Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has become a popular choice for homeowners in Winston-Salem, NC, Greensboro, NC, and beyond. It offers the beautiful aesthetics of hardwood or stone at a fraction of the cost and with greater durability. But if you're considering LVP, a common question arises: can you install it over existing flooring?
The answer, fortunately, is yes! In many cases, LVP can be installed directly over existing floors, saving you time and money on ripping out the old material. However, there are some important factors to consider before diving in.
Suitability of the subfloor
The key to successfully installing LVP over existing floors lies in the condition of the subfloor. The subfloor is the base layer beneath your existing flooring, and it needs to be stable, level, and smooth for LVP to perform optimally.
Here's a breakdown of suitable subfloors for LVP installation:
- Concrete: A solid concrete subfloor is ideal for LVP installation as long as it's free of cracks, divots, or excessive moisture. Any unevenness can telegraph through the LVP, creating an uneven walking surface.
- Wood subfloors: Existing wood subfloors can work for LVP installations, but they need to be checked thoroughly. Ensure the subfloor is level, with no loose floorboards, creaks, or warping. Uneven wood subfloors will require leveling before LVP installation.
- Vinyl flooring: In some cases, you can install LVP over existing vinyl flooring, but with caution. Ensure the old vinyl is in good condition, with no rips, tears, or loose seams. Additionally, some older vinyl flooring may contain asbestos, so professional testing might be necessary before proceeding.
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Tile flooring: While possible, installing LVP over existing tile can be tricky. The grout lines between tiles can telegraph through the LVP, creating an uneven surface. Additionally, uneven tiles will require extensive leveling before LVP installation. It's often recommended to remove existing tile if it's uneven or damaged.
Preparing the subfloor
Once you've determined your existing subfloor is suitable for LVP installation, some preparation steps are crucial:
- Remove existing floorboards or tiles: If your subfloor requires removal of existing flooring (like old carpet or uneven tile), this will need to be done before LVP installation.
- Level the subfloor: Any unevenness in the subfloor needs to be addressed. You can use floor levelers or sanding techniques to achieve a flat, smooth surface.
- Fix cracks and imperfections: Small cracks, holes, or divots in the subfloor need to be repaired with patching compounds before LVP installation.
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Clean the subfloor: The subfloor needs to be thoroughly cleaned and free of dirt, dust, or debris before installing the LVP.
Professional installation is recommended
While LVP installation might seem like a DIY project, professional installation is highly recommended, especially when working over existing floors. Professionals have the experience and expertise to assess your subfloor suitability, perform necessary preparations, and ensure a flawless LVP installation.
Breathe new life into your floors with LVP from Madison Flooring
LVP flooring offers a beautiful and practical way to upgrade your home's interior. By understanding the suitability of your existing subfloor and taking the necessary preparation steps, you can breathe new life into your floors with LVP.
For a free in-home consultation and expert LVP installation services, contact Madison Flooring today! Our showroom in Summerfield, NC, proudly serves the areas of Summerfield, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Oak Ridge, and Rockingham County, NC. Let our flooring specialists guide you through the process and help you achieve the perfect LVP flooring solution for your home.
Looking for inspiration? We've got you covered!
At Madison Flooring, we understand the power of inspiration. Visit our showroom and browse our extensive selection of LVP flooring options. We offer a wide variety of styles, colors, and textures to suit any design aesthetic. Our friendly staff is always happy to answer your questions and help you visualize your dream LVP floor.
Don't wait any longer to transform your home with the beauty and functionality of LVP flooring. Contact Madison Flooring today and schedule your free in-home consultation!
