Can You Reuse Vinyl Plank Flooring
Choosing the right floor for your home can be every homeowner's dream or nightmare. The idea of selecting the wrong style or the wrong type for your home can make any homeowner lose sleep. However, choosing something that is functional and looks nice at a reasonable price will make any homeowner dream. Whether you choose tile, hardwood, or vinyl flooring, you have some homework to do. In some cases, you can even reuse or repurpose your flooring selection. Can you reuse vinyl plank flooring? Depending on how it is installed will determine your answer. Typically the answer is yes.
Let's take a look below at why we might be able to reuse our vinyl plank flooring.
What Is Vinyl Plank Flooring
There are two main types of vinyl plank flooring. You have your standard vinyl plank and you have a luxury vinyl plank. Typically, they are separated by style and thickness. Vinyl plank flooring was designed to give a look at hardwood floors at a cheaper price. They come in a variety of colors and give the appearance of hickory, oak, redwood, and more. The best part is that you can select the style and color that fits your home's decor.
How Is It Installed
There are two ways that vinyl plank flooring is typically installed. Depending on the way that you install the vinyl planks will determine whether or not you can reuse them. In most cases, homeowners will elect to keep the option of reusing the flooring.
- Glue down vinyl or adhesive backing - if the vinyl planks are installed this way, you will not be able to remove and reuse the vinyl planks. The removal process will be fine, but reusing them will not be likely. Too much damage occurs to the vinyl plank due to the glue and adhesive. You can try using warm water and a heat gun to remove the glue, but re-installation will be difficult.
- Floating floor or loose lay - this way of installation allows the vinyl planks to snap into place and sit on top of a padded foam layer. In this case, the floor is floating freely and can be removed and reinstalled elsewhere as needed. If you are careful with your removal, the planks will be in good condition.
How Much Does It Cost
The cost of vinyl plank floor installation will vary depending on the square footage of the area needing the floor, and the hourly rate charged by the contractor. A typical vinyl plank floor installation will cost about $2,500. The average cost per square footage is between $2 and $12.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you understand when you can reuse your vinyl plank flooring, determine if you are going to lay the vinyl plank flooring over another type of flooring. In some cases, it is ok to lay your vinyl plank flooring over the tile and other types of flooring.
Next, it might be a good idea to understand how vinyl plank flooring works before you get excited about your purchase. For example, does vinyl plank flooring expand? Yes, it will expand and contract based on moisture and traffic. If this isn't a good idea for your home, look to make an alternative purchase.
Lastly, before you install your vinyl floor planks, be sure to check if they are fire-resistant. In some cases, homeowners have a fireplace in their homes. It is important to know if the fire embers can start a fire on your vinyl floor planks. This would also be a good time to understand how to put out a fire, that is in your fireplace.
When Do I Call A Professional
If you are looking to install vinyl plank flooring, you will want to hire a flooring expert. In some cases, homeowners can complete this do-it-yourself project. However, if it isn't done correctly you could end up spending a lot more money. To save time and stress, call a professional. For a full flooring inspection, reach out to your local home inspection team. They can assess your flooring needs and refer you to a reputable flooring contractor.
Conclusion
Choosing which style of vinyl plank flooring might be the toughest decision in the whole installation process. Whether you are installing the vinyl planks over an original floor or doing a full replacement, picking out the right floor is key. Be sure to consult your local home inspection team to learn what fits best for your home aesthetics and your investment. Reach out to Gray Home Inspections for a complete home inspection in Jacksonville, FL, and surrounding areas.