Can you lay vinyl sheeting over bamboo flooring?

Irenem

Hi I have received a quote for Vinyl Sheeting to be laid in my kitchen which is currently bamboo flooring. The person quoting on site has said that the vinyl can be laid directly onto the Bamboo. I also received a quote for laying carpet in the lounge by the same installer but for this they are saying the bamboo has to be taken up. Why removal of one and not the other?

Many Thanks.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Irenem. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about vinyl sheeting installation.

That’s a great question, and it’s likely best posed to the installers, as they would be familiar with the specific requirements of the products they are using. I trust they’d be more than happy to explain why they’ve recommended removing the bamboo for the carpet but not for the vinyl sheeting.

That said, one possible reason is that vinyl sheeting is relatively thin and flexible, so it can often be laid directly over a smooth, stable surface like bamboo flooring. As long as the bamboo is in good condition and securely adhered, the vinyl should sit flat without issues.

Carpet, on the other hand, typically requires an underlay, and if the bamboo is a floating floor, it may not provide the stability needed for proper carpet installation. Floating floors can expand and contract slightly, which could cause movement under the carpet, leading to wrinkles or uneven wear over time. Removing the bamboo might be necessary to create a more stable and level subfloor for the carpet to be properly installed.

It’s always worth asking the installer for clarification to ensure you’re comfortable with their approach.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell