If you currently own a hardwood floor and are curious to know, the short answer is yes, luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) can be installed over hardwood flooring. Overall, this could save you a fair amount of time and money.
That said, there are considerations and steps to follow if you’d like to install LVP over your existing hardwood flooring:
Check flatness. Make sure that the current floor is flat and even. If there are imperfections in your current floor, it might affect the appearance and durability of your new flooring. Be sure to sand the high spots and fill in low spots as needed.
Ensure the surface is dry and clean. Your existing floor needs to be thoroughly cleaned and dry, and you should remove any dirt, dust and debris. The floor should be completely dry to prevent any moisture issues.
Add a moisture barrier. If your existing floor is over a concrete subfloor especially, it’s important to add a moisture barrier. The moisture barrier provides additional protection against moisture seepage from the subfloor.
Smooth the floor out. If your existing floor has cracks or gaps, you should fill them and smooth them out. Remember, it’s important that the existing surface is level.
Follow manufacturer guidelines. Make sure that you carefully follow the LVP manufacturer’s instructions for installation of your flooring. Different brands of LVP may have specific instructions.
Consider height differences. Remember that when you install your new flooring, the floor will be higher than it was. This could cause problems with doors and between room transitions. It might be necessary to raise or replace a door.
Consider expansion gaps. LVP is floating flooring, so you’ll need expansion gaps to allow for expansion and contraction. Be sure to use spacers during installation, and cover them with baseboards or quarter round molding after installation is complete.
Professional installation. If you’re not sure about the potential problems of installing LVP over hardwood, try reaching out to a professional flooring installer.
Want To Install LVP Over Your Existing Hardwood Flooring?
If you’re an upstate South Carolina homeowner that’s interested in installing luxury vinyl flooring over your existing hardwood flooring, and would like the job done right, contact Upstate SC Flooring for an estimate today. We have the experience and equipment to ensure that your new LVP both looks and feels great, and adds value to your home for years to come!
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