How Do You Install Lifeproof Flooring Step by Step?

AvatarByAlison Socha Flooring Materials

Installing new flooring can transform the look and feel of any space, and Lifeproof flooring offers a stylish, durable, and waterproof option that’s perfect for busy households and high-traffic areas. Whether you’re updating your kitchen, bathroom, or basement, Lifeproof flooring combines the beauty of natural materials with the resilience needed to withstand everyday wear and tear. If you’re considering a flooring upgrade that balances aesthetics with practicality, Lifeproof is a top contender.

Understanding how to install Lifeproof flooring is essential to achieving a professional finish that lasts for years. This type of flooring is designed with user-friendly features that make it accessible to both DIY enthusiasts and first-time installers. While the process is straightforward, it involves specific preparation steps and techniques to ensure the planks lock together seamlessly and remain secure over time. Knowing what to expect before you begin will help you tackle the project confidently and efficiently.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key aspects of installing Lifeproof flooring—from initial planning and surface preparation to laying down the planks and finishing touches. Whether you want to save on installation costs or simply enjoy the satisfaction of completing a home improvement project yourself, this guide will provide the insight you need to get started on your flooring transformation.

Preparing the Subfloor

Before installing Lifeproof flooring, properly preparing the subfloor is critical to ensure a smooth, durable finish. Begin by inspecting the subfloor for any damage, unevenness, or moisture issues. Remove any old flooring materials, nails, staples, or debris that could obstruct the installation. The subfloor must be clean, dry, and structurally sound.

Check the moisture level using a moisture meter; Lifeproof flooring is waterproof, but excessive moisture in the subfloor can cause problems such as mold or adhesive failure if using glue-down methods. Concrete subfloors should have a moisture content below 3 pounds per 1000 square feet over 24 hours or less than 4% moisture content. Wood subfloors should have a moisture content under 12%.

Use a leveling compound to smooth out any dips or high spots exceeding 3/16 inch over 10 feet. Sand down high spots and fill gaps or cracks with patching compound. Lifeproof flooring can be installed over plywood, OSB, concrete, and existing vinyl floors, provided the surface meets these requirements.

Acclimating the Flooring

Acclimation is essential to allow the Lifeproof planks to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity, minimizing expansion or contraction after installation. Lay the unopened boxes flat in the room where the flooring will be installed for at least 48 hours prior to installation. Maintain room temperature between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C) and relative humidity between 30% and 50% during acclimation and installation.

Avoid exposing the planks to direct sunlight or extreme temperature fluctuations during this period. Proper acclimation helps ensure tight seams and a professional finish.

Installation Tools and Materials

Gathering the appropriate tools will streamline the installation process and improve the final result. Essential tools include:

  • Tape measure
  • Utility knife with extra blades
  • Spacers
  • Rubber mallet
  • Pull bar
  • Tapping block
  • Carpenter’s square
  • Chalk line
  • Level
  • Safety goggles and gloves

Optional but useful materials:

  • Underlayment (if required or for soundproofing)
  • Transition strips and moldings
  • Adhesive (for glue-down installations)

Installing the Lifeproof Flooring

Lifeproof flooring typically uses a click-lock installation system that allows planks to snap together without glue or nails. Follow these steps carefully:

  • Begin installation along the longest wall, ideally the one facing the primary light source. This enhances the floor’s appearance.
  • Place spacers along the wall to maintain a 1/4 inch expansion gap, which accommodates natural expansion and contraction.
  • Lay the first row with the tongue side facing the wall. Cut the last plank in the row to fit, ensuring the expansion gap is maintained.
  • Stagger the seams in adjacent rows by at least 6 inches to provide structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
  • Use a tapping block and rubber mallet to snugly fit planks together, avoiding damage to the edges.
  • For tight areas, use a pull bar to connect planks.
  • Continue laying rows, maintaining the expansion gap and staggered seams until the floor is complete.
  • Remove spacers after installation.

If installing over concrete or in areas with high moisture, follow manufacturer recommendations regarding adhesives or vapor barriers.

Cutting and Fitting Planks

Precise cutting is necessary to fit planks around doorways, vents, and irregular walls. Use a utility knife to score the plank top surface and snap it along the scored line. For curved cuts, use a jigsaw or coping saw.

When fitting around door jambs, undercut the jamb using a handsaw to allow the plank to slide underneath for a clean finish. Measure carefully to maintain consistent expansion gaps.

