If you’re planning a home renovation or simply upgrading your flooring, understanding how to lay LVT flooring (luxury vinyl tile flooring) can be a valuable skill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the fitting process, whether you’ve opted for a glue-down, loose lay, or click LVT floor. For more guidance, we encourage you to reach out to our team at Top Notch Interiors.
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Table of Contents
- Do I Need an Underlay to Install LVT Flooring?
- List of Tools You Need for Luxury Vinyl Tile Installation
- How to Measure Your Room for Installing LVT Flooring
- How To Prepare Your Floor for LVT Installation
- How to Lay LVT Flooring
- Installing Glue-Down LVT
- Installing Click LVT and Loose Lay LVT
- How to Maintain LVT Flooring
- Using a Professional Fitting Service
- Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need an Underlay to Install LVT Flooring?
If you’re using glue-down or loose lay luxury vinyl flooring, you won’t typically need to use an underlay unless stated in the manufacturer’s instructions.
When it comes to click lock LVT flooring, also known as vinyl click flooring, you might need an underlay depending on the type that you’ve bought. Some types of click LVT flooring come with a built-in underlay, in which case you don’t need to worry about adding your own.
If your click LVT flooring doesn’t come with an underlay, we’d recommend adding one for soundproofing and making your floor more comfortable underfoot, especially if you’re applying the LVT to a harder surface like concrete. If you have underfloor heating, an LVT underlay can also help to keep the entire floor warm.
Remember, it’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to get confirmation of whether you’ll need an underlay for the product you’ve picked out.
You Will Need
- UVT Underlay: Refer to the above section to find out if you’ll need this for your flooring.
- Utility Knife: For cutting the LVT to fit around corners, edges, and other obstacles.
- Tape Measure: Accurate measurements are vital for fitting the tiles properly in your space. Use a tape measure to determine the dimensions of the room and the size of each tile needed.
- Pencil: For marking measurements and cutting lines on the tiles.
- Ruler: For getting a straight edge when cutting tiles.
- Rubber Mallet: Used to gently tap the tiles into place, a rubber mallet secures the tiles without causing damage.
- Spacers (for click LVT): These create a consistent gap between the tiles and the wall, which is important to allow for expansion gaps (click LVT tiles can expand as temperatures change after you’ve installed them).
- Adhesive (for glue-down LVT): You’ll need this to secure the tiles unless your LVT is self-adhesive.
- Roller (for glue-down LVT): After placing the tiles, a roller presses them firmly into the adhesive, ensuring full contact and preventing bubbles or lifting.
- Builders Level: Important for checking that your subfloor and tiles are level, preventing uneven surfaces which can affect the final look and performance.
How to Measure Your Room for Installing LVT Flooring
Measuring your room is the first step in laying LVT flooring. You’ll want to take into account the shape of your room, whether there are any alcoves or other extra areas, and if your room will need a join.
Measuring a Square or Rectangular Room
For a regular square or rectangular room, follow these steps:
- Measure the Length and Width: Using a tape measure, measure the length and width of the room at the longest points. Write down these measurements.
- Calculate the Area: Multiply the length by the width to get the total square footage or square meterage of the room. This will give you the amount of flooring you need.
For example, if your room is 10 feet long and 12 feet wide, the total area is 120 square feet.
Measuring a Room with Extra Areas
Rooms with alcoves, recesses, or other extra areas need a bit more attention:
- Measure Each Section Separately: Measure the main area of the room first, then measure each additional section (such as alcoves or recesses) individually.
- Calculate the Total Area: Calculate the area of the main section and each additional section separately, then add them together to get the total area.
For example, if your main room is 10 feet by 12 feet (120 square feet), and you have an alcove that is 3 feet by 4 feet (12 square feet), the total area is 132 square feet.
Measuring a Room Which Needs a Join
Some rooms may be too large or have an irregular shape that requires a join in the flooring:
- Measure the Largest Sections: Break down the room into manageable sections. Measure each section separately, focusing on the largest parts first.
- Consider the Join Location: Plan where the join will be, ideally in a low-traffic area where it will be less noticeable. Ensure that the join lines up properly with the tiles.
- Calculate the Area of Each Section: Calculate the area for each section separately and then add them together.
For example, if you have a large L-shaped room, measure the two rectangular sections separately. If one section is 10 feet by 15 feet (150 square feet) and the other is 12 feet by 8 feet (96 square feet), the total area is 246 square feet.
