I recently removed some old linoleum flooring in my bathroom and discovered that the underlying tile was uneven, cracked, and in some spots even sounded hollow. After removing the hollow tile, it looks like the tile was set directly on the concrete slab. Is that a common practice? I've read that a subfloor is usually recommended. I'm planning to install vinyl planks but I'm unsure if I can put them directly on the concrete slab or if I should install a subfloor first. Honestly, I'm pretty lost on this project; I thought DIYing would be easy after watching YouTube videos, and with my dad encouraging me saying it's a piece of cake. This is my first (and likely last) DIY project, and I live in Southern California, if that makes a difference.
3 Answers
Check out some really helpful YouTube videos about LVP installations. I learned a lot from one guy’s playlist! Just be aware that some vinyl planks come with built-in underlayment, and adding another layer could void the warranty. I laid down a padded roll underlayment that also served as a vapor barrier, and it helped with noise and insulation.
It’s totally normal to lay tile directly on a concrete slab, especially in Southern California! You can definitely put vinyl planks right on the concrete as long as it's clean, level, and dry. Just remember to use a vapor barrier or an underlayment that’s recommended by the manufacturer of the planks. No need for a subfloor in most cases—you're in good shape!
Many people do install either tile or vinyl planks directly over concrete. If you want to ensure longevity, just check that the concrete is flat and meets the manufacturer’s specifications. Make sure to add a vapor barrier if you’re working with grade slabs, especially if drainage could be an issue. No uncoupling membranes are needed for LVP, so you should be alright without one!