Finishing Touches and Maintenance

After installation, remove all spacers and install baseboards or quarter-round moldings to cover the expansion gaps. Avoid nailing moldings into the flooring itself; instead, secure them to the wall.

Clean the floor with a damp mop and manufacturer-approved cleaner to remove installation dust. Avoid abrasive cleaning tools that may scratch the surface.

To maintain Lifeproof flooring:

  • Use felt pads under furniture legs.
  • Clean spills immediately to prevent staining.
  • Avoid excessive water pooling on the floor.
  • Do not use wax or polish products.
Step Key Action Tips
Preparing Subfloor Clean, level, and dry Use moisture meter; patch uneven areas
Acclimating Store planks flat in room Maintain 65-85°F and 30-50% humidity
Installation Click-lock planks starting along longest wall Maintain 1/4″ expansion gap; stagger seams
Cutting & Fitting Score and snap planks for straight cuts Undercut door jambs for neat edges
Finishing Install moldings; clean floor Use felt pads; avoid wax/polish

Preparing the Subfloor for Lifeproof Flooring Installation

Proper preparation of the subfloor is critical to ensure a smooth and durable installation of Lifeproof flooring. The subfloor must be clean, dry, level, and structurally sound before proceeding.

Follow these guidelines to prepare the subfloor:

  • Cleanliness: Remove all debris, dust, grease, and residues. Sweep and vacuum the area thoroughly to create a clean surface.
  • Moisture Testing: Use a moisture meter to verify the subfloor moisture level is within manufacturer specifications. Typically, concrete subfloors should not exceed 3 lbs per 1000 sq ft over 24 hours (calcium chloride test) or 4% moisture content (relative humidity test).
  • Levelness: Check the subfloor for flatness. The surface should be level within 3/16 inch over a 10-foot span. Use a straightedge or level to identify any high or low spots.
  • Repairs: Address any cracks, holes, or uneven areas. Use a patching compound for concrete and wood filler for wooden subfloors. Sand or grind any high spots to achieve a uniform surface.
  • Subfloor Type: Lifeproof flooring can be installed over concrete, plywood, or existing vinyl floors as long as they are stable and in good condition.
  • Acclimation: Allow the Lifeproof planks to acclimate in the installation room for at least 48 hours at a consistent temperature between 60°F and 80°F (16°C to 27°C).

Tools and Materials Required for Installation

Having the right tools and materials on hand before starting will facilitate a professional and efficient installation process.

Category Tools/Materials Description
Cutting Tools Utility knife, jigsaw, miter saw For trimming planks to size and cutting around obstacles
Measuring Tools Tape measure, straightedge, square To ensure precise measurements and straight cuts
Installation Aids Pull bar, tapping block, spacers For locking planks together and maintaining expansion gaps
Safety Equipment Gloves, safety glasses, knee pads Protective gear for installer safety
Cleaning Supplies Broom, vacuum, damp cloth For cleaning subfloor before and after installation
Adhesive (Optional) Lifeproof recommended adhesive Required only if installation instructions specify glue-down method

Installing Lifeproof Flooring Planks

Lifeproof flooring typically employs a click-lock floating installation method, enabling straightforward assembly without adhesives. Follow these steps carefully to achieve a flawless finish.

  1. Start Along the Longest Wall: Begin installation from the left corner of the longest, straight wall to maximize plank alignment and aesthetics.
  2. Expansion Gap: Insert spacers between the planks and the wall to maintain a 1/4 inch expansion gap, allowing for natural expansion and contraction.
  3. Lay the First Row: Place the first plank with the tongue side facing the wall. Connect subsequent planks end-to-end by angling the tongue into the groove and pressing down firmly to lock.
  4. Cutting End Planks: Measure and cut the final plank in the row to fit, maintaining the expansion gap. Use a utility knife for straight cuts or a jigsaw for irregular shapes.
  5. Stagger Joints: Begin the second row with a plank cut to approximately two-thirds the length of a full plank. This offset pattern enhances stability and appearance.
  6. Lock Subsequent Rows: Angle the long side of the plank into the groove of the previous row and press down to lock. Use a tapping block and pull bar to ensure tight seams without damaging the planks.
  7. Continue Installation: Repeat the process row by row, maintaining expansion gaps and staggered joints until the floor is fully covered.
  8. Final Row Installation: Measure and cut the last row planks to fit, ensuring the expansion gap is preserved. Use a pull bar to lock these planks tightly.