How to Prepare Your Floor For LVT Installation
- Before you start laying luxury vinyl flooring, you’ll want to make sure the subfloor is clean and dry because any moisture can interfere with the adhesive and the LVT itself. Begin by thoroughly sweeping or vacuuming the subfloor to remove any dirt, dust, and debris.
- Next, inspect the subfloor for any cracks, holes, or uneven areas that need repair. Sand down any raised areas to create a completely flat surface.
- Once the repairs are complete, check the subfloor for levelness using a builders level. If there are significant dips or high spots, use a levelling compound to even out the surface.
Always wear safety gloves and goggles during this process to protect yourself from debris and chemicals. Ensure the area is well-ventilated if you are using any strong cleaning agents or levelling compounds.
Remember to Let Your Vinyl Flooring Acclimatise
This is a really important step. Letting the flooring acclimatise to the environment where it will be installed helps to prevent issues like warping, gaps, or buckling that can occur if the vinyl tiles are installed while too cold or too warm.
The recommended time for acclimatisation is at least 48 hours. During this period, lay the vinyl planks flat in the room where they will be installed. Ensure that the room maintains a stable temperature between 15°C and 25°C.
How to Lay LVT Flooring
Your installation method will depend on the type of LVT flooring that you have. We’ve created two step-by-step guides to show you how to lay luxury vinyl flooring, with one for glue-down LVT and the other for click LVT and loose lay LVT.
Before installing luxury vinyl tiles, make sure you have fully prepared by measuring your room, checking the surface that you’re applying the LVT flooring to, and letting your tiles acclimatise to the room. We’ve outlined how to do this in the sections above.
Installing Glue-Down LVT
Follow these steps to install glue-down LVT.
Step One: Applying the Adhesive
When you’re ready to start laying the tiles, begin by applying adhesive to the subfloor in small sections. This approach prevents the adhesive from drying out before the tiles are laid. Use a high-quality adhesive recommended for LVT, such as pressure-sensitive or hard set adhesives, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. If your LVT is self-adhesive, you can skip this step.
Step Two: Laying Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Carefully place the tiles onto the adhesive, ensuring each tile is properly aligned with the previous one. Press down firmly to make sure the tiles adhere well to the adhesive. If you’re using planks, there’s some terminology you’ll need to be aware of. The long sides of the planks are known as the ‘female side’ whilst the short sides are the ‘male side.’ Place the male side against the wall that you’re starting at, with the female side facing away from the wall.
Step Three: Rolling the Floor
After laying the tiles, use a roller to ensure they are firmly attached to the subfloor. Rolling helps eliminate air bubbles and ensures full contact between the tile and adhesive. A 50-100 pound roller is typically recommended for this task.
Step Four: Cutting and Fitting the Boards
For the edges, corners and any door frames, you will need to cut the tiles to fit to your measurements. Use a utility knife for straight cuts. Carefully mark where the cuts need to be made before cutting to make sure you get a precise fit, and then snap off the cut.
Installing Click LVT and Loose Lay LVT
Use these steps if you’re using click LVT or loose lay LVT.
Step One: Positioning the First Row
It’s important to get the first row right as it sets the foundation for the rest of the flooring. If you’re using planks, keep in mind that the long edges of the planks are referred to as the ‘female side,’ and the short edges are called the ‘male side.’ Start the first row from a dedicated wall, with the male side facing the wall.
For click LVT, make sure that you leave 3-5mm (check the manufacturer’s instructions for an exact number) between the wall and tiles because they can expand with temperature changes. Using spacers is a great way to do this.
Loose lay LVT, on the other hand, doesn’t expand, so you’ll want to fit your LVT flooring right up against the wall. Remove your skirting board using a chisel before applying loose lay LVT tiles to make sure your fit isn’t skewed.
Step Two: Securing the Tiles
If you’re using click LVT, you’ll want to begin securing the boards by clicking the tiles together using the tiles locking system. Slot your tiles into one another at a 45 degree angle and slowly lower them into place for the best fit. Gently tap the tiles once they’re in place to make sure they’re fully secure using a rubber mallet.
For loose lay LVT, simply put the tiles into place next to one another for a quick and easy installation. Their heavy backing will keep them in place, as long as they’re secure and firm against the walls on all sides.
Step Three: Laying the Tiles
Continue laying the tiles across the floor—if you’re using click LVT, make sure that each tile clicks securely into place with the ones next to it. Work methodically, row by row, to avoid gaps.
