Professional Luxury Vinyl Plank Installation: A Complete Guide
Luxury vinyl planking (LVP) is quickly becoming a popular flooring option due to its durability, affordability, and ease of maintenance. Although LVP is easier to install than hardwood or tile, professional installation is always best. Hiring a professional installer ensures that your floors are set up correctly, saving you time and trouble in the long run.
In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know about professional luxury vinyl plank installation. We'll talk about what to expect during the process, what to look for in an installer, and how to care for your floors after installation.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Before beginning the installation process, the installer will ensure that your subfloor meets the requirements necessary for LVP installation. As a homeowner, you should ensure that your floors are clean and clear of any debris. All furniture should also be removed, and the room should be empty to ensure a smooth installation process.
If your home has a concrete subfloor, the installer will need to assess the level of moisture in the concrete slab. If it exceeds the allowable amount, the installer will need to carry out extra procedures like moisture barriers or self-leveling compounds to correct the problem.
The Installation Process
After completing the pre-installation preparations, such as acclimating the flooring material to room temperature and moisture levels and ensuring the subfloor is clean, level, and dry, the installer will start the installation process.
Installers typically work in a sequence, laying the planks in a straight line, one row at a time. They use a variety of tools, such as a miter saw, jigsaw, and circular saw, to cut the planks to the appropriate length and width. They also use spacers to maintain the proper expansion gap between the planks and the walls.
As they work their way across the room, the installers may encounter obstacles like columns, doorways, and stairs. They will need to carefully measure and cut the planks to fit around these obstacles while maintaining the proper pattern and alignment.
Post-Installation Care
Once the installer has completed the LVP installation, the next step is to take care of the new floors properly. The installer will give you instructions on how to clean LVP floors properly. It's recommended to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes as they can damage the floors.
Sweep and vacuum the floors regularly and mop them with warm water and mild detergent to keep them clean. If you spill any liquid on the floors, clean it immediately to prevent staining.
Hiring a professional luxury vinyl plank installer is the best way to ensure that your new floors are installed correctly and with minimum fuss. They'll take care of every single detail of the installation process, ensuring that the final result looks fantastic. If you're thinking of upgrading to luxury vinyl planks, keep this guide in mind, and don't hesitate to hire a professional installer.