Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Are you looking for a versatile, stylish flooring option that won’t break the budget? Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is a great choice that can offer durability, a wide range of design choices, and a simple installation process. With LVP flooring, you can opt for professional installation or install your new flooring yourself. Here’s a closer look at what you should know about luxury vinyl plank flooring installation in the Washington Metro Area, along with some helpful tips from our pros to get the job done right.

Why Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Is a Smart Choice

LVP flooring is a great choice because it is resistant to scratches, waterproof or water-resistant, budget-friendly, and resistant to fading and UV damage. Plus, luxury vinyl plank flooring offers seemingly endless design choices, as it can mimic the look of natural stone and wood in all types of stains and grain patterns. It’s also a popular choice for homeowners because it is one of the easiest types of flooring to install, so you might choose to install it yourself.

Pre-Installation Essentials You Can’t Skip

Before installing LVP flooring, you must remove everything from the room where the flooring will be installed. LVP is a floating floor, so it can be installed over many types of existing flooring, but if the space currently has carpet, vinyl flooring with cushion backs, or damaged flooring, the existing flooring will need to be removed. Prior to installation, the subfloor should be thoroughly cleaned.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Vinyl plank flooring clicks and locks into place, making it easy to install without a big mess. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Measure Your Space and Determine the Flooring Layout – Measuring your space will let you determine how much flooring you need. Be sure to consider the orientation of your vinyl planks when taking measurements. It’s generally best to install planks parallel to the longest wall in the room.
• Gather Your Tools – You’ll need a few specific luxury vinyl plank flooring installation tools, including measuring tape, a level, vinyl cutters or a utility knife, a pencil, a rubber mallet, and a straightedge.
• Check Your Flooring for Defects – Before installing your flooring, inspect it for any defects or imperfections. Then, shuffle the planks to create a more natural appearance, as each one will have a unique grain pattern.
• Prepare the Subfloor – Make sure the subfloor is rigid, level, and clean before installing new flooring. You may need to sand down raised areas or fill in gaps to make a smooth and even surface.
• Lay Down Your Planks – Once your subfloor is ready, you can begin to lay down the planks. You’ll need 1/4” of buffer space between the edge of the floor and the wall. You will likely need to cut planks along the edge to get the right fit. Use the cut pieces to start the next row so that you achieve a staggered look for a more pleasing grain pattern. Work from right to left on each row. Lightly tap the planks with the mallet to lock them in place.
• Reattach Baseboards and Molding – After your flooring is in place, you can reattach your baseboards and molding. Apply caulk to the seams for a smooth and flawless finish.

What Should You Do After Installation to Keep Your Floors Looking New?

Vinyl floors are easy to maintain. Regular sweeping or vacuuming will remove dirt and dust, and occasional mopping with a mild cleaner can remove tougher grime. Clean up any spills right away.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Installation

Although the installation process is relatively straightforward, there are some common mistakes you should avoid:

• Not cleaning and leveling the subfloor
• Not leaving a ¼” expansion gap around the floor edges
• Using too much force along the joint edges
• Not staggering plank seams on each row
• Inaccurate measurements or cuts

Expert Tips to Make Your Installation Easier and Flawless

To prevent your LVP flooring from looking like a failed DIY project, follow these helpful tips from our pros:

• Undercut door jambs to allow the planks to fit underneath.
• Let your planks sit in the room for 24-48 hours before installation, so they don’t expand or contract significantly after installation.
• Measure each room carefully.
• Plan the layout before installing your planks to avoid ending up with an extremely narrow final row or gaps in the flooring.
• Purchase 10-15% more flooring than you need to cover the room’s square footage to allow for mistakes, waste, and future repairs.

Find the Right Flooring for Your Home

If you are considering luxury vinyl plank flooring for your home, contact Elegant Floor Services to explore our selection and get a free estimate for your flooring project. Whether you choose DIY or professional installation, we can help you find the right vinyl planks to suit your tastes and budget. Contact us today to get started.