Do-it-yourself flooring installation has become a more popular option among homeowners over the years. This is because it is often more convenient and affordable than hiring a professional to do the job for you.
Among the flooring options available, the glue-down vinyl plank has been people’s favorite for its resilient, low maintenance, and cost-effective qualities. It also offers a wide selection of designs, including natural stone, wood, and more. Most of all, you can start installing vinyl plank flooring directly on concrete subfloors. That's why vinyl flooring is really the top flooring choice for homeowners.
But how do you actually install glue down vinyl floors on concrete? It may seem like a daunting task, but you can complete it easily with the right tools. In this review article, we will give you a recommendation of four important vinyl flooring installation tools. This way, you can feel confident in completing the installation without making serious mistakes.
Know How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring on Concrete with These Essential Tools
When undertaking a large project, like flooring installation, it is important to have the right tools for the job. Using the wrong tools can lead to frustration, along with wasted effort, time, and money. That's why we’re giving you a detailed review of must-haves for your big vinyl flooring project.
MILESEEY’s RockSeed Laser Tape Measure
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable, wear-resistant, and slip-resistantHas an innovative two-in-one design with a 16 ft. tape measure and a 131 ft. laser measureOffers exceptional measuring accuracyRechargeable and energy-savingHas three functional buttons for the menu, measuring mode, and measure basis settingsHas an HD LCD for automatic measurement calculationHas a magnetic hook and auto-lock feature | Pricey |
Our Verdict
MILESEEY’s RockSeed laser tape measure seems pricier than other measuring tapes, but it offers multiple features that others don’t. Aside from its durable case and 16 ft. nylon-coated blade, it has a 131 ft. laser measure. This innovative two-in-one design and HD LCT allows you to make small to large-scale measurements with automatic and accurate calculations.
Furthermore, it offers functional controls for menu, measure mode, and measure basis settings. So you can conveniently adjust the tool’s settings as needed. It also has a magnetic hook and auto-lock feature to make the measuring process safer and more convenient for you.
This laser tape measure really leaves no room for mistakes when you measure a flooring installation area and individual vinyl planks. So with it, you can install precisely measured vinyl flooring on concrete.
BIBURY Utility Knife
| Pros | Cons |
| Made of durable anodized aluminum and stainless steelRust-resistantHas a multipurpose usabilityPortableFoldableHas an ergonomic design with an anti-slip handle and buttonHas sharp and strong bladesComes with a safety lock and a plastic protectorHas two color options: black and redComes with ten replaceable SK5 stainless steel blades | Lacks a curved edge for a more complex way of cuttingThe blade can fall off if you accidentally push the release button. |
Our Verdict
BIBURY’s utility knife is a multifunction tool that you can use for different applications, including cutting vinyl planks. It’s a durable, rust-resistant knife that’s ideal for long-lasting use, but it lacks a curved edge for a more complex way of cutting. Nonetheless, it has ten replaceable SK5 blades that are sharp and strong enough to cut through thick flooring materials.
The utility knife also features an ergonomic design, making the cutting process easier. It has an anti-slip handle and button for optimized grip. There’s also a safety lock and plastic protector to ensure your safety. Just make sure you avoid pressing it accidentally to prevent the blade from falling off.
Roberts 2057 VCT Adhesive
| Pros | Cons |
| Specially formulated for vinyl flooringSolvent-free and LEED compliantCompatible with concrete, terrazzo, gypcrete, and plywood subfloorsClear-dryingOffers moisture controlHas good residual tack for extended working timePerfect for commercial and residential applicationsGreat for double bond and direct bond installationDries within 24 hours upon application | Difficult to removeConsistency can be thicker |
Our Verdict
Roberts 2057 VCT Adhesive is the perfect flooring installation adhesive because it’s specially formulated for vinyl flooring. It’s even ideal for concrete and other subfloors, so you won’t have major problems with its adhesive strength for floor installation. Additionally, the adhesive is ideal for moderate commercial and heavy residential applications.
It’s solvent-free and LEED compliant with moisture control features for safe and convenient application. However, you must be extra careful with it because of its thin consistency. It’s also difficult to remove from shoes, fabrics, or skin. Nonetheless, the brand also offers an adhesive remover to help you get rid of unnecessary adhesion. Thus, you can test it out while trying to find the best flooring for concrete slab.
DCT Flooring Seam Press Roller
| Pros | Cons |
| DurableVersatileLightweightExtendable from 17 inches to 27 inchesHas an inset axle and non-marking rollers to prevent scuffing and scratching surfacesHas 3 segmented roller parts ensuring steady, even pressure exertionHas a nonslip rubber handleHas a die-cast second handle for more leverage | Requires you to exert extra pressure for flooring installation |
Our Verdict
Deadwood Crafted Tools’ Flooring Seam Press Roller is the last tool you need to finish your luxury vinyl flooring installation. You may be required to exert extra pressure during installation because the product is not your usual heavy floor roller. However, its lightweight construction with three segmented roller parts can ensure even pressure exertion to prevent an uneven floor finish.
The floor roller also gives you more leverage with its die-cast second handle, making the process much easier for you. It’s designed with an inset axle and non-marking rollers to prevent scuffing and scratching surfaces. The tool is also extendable from 17 inches to 27 inches with a nonslip rubber handle, so you can cover a wider rolling area with ease.
Final Thoughts
Vinyl may be the best flooring for concrete basements, but learning how to install vinyl plank flooring can seem complicated. Nonetheless, you can finish the installation perfectly as long as you have the right tools. Thus, we assure you that our recommendations are reliable and deliver flawless flooring installation results. They are all thoughtfully-made products that serve their purpose while promoting ease of use.
If you have more questions about flooring installation or different flooring products, feel free to explore our website. We offer a variety of articles, including buying guides and product reviews, to help you find the right products for your flooring needs.
May 2, 2022
