Have you been on the hunt for flooring lately? Curious about Luxury Vinyl Flooring and wondering what the hype is all about? Well, let’s dive in to my luxury vinyl flooring tips and learn why this flooring is a hot trend.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF) is essentially the modern version of old-school sheet vinyl flooring. It comes in two styles. Luxury Vinyl Planks are wood-grain planks that mimic hardwood. Luxury Vinyl Tile is flooring that mimics ceramic tile, porcelain tile or stone styles. And before you have a flashback to 90s-era vinyl, trust us – it’s far superior for high-traffic areas. It performs better all around and looks much more expensive. And beyond that, it also comes in a range of applications and styles so you have a vast array to choose from. As an added bonus, its price is definitely affordable.
But if you’ve ever gone shopping for flooring, you know it can actually be extremely confusing and hard to know how to get it right. Especially with Luxury Vinyl Floors, it can feel like there are endless considerations to keep in mind (versus a more straightforward selection of hardwood, carpeting, or tile). Despite this, LVF is an amazing flooring choice and it just might be the perfect fit for you. So, read on – we’re dishing out all of our top insider tips on choosing this flooring, and we guarantee it’ll make your decision a whole lot easier.
But if you’ve ever gone shopping for flooring, you know it can actually be extremely confusing and hard to know how to get it right. Especially with Luxury Vinyl Flooring, it can feel like there are endless considerations to keep in mind (versus a more straightforward selection of hardwood, carpeting, or tile). Despite this, LVF is an amazing flooring choice and it just might be the perfect fit for you. So, read on – we’re dishing out all of our top insider tips on choosing this flooring, and we guarantee it’ll make your decision a whole lot easier.
Why choose LVF for your new flooring? As we mentioned before, its price alone is a top reason. With LVF, you can get a high-quality floor that is extremely durable for much less than the cost of hardwood or tile. But beyond that, the floor’s performance makes it a standout option. It’s water resistant, easy to maintain, scratch resistant, and traffic friendly. This means it’s often the perfect solution for areas of the home that see a lot of mud, spills, or splashes (think mudrooms, laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, and kitchens).
Plus, Luxury Vinyl Flooring offers a chance for you to incorporate trends without a difficult installation or extensive commitment (like an encaustic tile or hardwood floor would be). They come in a variety of styles, from graphic bold patterns to wood grain planks. So you can literally customize it to your exact specifications. You can also replace specific sections of your vinyl plank floors if needed rather than having to re-do the entire space! If VOCs are a concern for you? There are options out there that prioritize low-VOC levels. So be sure to check with specific manufacturers for those products.
This type of flooring employs a simple click-together installation system via a tongue and groove mechanism, allowing it to float over your subfloor. You won’t require adhesives or professional assistance if you opt for a DIY installation of Rigid Core LVP.
Flexible LVT, or Luxury Vinyl Tile, is a versatile flooring option that is pliable and resilient, making it an excellent choice for installation in basements with a concrete subfloor and commercial spaces where you may not be working with a completely flat surface. It’s an excellent choice when you want 100% waterproof flooring. This flooring is typically a glue-down installation.
When it comes to selecting your Luxury Vinyl Flooring, there’s the obvious initial choice between Luxury Vinyl Planks or Luxury Vinyl Tile. And that choice totally depends on the look you’re going for. But once you’ve got that narrowed down, you’ll want to determine the installation method you’re most comfortable with. A glue-down option works just as a tile installation would. You need an adhesive to secure it to the substrate. So this obviously takes a bit more work.
On the other hand, you can always opt for a floating floor installation (rigid core). These pieces typically have a special backing that grips the floor so you don’t need any adhesive to secure it. Then, they are installed together by essentially clicking into each other across the floor. Both have benefits, but the glue-down options typically last longer. On the other hand, floating floors are usually a bit easier to replace if needed down the road (especially if only a small section needs to be replaced).
One of the best elements of a Luxury Vinyl Floor is the fact that it is an easy installation. So, the bottom line is that if you have the desire to save a bit of money, you absolutely can DIY this, saving on installation costs. Installing luxury vinyl floors can be a DIY-friendly project if you have the right tools, materials, and follow the proper steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install luxury vinyl flooring:
Best practices say the first thing is to remove your old flooring. You want to avoid uneven thresholds at the door opening and have a clean surface to work with. Ensure that your subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Repair any uneven or damaged areas. If necessary, install an underlayment according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Allow the luxury vinyl planks or tiles to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours. This prevents expansion or contraction after installation.
Start planning your layout from the center of the room and work towards the walls. Measure the width of the room and find the center. Mark this point.
Begin dry laying the first plank and row of vinyl planks or tiles along the centerline you marked. Use spacers to maintain a consistent gap around the edges. Make any necessary cuts to fit the first row against the walls.
If using adhesive, apply the adhesive to the subfloor according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lay the first row of planks or tiles, pressing them firmly into the adhesive. Use a vinyl roller to ensure a secure bond.
Work row by row, adding adhesive (if needed) and fitting the planks or tiles tightly together. Stagger the joints to create an attractive pattern. Use a tapping block and hammer to ensure the planks or tiles fit snugly.
When you encounter obstacles like door frames or vents, make precise measurements and use a utility knife or jigsaw to cut the vinyl to fit. Use a template if necessary to achieve accurate cuts.
Measure and cut the final row of vinyl to fit. Use a pull bar and tapping block to secure the last row in place.
Install transition strips at doorways and between different types of flooring to create a clean transition.
Trim any excess underlayment or overlap using a utility knife.
Clean any adhesive residue from the surface of the vinyl using the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products.
Reinstall or install new baseboards, quarter-round molding, or other molding to cover the expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room.
Sweep or vacuum the entire floor to remove debris. Enjoy your new luxury vinyl flooring!
Remember to follow the specific manufacturer’s installation instructions for the luxury vinyl product you’re using, as installation methods and requirements can vary between brands and types of vinyl flooring.
Not every Luxury Vinyl Flooring option can be guaranteed high quality (just like any other flooring choice). But there is one thing to keep top of mind when comparing products. Just as carpeting is more about the thickness of the pad underneath, LVF is about the protective wear layer. This is the layer that provides protection for the actual floor and helps to prevent wear and tear over time. The thicker the wear layer, the better. At a minimum, you’ll want to opt for 8 mil. This will indicate a floor’s durability in general. You’ll want to check with each specific manufacturer as well, though, for more details to weigh your decision.
Caring for luxury vinyl flooring is relatively simple and low-maintenance. Here are some general guidelines to keep your luxury vinyl floors looking great:
Finally, you may be wondering if LVF is a flooring that’s meant to last. It doesn’t have the same lifetime lasting power as solid hardwood flooring, which you can continue to refinish over time. However, depending on the manufacturer’s warranty, it is quite sturdy and will almost certainly last 15-20 years or more!
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