With each row, we recommend moving the tiles along in alignment, so that you don’t get a ‘spreadsheet’ like look. Similar to how bricks are laid for houses, the tiles should not be aligned directly next to each other. Take a look at the picture below for a visual demonstration of this.
To create this look, you’ll need to cut the last tile on each row to fit to the wall using a utility knife. The edges you’ve cut yourself should face the wall, so that the factory-cut edge joins into the factory-cut edge from the previous tile in the row. This gives you the most secure fit.
Step Four: Cutting and Installing the Final Row
When you get to your final row, you’ll likely need to cut the tiles for them to fit into the gap. Use a utility knife for this as well, measuring the gap you need to fill first to make sure you cut your tiles to the right size. Again, make sure the factory-cut edges face one another.
How to Maintain LVT Flooring
Keeping your luxury vinyl flooring looking its best is easy with a few simple steps:
- Clean Regularly: Sweep or vacuum weekly to remove dust and dirt. Use a damp cloth or mop with a gentle vinyl cleaner for heavier build-ups of dirt.
- Prevent Damage: Use felt pads under furniture legs and lift heavy items when moving them. If lifting isn’t possible, use plywood or a dolly.
- Use Rugs and Mats: Place doormats at entrances and area rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce dirt and wear.
- Deal with Spills Immediately: Wipe up spills right away to prevent stains and water damage.
Using a Professional Fitting Service
While DIY installation of luxury vinyl flooring can be rewarding, one of the main advantages of hiring a professional is their expertise and experience. Professionals can ensure that your flooring is installed correctly, reducing the risk of errors that can lead to costly repairs later.
Established in 2006, our team at Top Notch Interiors bring years of experience to every project. As a family-run business, we offer a friendly and personal touch, and you can expect us to treat your home with the same care and attention as we would for our own.
Take a look at our positive reviews for examples of how we’ve brought our customer’s interiors to life.
From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, we are committed to clear communication, punctuality, and cleanliness, so that every detail meets your expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions on how to install luxury vinyl tiles? Take a look at our frequently asked questions section below.
What should LVT be laid on?
Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) can be installed over a variety of subfloors, provided they are clean, dry, and level. Here are the most common types of subfloors suitable for LVT:
- Concrete: Ensure your concrete floor is fully cured, clean, and level. If necessary, use a moisture barrier like an underlay to prevent any potential dampness from affecting the LVT.
- Plywood: Plywood subfloors should be smooth, stable, and securely fastened. Sand any rough spots and fill in gaps to create an even surface.
- Existing Vinyl: LVT can be laid over existing vinyl flooring as long as it is in good condition, without any loose or damaged areas. Clean thoroughly before installation.
- Tile: You can install LVT over ceramic or porcelain tiles, but make sure the tiles are even. Fill in grout lines to create a smooth surface for the LVT.
Does LVT need to be glued down?
Your LVT doesn’t need to be glued down if you’re using click LVT or loose lay LVT. As the name suggests, glue-down LVT will need to be glued down (unless your glue-down LVT is self-adhesive). Let’s go into more detail on this:
- Glue-Down LVT: This method typically requires adhesive to secure the tiles directly to the subfloor. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas as it provides a strong, durable bond.
- Click-Lock LVT: Also known as a floating floor, this method does not require glue. The tiles click together and float above the subfloor, making installation easier and often faster.
- Loose Lay LVT: These tiles are designed to lay flat and stay in place due to their heavy backing and friction against the subfloor. No adhesive is needed, but perimeter glue or double-sided tape can be used for added stability.
What is better, LVT or laminate?
LVT tends to be better than laminate flooring for features like durability and comfort, but laminate comes with its own benefits. We’ve highlighted some of the key differences between the two below:
- Durability: LVT is highly durable and water-resistant, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Laminate is also durable but can be susceptible to water damage if not properly sealed.
- Appearance: Both LVT and laminate offer a wide range of designs and can mimic the look of natural materials like wood and stone. LVT often has a more realistic texture and can feel more like real wood or stone underfoot.
- Installation: Laminate typically features a click-lock installation system, which can be easier for DIY projects. LVT offers both click-lock and glue-down options, providing flexibility depending on your installation needs.
- Comfort: LVT generally feels softer and warmer underfoot compared to laminate, which can be harder and colder.
- Maintenance: Both flooring types are relatively low maintenance, but LVT’s water resistance gives it an edge in areas where spills and moisture are common.
