We’re tackling the floors in the creekhouse this weekend using “Lifeproof” flooring from HD.
We did 3 bedrooms at home and once we got over the learning curve, it wasn’t too bad, though I struggled a little “working backwards” into the closets. I didn’t know a “jamb saw” existed back then. Picked one up this morning.
Any tips or tricks to make it go faster? Pitfalls to avoid? I may post pics as we go when I run into head-scratchers.
Make sure your sub floor is smooth and clean, because any imperfections there will transfer through the vinyl.
Thats' all I got.
In reply to Streetwiseguy :
Uuuuugh. Yeah. We’re gonna have to figure that one out as we go. House is 100 years old, so short of spending a godzillion dollars, some if it is just gonna have to be what it be. I’m hoping we can get away with some sanding/creative shimming.
The plank stuff like lifeproof seems to be a lot more forgiving on the smoothness of the floor verses the old roll or stick-on vinyl, but not as good as the engineered wood.
In reply to ultraclyde :
That’s my hope. Really impressed by the quality. Hopefully we’ll only be in the house for a year & then it’ll be the “crash pad,” so it doesn’t need to be perfect. The guy we had jack & level it did what he could without cracking windows.
Personally, I thought the vinyl plank handled uneven/non-smooth floors very well. I think Streetwiseguy is thinking linoleum style vinyl.
I used aircraft shears for cutting, instead of the utility knife scoring method. I found this offered me a lot more control and precision. It will test your forearm muscle stamina! Wear gloves too, as nasty blisters may result.
If you don't already have a laminate installation kit, like this one, get one. You can't beat on vinyl plank as much as you can laminate, but it still comes in handy from time to time.
In reply to FooBag :
It’s the last thing on my list! Picking one up tomorrow! We used a chop-saw last time for the end pieces, so I plan on doing that again for the end cuts. Also brought the skillsaw, jigsaw, and dremel (for any weird E36 M3)
And I bought two sets of KNEEPADS at HF. I remember having a hard time walking after the last install
Pick up a box of speed finish from the home derpot flooring dept and use it to fix any dips. Also the harbor freight “multifunction power tool” with a half moon blade is a jamb saw with a cord.
In reply to Patrick :
Me + speed finish likely = fail, but yeah, that’s the one I got at HF for like $20
Thanks for the tip on the install kit! I've got a bunch of laminate to put down and I'd missed that toy.
3AM thoughts: In the kitchen, I’d planned on putting floors onder the fridge and stove, but do I need to yank the dishwasher too? :/
My kitchen has old beat up roll style linoleum and it was cut just under the front edge of the dishwasher and the stove by whoever put it in 20 years ago. It's curling and tends to catch dirt, dust, dog fur, etc. If I was running roll flooring I'd say it absolutely should go all the way. With plank.....I'm not sure I would. It's not gonna curl....but I guess you still have an edge that will catch stuff.
Oh, don't forget that pulling the DW and laying flooring will decrease your height under the counter a little. How tight does the DW fit?
In reply to ultraclyde :
I haven’t looked at the legs yet, but I’m guessing there’s enough adjustment to drop it to correct height.
Pro-tip: berkeley_YOU HARBOR FREIGHT!
“Plunge cuts! Jamb cuts! Deep cuts from your favorite band!”
*accessories sold separately
First row took 19 godzillion hours. The rest of the living room wasn’t too bad. 
In reply to Patrick :
Good call on the “half-moon” blade! It’s the “JAMB.” Also, the Rigid version of the HF fail is well-worth the extra $60.
In reply to ultraclyde :
Skip the kit and get the “big bar” for the same price, IMHO. The little bar in the kit sucks, and instead of spacers, I screwed in the first row in a few spots, knowing quarter-round will cover the holes. YMMV
Got what I *think* are the worst of the transitions done today.
It looks good. My favorite picture is the one with the interpretive dance.
poopshovel again said:In reply to Patrick :
Good call on the “half-moon” blade! It’s the “JAMB.” Also, the Rigid version of the HF fail is well-worth the extra $60.
I use the ridgid jobmax one professionally, and do like it. We do lots of this
type of flooring
In reply to Floating Doc :
Thanks. She’s one sweet goofball!!!
In reply to Patrick :
I dig it. I’m also thinking maybe I should’ve listened to your advice on the speed finish. Maybe next time...hopefully there will be no “next time.”
Before leaving yesterday, I pulled the toilet in preparation to do the bathroom today. It occurred to me this morning: Am I going to need a taller flange to accommodate for the floors?
No, you’re already sticking way up. Get the jumbo wax ring to be safe.
Patrick said:No, you’re already sticking way up. Get the jumbo wax ring to be safe.
I bought two wax rings as well as one of those “better than wax” gaskets. Should the latter be sufficient? Thanks for your help. This is my first rodeo putting a toilet in.
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