Luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), have exploded in popularity across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Why? They resemble hardwood and stone but offer superior durability, easy maintenance and water resistance that fits any lifestyle.
At Hamernick’s, our team helps you with your vinyl flooring with care and precision from start to finish. Whether one room or your entire home needs updating, our team makes the process simple, efficient and free of worry. Here’s everything you need to know about LVP installation and how it works!
Why Professional Installation Matters
Although straightforward to install, luxury vinyl floors need a precise touch. Proper and professional flooring installers ensure your floors lay flat, lock into place and perform how they should. This is especially important in moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
At Hamernick’s, our installers are experienced with every type of LVP and LVT flooring, ranging from glue-down planks to floating floors. We take care of every detail, including leveling subfloors, managing temperature and humidity levels and making sure expansion gaps are properly spaced.
Professional installation is the best way to preserve your manufacturer’s warranty and guarantee that your floors look beautiful for years to come.
Preparing for Your Vinyl Flooring Installation
Preparation is essential to any smooth and successful installation. Here are some steps you can take to make sure everything goes as planned:
- Clear the Space: Take furniture, rugs and decor out of the installation area. If you have large or heavy furniture, look into hiring movers or let our team assist with removal.
- Check Existing Flooring: In most cases, LVP can be installed directly over existing flooring like tile, concrete, vinyl or hardwood as long as the surface is clean, level and dry. Our team of installers inspects the area beforehand to make sure we can successfully install your floors.
- Acclimate Your Flooring: Vinyl needs time to acclimate. That’s why materials are delivered to your home 24–48 hours before installation. This lets them adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity so they fit and perform properly once installed.
- Maintain Indoor Conditions: Your home should have an optimal temperature between 65℉ and 85℉ before, during and after installation. Maintaining conditions prevents expansion and contraction after the flooring is laid.
Installing vinyl flooring in multiple rooms? We’ll plan the layout and transitions in advance so the finished look is consistent throughout your space.
Luxury Vinyl Installation Methods
First of all, it’s highly recommended to have professional flooring services providers, but If you choose to DIY, one of the highlights of luxury vinyl flooring is its many and flexible installation methods. The proper technique comes down to the product type and your home’s subfloor. Here’s a basic overview:
- Floating (Click-and-Lock Installation)
Commonly used for both LVP and LVT, floating floor installations are fairly straightforward. Planks click-and-lock together using a tongue-and-groove system, forming a “floating surface that sits above the subfloor. There are no adhesives needed for precise alignment and a seamless, sturdy fit.
Floors are commonly installed using this method in living areas, bedrooms and basements. It’s a great option for those looking for fast installation, easy repairs and minimal mess.
- Glue-Down Installation
Commercial spaces or rooms that need extra stability can benefit from glue-down installation. Each plank or tile is secured to the floor using a special adhesive that bonds them to the subfloor.
Because it offers the most stability. It’s usually used in the busiest areas of the home like kitchens or entryways. You can take advantage of enhanced durability and firm placement.
- Loose Lay or Self-Adhesive Installation
Some vinyl flooring products have a pre-applied adhesive backing or non-slip bottom surface. These planks are firmly pressed into place without glue, making for a quick and clean installation.
Small rooms, offices or spaces that will need new floors in the near future benefit from this installation method. It makes flooring easy to install and replace.
During Installation
When installation day rolls around, our Hamernick’s installers arrive on time and ready to work. Expect the following:
- Inspection & Preparation: We will inspect your subfloor one more time, make any adjustments and clean the area before we start working.
- Underlayment Installation: If required, we’ll install a layer of underlayment to improve comfort, reduce noise and protect your flooring from moisture damage.
- LVP Installation: We carefully place each plank or tile, aligning the edges for a tight, secure fit. We work hard to minimize the appearance of seams to create a uniform, natural look.
- Finishing Touches: Once we install your floors, our team will trim the edges, install transitions and clean up the workspace. Your new floors will be ready to enjoy.
The majority of LVP installations can be completed within a few days. However, this depends on the room size and amount of prep required.
After Installation
Your luxury vinyl floors have to settle. Take the following steps to make them feel at home in your space:
- Ventilate the Room: Open windows or use fans for 48-72 hours to reduce any odors left behind from the installation.
- Avoid Heavy Traffic: Wait at least 24 hours before putting your furniture back into the room and try to avoid walking on the floors.
- Use Felt Pads: Put felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents.
- Maintain Ideal Conditions: Keep temperature and humidity levels stable for the first couple of days to let the flooring adjust to your space.
We want your flooring to last. That’s why we’ll walk you through vinyl care and maintenance best practices to keep your flooring looking its best for years to come.
Caring for Your New Luxury Vinyl Floors
Luxury vinyl flooring is one of the easiest surfaces to maintain. Regular sweeping or vacuuming with a hard-floor attachment keeps your flooring clean without damaging it. For deeper cleaning, use a manufacturer-approved vinyl cleaner and a damp mop without steam or excess water.
Schedule Your Luxury Vinyl Installation with Hamernick’s
Luxury vinyl flooring is durable, stylish and built with real life in mind. At Hamernick’s, we understand the importance of a professional install. That’s why we do things right so you can enjoy a long-term investment in your home’s comfort and beauty.
Need help with Luxury Vinyl or ready to get started? Visit one of our showrooms in the following locations to check out our premium flooring collection:
or contact us today to learn more!
