Vinyl flooring is a great option for homeowners because it is durable and easily removable. That means that if you ever want to change the look of your living space, vinyl is the best choice. Even better, you can do LVT flooring installation by yourself or with help from a professional installer.
This blog post will cover all the basics of LVT flooring installation, including what it is, how it is installed, and some other facts you might want to know before choosing this type of flooring. The end goal here is that anyone who reads this should feel confident in deciding whether or not LVT floors are right for them. Let's get started!
What Is LVT Flooring and How Does It Work?
Vinyl flooring is a type of flooring that is a composite vinyl plank. It is usually installed indoors and outdoors in residential and commercial settings, such as offices, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and other institutional buildings. The vinyl planks have a vinyl top layer with a plank of wood or wood-like veneer on the bottom layer.
If you are thinking of installing vinyl flooring, it is better that you hire a licensed contractor because LVT flooring should not be installed using any adhesive or glue other than vinyl's adhesive coating. Moreover, special vinyl flooring installation techniques are used to ensure that the vinyl plank is installed in a smooth manner without any creases, warping, or other issues.
LVT, or luxury vinyl tile, is known to provide a lovely touch to any space. Vinyl flooring is vinyl sheeting that is glued to a plywood or particleboard.
Long vinyl sheets are installed on top of the subfloor to create a vinyl floor. These vinyl sheets are made from vinyl plastic or vinyl cement vinyl, which can be glued down with adhesives or glue-free vinyl tiles, or they may snap together for vinyl plank flooring. Additionally, vinyl sheets are manufactured in rolls and come in various widths, colors, textures, finishes, and patterns.
Why You Should Install LVT Flooring
Vinyl flooring is long-lasting and is resistant to scuffs, scratches, and gouges, which means it is affordable, high quality, and easy to install.
LVT vinyl flooring is also easy to maintain, making it a great vinyl flooring option for any home. LVT vinyl floor tiles are also comfortable underfoot and come in various styles and colors, so you are able to choose a vinyl flooring that will go well in any room of your home, including kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Useful Tips for Luxury Vinyl Installation
There are plenty of reasons why many people choose LVT nowadays. Aside from its convenient installation and removal, LVT is also made of top-quality materials that are water and moisture-resistant. Thus, you will save money by installing flooring that can last for years! Furthermore, all you will have to do for its maintenance is give it a good sweeping and mopping every week or as you deem necessary.
In this section, we have prepared these easy-to-do tips to help you with a sweat-free vinyl flooring installation.
Steps in LVT Flooring Installation:
- Prepare the vinyl by cleaning and removing any debris.
- Consult your vinyl supplier for specific instructions on how to prep and install your vinyl flooring.
- Ensure that the width of the vinyl flooring is as close as possible to the width of your vinyl planks.
- Ensure no gaps between vinyl boards or seams by using a vinyl adhesive, lapping one board over another, and capping them with narrow strips.
- When installing vinyl floors in rooms where humidity can rise quickly (such as in a bathroom), vinyl flooring with moisture-resistant properties is recommended.
- Ensure that vinyl flooring supplied by one supplier matches if you need to replace boards or add new ones later.
- If you are laying vinyl on the uppermost story of your home, consider installing an acoustical underlayment such as vinyl flooring to reduce noise.
- Ensure that the vinyl is installed with a "dry back" system. That is where adhesive rests on top of the vinyl and not between it and your subfloor. Additionally, this will help prevent moisture damage in case water spills onto the flooring.
It is important to allow vinyl boards and seams enough time to bond together before putting down flooring adhesive when installing vinyl flooring. This is because its stickiness can wear off if exposed to heat or dirt.
How Much Does LVT Flooring Cost?
The cost to install LVT flooring is determined by the type of vinyl you want to install, the type of flooring adhesive you are installing it on, if any, the size of vinyl sheeting you are buying, the vinyl weight thickness, and vinyl style. There are many vinyl floor tiles on the market.
LVT also varies in price depending on the brand name and features, including texture, pattern, and installation options.
Important Maintenance Tips for LVT Flooring
To maintain vinyl flooring in the best possible condition, follow these basic maintenance tips.
First off, it is a good idea to vacuum vinyl flooring twice a week at a minimum to keep the surface free of dirt and debris. Remember that vinyl flooring also needs airtime. Do not let it stay wet for extended periods after cleaning. Allow it to dry out and air for a minimum of 24 hours after mopping with water and soap.
Finally, vinyl flooring is susceptible to damage from heavy objects such as furniture, appliances, or even the family pet, so be mindful of this when moving items around on vinyl flooring as they could cause vinyl flooring to scratch or gouge.
Once you have completed your vinyl flooring remodel project, it is important to maintain them properly so they last for many years. Here are some tips on how to care for your vinyl flooring.
- Vacuum vinyl flooring is regularly used to keep the dirt from getting into its seams and pores, where it can cause damage over time.
- Clean vinyl floors using a damp mop or microfiber cleaning cloth so you do not create scratches on your vinyl floor's surface.
- Clean spills immediately with a vinyl flooring-friendly cleaning agent or vinyl floor cleaner.
- Store vinyl tiles out of direct sunlight and heat to avoid damaging the vinyl coating on your vinyl planks.
- Avoid dragging furniture across a vinyl floor because this can scratch, chip, or damage the surface of your vinyl floors over time. Trolley casters are recommended instead for moving furniture.
- Avoid vinyl flooring installation in bathrooms and other high moisture areas because the vinyl tiles can become damaged, including delaminating from their backing if they get wet too often. Vinyl floors are suitable for kitchens but may need to be protected by a vinyl flooring warranty or sealer applied after installation on some LVT products.
Here are more things you should know about LVT flooring:
- You can install vinyl floors over underfloor heating systems.
- Vinyl flooring is scratch-resistant and durable for high-traffic areas. These vinyl tiles come in a wide range of styles, textures, and finishes to suit any room in your home or business setting, including wood grain vinyl planks that imitate the look and feel of real hardwood floors.
The Takeaway
LVT flooring is a durable, easy-to-clean surface that can provide many benefits for your home. It is perfect for busy family homes with pets or children because it resists stains and scratches better than other types of floors.
If you are still on the fence about installing luxury vinyl flooring in your home, we hope this blog post has helped clear up any questions you have regarding this type of flooring. LVT is a durable and affordable option for homeowners looking to update their floors without spending much money or time.
If you are planning for a little home remodel, why not consider LVT flooring?
June 3, 2022
