.
To cut the planks, simply mark the proper
measurement and score the planks using a
utility knife and a straight edge. You
will also need to back cut the
underlayment on the bottom of the plank.
Then just snap the plank along the score
line.
Step 3: Install the first row
Insert quarter-inch spacers between the wall and the
row of planks. Installation should start
in the left hand corner and proceed with
the tongue facing the wall. When starting
your first row, lock the first two planks
in place by angling just enough to get
your fingers underneath the plank. You
will know the planks are fully locked
when they lay flat on the subfloor. When
connecting both a long and a short seam
together, connect the long side of the
plank first, then slide the plank so the
short sides meet then drop and lock the
short ends. To ensure a tight fit use a
tapping block and a soft faced hammer on
the long seams.
Then tap down on top of the planks at
the short seams. Continue laying planks
as you go until the row is complete. Use
paper to trace out irregular objects. Cut
along the trace lines using a utility
knife and lay plank.
Step 4: Install the Planks
When laying the second row of planks, score and snap the
first plank so the end joint will be
staggered at least eight inches from the
seams in the first row. When cutting the
first plank of a row, place the cut edge
against the wall. The staggered seam
pattern can be repeated row by row or be
random. As each row is completed, place
spacers at both ends to maintain a
consistent gap to the wall. These gaps
and the cut edges will be covered by the
quarter round or desired baseboard
molding installed at the end of the
project.
When installing planks around door
openings, it's best to cut the door casing
so the flank can slide underneath. Never
undercut metal door casings. Place the
plank next to the casing and mark it
with the plank's thickness. Cut the
door casing with either a hand saw or a
jam cutter, which is also available in
Home Depot Tool Rental Centers. This easy
to install, innovative vinyl flooring is
not only a beautiful addition to your
home, but, it is extremely durable and easy
to maintain.
