Durability
Look for LVP with a strong wear layer (measured in mils) to resist scratches, dents, and wear. A thicker wear layer (20 mil or more) is recommended for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
Water Resistance
LVP is typically waterproof, making it an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Verify that the product you choose offers full water resistance, especially if installed in moisture-prone areas.
Thickness
The thickness of LVP affects its comfort and durability. Thicker planks (4mm–8mm) provide better stability, sound insulation, and a more solid feel underfoot, while thinner planks may feel less substantial.
Wear Layer
This protective top layer determines how well the floor withstands daily use. Choose a thicker wear layer (measured in mils) if your floors will experience heavy traffic. A 12–20 mil wear layer is typical for residential use.
Style and Design
LVP comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures. Choose designs that replicate the natural look of wood, stone, or tile to complement your home's interior style, ensuring it matches the aesthetic you're aiming for.
Installation Method
LVP can be installed using a variety of methods, such as click-lock (floating floor), glue-down, or loose lay. Click-lock is DIY-friendly, while glue-down provides a more secure installation in areas with heavy traffic.
Underlayment
Some LVP planks come with a built-in underlayment, while others require a separate one. Underlayment adds cushioning, improves sound insulation, and helps with moisture protection. Ensure compatibility with your LVP selection.
Subfloor Compatibility
Make sure your subfloor is suitable for LVP installation. LVP can be installed over concrete, plywood, or existing flooring, but ensure the subfloor is level, clean, and free of imperfections for a smooth installation.
Maintenance and Cleaning
LVP is generally low-maintenance and easy to clean. Look for options that are stain-resistant and can handle regular cleaning without the need for specialized products. Consider how easy it is to keep the floors looking great.
Cost and Warranty
LVP comes at a variety of price points. While budget-friendly options are available, higher-end LVP often offers better durability, design, and warranties. Be sure to compare warranty terms for wear, water resistance, and installation to protect your investment.
Installing Luxury Vinyl Plank
- Clean and level the subfloor: The subfloor must be clean, dry, and flat. Sweep away any dust, dirt, and debris. Remove any nails, staples, or old adhesive. Use a leveling compound if there are any dips or high spots.
- Ensure moisture protection: If installing over concrete or in moisture-prone areas like basements or bathrooms, consider using a moisture barrier or underlayment designed for LVP.
- Let the planks adjust to the room's temperature and humidity for 24 hours by storing them flat in the room where they will be installed. This helps prevent expansion or contraction after installation.
- Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP)
- Utility knife or vinyl plank cutter
- Tape measure
- Rubber mallet
- Spacers (for expansion gaps)
- Pull bar (for tight fits)
- Level
- Underlayment (if required)
- Straight edge or carpenter's square
- Calculate the total square footage of the room to determine how much LVP you'll need, adding about 10% extra for cuts and mistakes.
- Plan to start along the longest wall. Measure the width of the room and divide by the width of a plank to ensure the last row is at least half a plank wide. Adjust the first-row width if necessary.
- Ensure that the end seams are staggered by at least 6 inches from row to row, giving the floor a natural, random look and adding structural stability.
- Some LVP products come with attached underlayment, but if not, lay down a separate underlayment to provide cushioning and soundproofing.
- Roll out the underlayment, ensuring there is no overlap. Cut it to fit, and tape seams together if required.
- Place spacers along the walls to maintain an expansion gap (about ¼ inch) between the planks and the walls. This gap allows for natural expansion and contraction of the flooring with temperature changes.
- Install the first plank: Start in a corner with the tongue side of the plank facing the wall. Place the first plank down, ensuring it’s straight and aligned with the wall.
- Use the click-lock system (tongue and groove) to snap each plank into place. Insert the tongue of the next plank into the groove of the first one, pressing down to lock them together.
- Continue laying planks row by row, using a rubber mallet to gently tap them into place if needed.
- Measure and mark the planks to fit against walls or around obstacles (like doorways, pipes, etc.). Use a utility knife or vinyl cutter to score the plank, then snap it along the score line.
- For complex cuts around doorways or irregular areas, use a jigsaw or fine-tooth saw.
- Ensure that the seams from one row do not line up with those in the adjacent row. Aim to stagger the seams by at least 6-8 inches for both aesthetics and structural integrity.
- The last row may require narrower planks. Measure the gap between the last full row and the wall, subtract the expansion gap, and cut the planks lengthwise to fit.
- Use a pull bar to lock the last row into place without damaging the planks.
- After all the planks are installed, remove the spacers along the walls.
- Install baseboards to cover the expansion gap and give the floor a finished look. Be sure to attach the trim to the wall, not the floor, to allow the flooring to expand and contract.
- Where the LVP meets other types of flooring (e.g., tile, carpet, hardwood), use transition strips to create a smooth, professional-looking transition between the two surfaces.
- Inspect the floor for any gaps or imperfections. Adjust any misaligned planks using a tapping block and mallet.
- Clean the floor with a damp cloth or vacuum to remove any dust or debris from the installation process.
- Work slowly and methodically: Take your time measuring and cutting to ensure a perfect fit.
- Check for level: As you work, regularly check that your floor is level. Adjust the planks as needed to avoid any high or low spots.
- Temperature and Humidity: Keep the room at a consistent temperature and humidity level to minimize expansion and contraction.