Can you install it on bare concrete?

Yes—luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are designed to go over concrete, especially in basements or ground floors. But the surface has to meet a few conditions.

⚠️ Key prep requirements

1. Flatness (most important)

Concrete must be:

• Smooth and level (usually within ~3/16" over 10 ft)

• Free of cracks, dips, or bumps

👉 Fix with:

• Self-leveling compound for low spots

• Grinding down high spots

2. Moisture control

Concrete can hold moisture that damages vinyl over time.

You should:

• Do a moisture test (cheap kits available)

• Use a moisture barrier if needed

💡 Many LVP products come with attached underlayment, but that doesn’t always replace a proper vapor barrier.

3. Clean surface

• Remove dust, paint, oil, or adhesive residue

• Vacuum + mop thoroughly

🔧 Installation types (important choice)

Click-lock (floating floor)

• Easiest DIY option

• Sits on top of concrete

• Usually requires underlayment or built-in pad

Glue-down

• More permanent and durable

• Requires very smooth concrete

• Common in commercial installs

🧰 Do you need underlayment?

Depends on the product:

• With attached pad → usually no extra underlayment

• Without pad → add:

• Vapor barrier (on concrete)

• Optional sound/comfort layer

❄️ Special note for basements (common in Canada)

Concrete floors get cold:

• Consider a thermal underlayment for comfort

• LVP itself isn’t very insulating

👍 Pros on concrete

• Waterproof (great for basements)

• Durable and scratch-resistant

• Easy maintenance

👎 Cons

• Can feel hard/cold underfoot

• Requires good prep (or issues later)

Bottom line

You can install luxury vinyl directly on concrete—but success depends on:

• Flat surface

• Moisture control

• Proper underlayment (if needed)

If you want, tell me:

• Basement or main floor?

• DIY or hiring?

• Budget range?

I can recommend specific products or a step-by-step plan tailored to your setup.