How to Install Vinyl Floors - Key Steps
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring has become a go-to flooring choice for both DIY homeowners and professional installers alike. With its simple click-lock feature and installation versatility, you can install LVP on any level of the home and on virtually any subfloor type.
Your floors will come with full, step-by-step instructions on how to install your vinyl floors, however, we wanted to point out a few steps that are often overlooked yet key to a successful installation.
1. Acclimation
First off, acclimation is key. Ensure your home's temperature and humidity are controlled and consistent. Next, place your flooring boxes in the room you will be installing in and let the flooring rest for at least 48 hours prior to installation. This allows the floor to climatize to its surrounding environment. Boxes should be laid flat and planks can be kept inside the boxes.
2. Subfloor Preparation
LVP can be laid over any existing flooring or subfloor, as long as the subfloor is completely level and free of debris. It is key to ensure that the subfloor is as smooth and as level as possible, within 3/16" per every 10 foot radius.
For concrete subfloors in particular, ensure that the concrete has been fully cured for a minimum of 60 days and tested for moisture prior to installation. Grind down any high spots and use a self-leveling compound as needed. Once the concrete has been leveled and dried, lay down a moisture barrier (typically a 6mil polyurethane film) on top of the concrete to protect your floors from vapor / moisture that can rise from the ground and into your home.
3. Floor Layout
Plan the layout of your flooring planks before starting installation. Consider factors such as the shape of the room, flow of light, adjoining rooms, and any obstacles such as stairs or wall dividers.
Pick your starting wall and determine what direction to lay the planks. We recommend laying your floors parallel to the longest wall in the room. This elongates the room and makes it feel larger. If you are installing in a narrow space such as a hallway, lay the planks parallel to the run length of the space. If you have a large window or stream of light entering room, use this as a guide. Lay the planks in a way that follows the flow of light, again to elongate the space.
Always stagger the planks from one row to the next, for that classic hardwood look. Lastly, make sure you measure out the width and length of your room one last time, divide by the number of planks in each row, and make sure that the last piece of each row will be at least 2.5 inches long.
4. Expansion Gaps
When it's time to start laying down your floor, make sure to leave 1/4" expansion gaps between the flooring and all walls or obstacles using 1/4" spacers. Expansion gaps allow your flooring to expand and contract, although very minimal expansion or contraction is to be expected with LVP floors.
For additional information, refer to the guidelines for your specific product and if you have any questions before, during, or even after installation, reach out to our expert team at info@harperfloors.com or 1-888-807-2704.
