Floating Floor

[Beth Thornton]

Thinking about putting a floating floor in over my old vinyl instead of ripping it out, is that actually fine to do or am I going to regret it?

[floorman]

Yes, that's a very common and usually fine approach — as long as a few things check out first:

• Make sure the old vinyl is flat, well-adhered, and not cushioned (sheet vinyl with a foam backing will feel spongy under a floating floor). If it's fully glued down and hard, you're fine.
• Check for any curling edges, bubbles, or damage — those telegraph through the new floor over time.
• Confirm the vinyl isn't hiding a moisture problem. If you've never had issues, it's probably fine, but if that vinyl was ever installed over a slab with dampness concerns, address that first.
• Account for the added height (floating floors + underlayment typically add 3/8"-1/2"). Check doorway clearances and transitions to other rooms.
• A thin foam or cork underlayment is usually recommended regardless, for sound and slight cushioning.

Bottom line: if the vinyl is flat, solid, and dry, ripping it out is extra work you don't need — just float right over it.