Luxury vinyl flooring is an excellent option for high-traffic areas like living rooms, dining areas and kitchens. Its protective wear layer helps resist dents, scratches and other damage from heavy use, while the realistic visuals evoke a more natural aesthetic.
The wide variety of colors and styles available for this flooring style provides a unique opportunity to express personal flair. Cool tones evoke a modern feel, while warm tones create a cozier atmosphere. Sustainable luxury vinyl tile, which features low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), appeals to eco-conscious homeowners as well.
Unlike traditional vinyl, which comes in sheets that need to be cut into place, luxury vinyl is available as planks or tiles. This gives the installer greater flexibility in placing and cutting the material, while also creating a more visually appealing floor. In addition, some vinyl products feature a rigid core that adds stability and durability to the installation.
The first step in installing luxury vinyl flooring is preparing the subfloor. Depending on the condition of your existing flooring and the type of product you select, this may include removing the old flooring, patching cracks or holes, and ensuring the subfloor is clean and dry. A flooring professional can assess your specific situation and recommend the best preparation steps for your home.
After completing the prep work, your flooring professional will install the new vinyl planks or tiles using a click-lock floating installation method. This method involves connecting the planks or tiles using a tongue-and-groove system that doesn’t require glue. Your flooring expert will carefully position and align the planks or tiles, making necessary cuts around obstacles such as vents or doorways.
A final step in the process is adding baseboard molding and quarter round to finish off the installation and hide any unfinished edges of your new floors. You’ll want to also add any needed transition pieces between different types of flooring for a smooth transition.
Once the finishing touches are in place, your flooring professional will clean up the work area and your new luxury vinyl is ready for use. It’s important to avoid putting any heavy furniture or appliances on the new floors for a period of time after the installation so the floor can settle and adhere properly.
Luxury vinyl is made to last with a 25 or 30-year warranty. In the event of a manufacturing defect, your flooring professional will repair or replace the affected materials at no cost to you.
Are you interested in learning more about the many benefits of luxury vinyl? Contact Tampa Flooring Solutions today to schedule your shop-at-home experience. We’ll bring samples of our latest selections right to your doorstep, so you can get an up-close look and gain a better perspective on how this flooring would fit into your space. We’ll also offer seasoned advice and answer your questions so you can make an informed decision.