I'm planning to rip out the carpet on my second floor and replace it with loose lay vinyl flooring. However, I've been struggling to find information specifically about second-floor installations. I came across some discussions that mentioned not needing a vapor barrier, but I'm confused about that because it seems crucial for protecting the subfloor. Has anyone done this before? I'd also like tips on leveling the floor if it's uneven, how to handle the vapor barrier, and whether I can use loose lay vinyl on my stairs, which are currently carpeted. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
You actually don't need a vapor barrier for second-floor installations! Focus on getting a high-quality vinyl that’s thick enough—like the Armstrong sheet vinyl we used, which has lasted us nearly 25 years! Just lay it down and add some shoe molding around the edges. It's held up well for us!
That's great to hear! I didn’t know sheet vinyl could be that durable. I totally get the vapor barrier concern, but it's probably less crucial since there aren’t any gaps, right? It makes sense!