What to Expect When Installing Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Choosing the right flooring material for a room requires careful consideration of its intended use.
Luxury vinyl flooring is a popular choice for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements due to its durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance. Whether you opt for luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) or luxury vinyl planks (LVP), this versatile flooring option offers numerous benefits that make it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
Once you've selected your luxury vinyl flooring, the next step is installation. Here’s what you can expect during the process, along with some tips for a smooth and successful installation.
Luxury Vinyl Installation Tips:
1. Preparing the Old Flooring
Before installing your new luxury vinyl, it’s important to prepare the room properly:
Measure the Room: Start by measuring the dimensions of the space to ensure you purchase the correct amount of vinyl. It's always a good idea to buy a little extra, just in case.
Remove Furniture and Appliances: Clear the area of any movable furniture and appliances that could interfere with the installation. For kitchens, this may include the refrigerator and oven; for bathrooms, the toilet may need to be removed.
Remove Baseboards and Trim: Take off any baseboards or trim around the room to allow for proper vinyl placement.
2. Removing Old Flooring
If your existing flooring is carpet, you’ll need to remove it before proceeding. Luxury vinyl can typically be installed over most hard, flat, dry surfaces. If you have carpet or other flooring materials that are glued down, make sure to pull up the old floor carefully, removing any nails, staples, or adhesives along the way. (Note: For safety, consider having an asbestos test if your current flooring has adhesive materials.)
3. Preparing the Subfloor
To ensure a smooth, secure base for your new vinyl, it’s best to create a paper template of the room using heavy construction paper. Cut the paper to fit the floor and trim it to account for corners or custom shapes. Next, prepare the underlayment, which is usually a ¼-inch layer of plywood. This will help smooth out the floor and provide a solid base for the vinyl. Tape the paper template to the plywood and use it as a guide to cut the plywood to size.
Once the plywood is cut, leave it in the room for 2-3 days to acclimate to the humidity levels in the space. This will help prevent the vinyl from warping after installation. Once acclimated, use a special underlayer stapler to secure the plywood to the subfloor—avoid nails or screws, as they can create bumps that affect the finished vinyl surface.
After stapling, smooth the plywood seams and any rough edges using a sander. You may also need to apply a leveling compound to fill in any cracks or gaps, ensuring the surface is completely flat.
4. Applying the Vinyl Tiles/Planks
With the floor prepared, you’re ready to install the vinyl:
Choose Your Vinyl Type: Determine whether you have self-stick vinyl or glue-down vinyl. Self-stick vinyl is easier to install since it already has an adhesive backing, while glue-down vinyl requires the application of a separate adhesive.
Cutting and Laying the Vinyl: Using the paper template as a guide, cut the vinyl tiles or planks to the appropriate size and shape. For glue-down vinyl, use a notched trowel to spread adhesive across a section of the floor, then wait a few minutes to let the adhesive set before laying the vinyl down.
Pressing the Vinyl Into Place: For each tile or plank, lay it flat and ensure it's properly aligned with the pattern. Do not slide the tiles, as this could disturb the adhesive. Press each piece firmly to ensure it sticks. For smaller tiles, you can use a rolling pin to further press them down into place. Continue laying the vinyl, filling the floor area until you reach the edges.
5. Final Touches
Once the vinyl is laid, wait for the adhesive to dry—this usually takes several hours. Afterward, you can replace the baseboards and trim. If you're installing vinyl in a bathroom, use a caulking gun along the edges where the vinyl meets the walls to provide extra protection against water damage.
Contact Us for Professional Installation
Installing luxury vinyl flooring may seem straightforward, but it’s always best to consult a professional for precise results. Our expert team at Underfoot Flooring is here to help guide you through the process, ensuring your new floors are installed flawlessly.
Quality Installation Guarantee!!
Your flooring is an investment in your home, and we guarantee that our installations meet the highest industry standards, so your floors will stand the test of time.
LVP & LVT Flooring Installation in Omaha, Lincoln, and Sioux Falls
At Underfoot Flooring, we make shopping for flooring easy! Take advantage of our free estimates and consultations today. With our buying power, we offer some of the most competitive prices on flooring in Omaha, Lincoln, and Sioux Falls. Let us handle everything—from removing your old flooring to expertly installing your new vinyl.
Contact us now to learn more about installation costs and how you can save on luxury vinyl flooring installation. We look forward to working with you!
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FAQS
How can I maintain and prolong the life of my flooring?
Proper maintenance is essential to extend the life of your flooring. For hardwood and laminate, regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and debris. Use a damp mop for cleaning but avoid excessive water, which can damage wood. For carpet, vacuum frequently and consider professional deep cleaning periodically. Avoid dragging heavy furniture and use protective pads. Also, place rugs in high-traffic areas to minimize wear. Finally, follow the manufacturer's care guidelines for your specific flooring type to ensure longevity.
