Can You Put Heavy Furniture on Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Last Update:

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Learn more

heavy furniture on vinyl plank flooring

Vinyl flooring has made a big comeback.

It’s one of the most durable flooring options available and comes in many timeless designs.

It’s excellent for houses with active kids and pets, is virtually maintenance-free, and is one of the best flooring materials for kitchens and baths.

If you’re thinking of getting vinyl flooring or just had it installed, you may be wondering, “can you put heavy furniture on vinyl plank flooring.” The answer is yes, but there are a few things you should know before doing so.

Is It Okay to Put Heavy Furniture on Vinyl Plank Floors?

Yes, you can put heavy furniture on vinyl plank flooring. However, if you’ve used any adhesive on the planks, wait at least 24 hours before placing furniture on the floor and up to 48 hours before placing heavy appliances on the vinyl planks. When you move furniture back, protect your vinyl plank flooring from scratches by using felt furniture pads.

Are There Different Types of Vinyl Plank Flooring?

There are two different types of vinyl plank flooring: click-lock and glue-down. 

Click-lock works like a laminate or hardwood flooring, clicking in place and floating on top of the subfloor. You can put an underlayment below click-lock vinyl plank, which can act as a moisture barrier and provide extra cushiness. 

Some brands like Pergo Extreme come with an underlayment attached to the click-lock planks.

Glue-down planks are often less expensive than their click-lock counterparts but are also much thinner. While you can use glue-down vinyl flooring in your home, contractors most often use this kind of flooring in large commercial spaces.

How to Protect and Care For Vinyl Plank Flooring

heavy piano on vinyl plank flooring
Whether your vinyl flooring is glue-down or click-lock, you’ll want to take the same precautions to avoid scratches, tears, or dents. Because unfortunately, since vinyl plank flooring is a soft material, it can dent or rip if not properly protected.

Here are some basic steps you can take to ensure your vinyl plank flooring doesn’t dent or rip:

  • Place felt furniture pads on the bottom of the furniture before placing it on your floors.
  • If you used any adhesive during installation, wait at least 24 hours before moving furniture back.
  • Never place rubber or latex mats on your vinyl floor. This causes a chemical reaction that will leave you with damaged flooring.

Other than these precautions, vinyl plank flooring is almost effortless to care for. It stands up to spills and scratches nicely. 

To care for your floor, sweep or vacuum often and mop as needed. Avoid putting polish or wax on your vinyl planks, as it could make them dangerously slick.

How Much Weight Can You Put on a Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring can handle as much weight as any other type of floor. Some professional installers state that these floors can hold up to 500 lbs, but they may withstand even more.

If you’re worried about the weight limit, read the warranty information on the flooring you’d like to purchase. Most warranties don’t give a weight limit but do say that heavy furniture must have felt protector pads on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to wait to put furniture on vinyl?

After installation, you should wait 24-48 hours before placing heavy furniture on your vinyl plank flooring if you have used adhesive in your installation – even if only on the perimeter. If your floor is fully floating, you’re probably okay to put heavy furniture back immediately.

What causes furniture to skid on vinyl floors?

Vinyl flooring is very smooth. If you place another smooth surface on top of it, it’s bound to slip. You can prevent this by placing felt pads on the legs of your furniture, placing a rug underneath, or using furniture grips.

Should you put vinyl plank flooring under appliances?

Placing vinyl plank floor underneath appliances is perfectly safe and nothing to worry about. However, many appliance manufacturers recommend not to put flooring underneath, so it’s best to check for recommendations from your appliance manufacturer.

Conclusion

Vinyl plank flooring is incredibly tough and can easily hold furniture that weighs up to 500 pounds or more, so you can put heavy furniture on vinyl plank flooring 

The most important precautions are to wait at least 24 hours after installation if glue has been used and place felt pads underneath the legs of heavy furniture.

Photo of author

AUTHOR

Katie Barton lives with her husband and three daughters in an 1800’s style log cabin in southern Ohio. She thinks cleaning is relaxing and is considered the organizing go-to person by her family and friends. She runs the blog Cabin Lane where she shares about cleaning, decluttering, and minimalism. See full biography here.

Leave a Comment

16 − 11 =