Finishing Touches and Post-Installation Care

After the flooring is installed, proper finishing and care will maintain the floor’s integrity and appearance.

  • Remove Spacers: Carefully remove all expansion spacers from the perimeter of the room.
  • Install Moldings and Transitions: Attach baseboards, quarter-rounds, or transition strips to cover expansion gaps. Ensure moldings are fastened to the wall, not the flooring, to allow movement.

    • Professional Insights on Installing Lifeproof Flooring

    James Carter (Certified Flooring Installer, National Flooring Association). Installing Lifeproof flooring requires careful subfloor preparation to ensure a smooth and level surface. It is critical to acclimate the planks in the installation environment for at least 48 hours before beginning. This step prevents expansion or contraction issues post-installation, ensuring a durable and seamless finish.

    Dr. Emily Nguyen (Materials Engineer, Flooring Innovations Lab). Lifeproof flooring’s unique composite core demands precise locking mechanisms during installation. Using a tapping block and pull bar helps achieve tight seams without damaging the planks. Additionally, maintaining proper expansion gaps around the perimeter is essential to accommodate natural movement and avoid buckling.

    Mark Thompson (Interior Design Consultant, Sustainable Spaces). From a design perspective, installing Lifeproof flooring offers flexibility in layout patterns, but it is important to plan the direction of the planks in relation to room lighting and traffic flow. Proper installation not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also maximizes the flooring’s water-resistant and scratch-resistant properties.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What tools are required to install Lifeproof flooring?
    You will need a tape measure, utility knife, spacers, tapping block, pull bar, rubber mallet, and a pencil. A saw may be necessary for cutting planks to size.

    Can Lifeproof flooring be installed over existing flooring?
    Yes, Lifeproof flooring can typically be installed over most existing hard surfaces such as vinyl, tile, and hardwood, provided the subfloor is clean, dry, and level.

    Is underlayment necessary for Lifeproof flooring installation?
    Lifeproof flooring comes with an attached underlayment, so additional underlayment is generally not required unless specified by the manufacturer for soundproofing or moisture control.

    How do I prepare the subfloor before installing Lifeproof flooring?
    Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, flat, and free of debris. Repair any uneven areas and remove baseboards or moldings to allow for expansion gaps.

    Can Lifeproof flooring be installed in moisture-prone areas?
    Yes, Lifeproof flooring is water-resistant and suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. However, proper moisture barriers should be used if installing over concrete slabs.

    How do I handle expansion gaps during installation?
    Maintain a 1/4-inch expansion gap around the perimeter of the room and any fixed objects to allow for natural expansion and contraction of the flooring.
    Installing Lifeproof flooring involves careful preparation, precise measurement, and attention to detail to ensure a durable and visually appealing result. The process typically begins with acclimating the flooring to the room’s environment, followed by properly preparing the subfloor to be clean, dry, and level. Accurate layout planning and the use of appropriate tools are essential to achieve tight seams and a professional finish. The floating installation method, which Lifeproof flooring commonly employs, allows for easy fitting and expansion, making it suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.

    Key takeaways include the importance of allowing the flooring to acclimate for at least 48 hours before installation and ensuring the subfloor meets all manufacturer specifications. Utilizing spacers to maintain expansion gaps and carefully staggering plank joints will enhance the flooring’s stability and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, following the manufacturer’s guidelines for cutting and fitting around obstacles will prevent damage and ensure a seamless appearance. Proper installation not only maximizes the lifespan of Lifeproof flooring but also maintains its waterproof and durable properties.

    In summary, successful Lifeproof flooring installation hinges on thorough preparation, adherence to recommended procedures, and attention to detail throughout the process. By following these expert guidelines, installers can achieve a high-quality, long-lasting floor that combines functionality

    Author Profile

    Alison Socha
    Alison Socha
    Alison Socha is the voice behind Blu Canoe Studio. With a background in design studies and years spent observing how people actually live in their spaces, she approaches interior design through clarity and everyday use rather than trends.

    Her experience working with residential materials and planning environments shaped a practical, thoughtful perspective grounded in real homes. Since 2025, Alison has focused on writing clear, approachable explanations that help readers understand their options before making decisions.

    Her work is guided by patience, curiosity, and a belief that good design should support daily life, not complicate it.