Installing luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) can be a rewarding project, but you may face issues if you’re not well-prepared. These errors can lead to poor results, unnecessary repairs, or a shorter lifespan for your floors. In this article, we’ll walk you through the common mistakes when installing vinyl plank flooring and share tips on how to avoid them.
Not Preparing the Subfloor Properly
One of the most common mistakes when installing vinyl plank flooring is neglecting the preparation of the subfloor. The subfloor is the foundation of your flooring, and if it’s not properly cleaned, leveled, and dry, your LVP won’t adhere correctly, and you may end up with warping or buckling.
Before you begin your LVP installation, it’s important to remove all dirt, dust, and debris from the subfloor. Sweep or vacuum thoroughly, and consider mopping the surface to eliminate any leftover grime. You also need to ensure the subfloor is dry, as moisture can cause the vinyl planks to warp over time.
As an uneven subfloor can lead to gaps between planks or cause them to shift over time, a leveling compound is recommended to help smooth out any dips or bumps. If your subfloor has significant damage, you may need to replace sections before proceeding with the installation.
Installing LVP Over Uneven or Wet Subflooring
Another major mistake is installing LVP flooring over an uneven or wet subfloor. Not only can this lead to poor adhesion, but it also can cause the planks to lift, buckle, or even get damaged by moisture. This problem often arises when installers fail to check the humidity levels or skip the subfloor preparation steps.
If you’re installing vinyl plank flooring in areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms or kitchens, ensure the subfloor is completely dry and moisture-free before installation. For areas where high humidity levels are common, such as basements, consider using a moisture barrier to prevent moisture from seeping through and damaging the planks.
Not Acclimating the LVP Flooring
Acclimating your luxury vinyl plank flooring before installation is a step that many installers skip, but it’s a mistake that can lead to future issues. LVP is made of synthetic materials, which can expand or contract when exposed to temperature fluctuations.
The recommended solution is to leave your planks in the room where they’ll be installed for at least 48 hours before starting the installation. This allows the planks to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the space, reducing the risk of expansion or contraction once they’re installed.
Also, store the planks flat and off the ground in a dry environment. This will prevent them from warping or bending before installation.
Not Leaving Expansion Gaps
One of the most common mistakes when installing vinyl plank flooring is not leaving enough space for expansion. Vinyl planks, like other types of flooring, can expand or contract depending on temperature and humidity changes. Without adequate space, the planks can become too tight and buckle or warp.
When installing LVP flooring, you need to leave a small gap (usually around 1/4 inch) along the edges of the floor and the wall. This gap will allow the planks to expand or contract without causing damage. To cover the gap, you can use baseboards or quarter-round trim after installation.
Using the Wrong Adhesive or Method for Installation
If you’re installing glue-down LVP flooring, using the wrong adhesive can lead to a failed installation. Not all adhesives are compatible with vinyl plank flooring, and using the wrong type can result in the planks not sticking properly or lifting over time.
For glue-down installations, always use an adhesive recommended by the manufacturer of the LVP. Most LVP flooring manufacturers provide specific adhesive recommendations based on the product’s specifications. If you’re installing click-lock or floating LVP, you won’t need adhesive, but be sure to follow the installation instructions for locking the planks together securely.
When applying adhesive, make sure it’s spread evenly, and avoid letting it overlap onto the edges of the planks. Excess adhesive can lead to messes that are hard to clean and can also cause the planks to stick to the surrounding floor.
Skipping the Underlayment
Underlayment is often overlooked, but it’s an important part of the installation process. Underlayment provides a cushion for your vinyl planks, reduces noise, and can improve comfort underfoot. Skipping this step or using the wrong underlayment can result in uneven surfaces or a noisy floor.
When installing LVP flooring, be sure to choose an underlayment designed for use with vinyl. Some LVP products have an attached underlayment, while others require a separate layer. Using the right underlayment can also help with insulation and moisture control.
Misaligning the Planks
Misalignment is another common problem during LVP installation. Even a small misalignment at the beginning of the installation can cause the entire floor to look uneven or crooked by the time you reach the other side of the room.
To combat this, before you begin laying down your planks, find a starting point that allows you to maintain straight lines throughout the installation. It’s also a good idea to snap chalk lines on the subfloor to guide the planks and ensure they stay aligned. Take your time and check the alignment as you go, adjusting the planks when necessary to keep everything straight.
Not Following Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Each luxury vinyl plank flooring product comes with its own set of installation instructions, and it’s vital to follow them closely to avoid mistakes. Ignoring these guidelines can lead to issues with warranty coverage or result in the floor not functioning as expected.
Before beginning your installation, read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly. These guidelines will often include important details about acclimation, adhesive, expansion gaps, and other important steps that could be overlooked. Failure to adhere to these instructions could result in voided warranties or the need for costly repairs down the line.
Installing Over Old Flooring Without Proper Preparation
Another mistake you may make when you install LVP flooring is installing the new vinyl planks directly over the old flooring without properly preparing the existing surface. While it might seem like a time-saving move, skipping this important step can lead to several issues, including an uneven floor surface and poor adhesion.
Before installing new LVP, remove the old flooring or make sure the existing floor is smooth, clean, and free of any protruding nails, staples, or debris.
If you’re planning to install LVP over existing tiles, make sure that the tile surface is level and smooth. You may need to use a floor leveling compound to ensure that the old floor doesn’t interfere with the integrity of your new vinyl planks.
Incorrectly Cutting Planks
Cutting vinyl plank flooring is a common mistake that can lead to uneven edges and gaps. To get clean and precise cuts, use a utility knife and a straight
edge, such as a metal ruler, to score the planks. Once scored, snap the planks along the line and finish with a clean cut. For complex cuts, such as around vents or corners, you may need a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade. Avoid using tools that may cause jagged edges, as this can detract from the overall look of your floor.
Not Accounting for Lighting and Room Shape
Many people forget to consider how the light in the room will affect the appearance of their LVP flooring. Poor planning around the direction of the planks can result in an awkward layout, particularly in irregularly shaped rooms. This mistake can cause your floor to appear off-center or misaligned, disrupting the flow of the space.
For the best visual outcome, consider the direction of the room’s natural light and the room’s layout before installing the planks. Typically, it’s best to lay the planks in the direction of the light source or along the longest wall. This helps the floor appear more natural and cohesive, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the room.
Not Cleaning the Floor After Installation
After completing the installation of your LVP, some people may assume the job is done. However, it’s important to clean the floor thoroughly after installation to remove any debris, dust, or excess adhesive that may have accumulated during the process.
Given the water-resistant nature of LVP, you may use a soft mop or cloth to clean the surface after installation. Make sure to remove any residue left behind from the adhesive or from the LVP planks themselves. This will help maintain the floor’s fresh, polished appearance and ensure that no dirt or residue gets trapped in the seams of the planks.
Get the Best LVP Flooring at Bunce Buildings
At Bunce Buildings, we’re proud to offer top-quality luxury vinyl plank flooring that meets the highest standards of durability, style, and performance. With over 35 years of experience and a reputation for American-made quality, we’re your trusted partner for all your flooring and building needs.
We believe in offering the best for our customers, with a range of customization options to help you find the perfect flooring for your space. Plus, with our licensed contractors, you can be confident that your flooring installation will be handled with care and expertise.
Get in touch with us today for a free quote or to learn more about our LVP options. Let us help you transform your space with the best flooring solution available.
