Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is becoming a more popular option for homeowners in upstate South Carolina. Homeowners choose LVP because of its durability, water resistant nature, and realistic wood-like appearance. But if you’re looking for the best results in your installation, it’s important to understand how to stagger LVP flooring properly.
If LVP is staggered incorrectly, it can cause structural weakness, unsightly patterns, and even plank separation in the long run. If it’s done properly, staggering creates a professional looking finish that can last for decades.
Why Staggering Is Important
Staggering refers to the offsetting of the ends of the planks from row to row. It doesn’t just create a professional look. It also helps to evenly distribute pressure evenly, while avoiding weak spots where seams align. Without staggering, LVP flooring can warp or shift over time.
Below we’ve included some tips for how to stagger your LVP flooring.
Tips for Staggering LVP Flooring
1) Start with a plan. Before you lay down your planks, map out the room carefully and decide where you’ll start. Ideally, you should start along the longest wall. Be sure to determine the best possible layout, and avoid very short planks at the end of a row.
2) Follow the 6-inch rule (or more). You should always stagger your end joints by at least 6 inches from the row above; many installers prefer and 8-12 inch staggering. With this rule, you’ll prevent noticeable patterns and strengthen your floor stability.
3) Mix up plank lengths. You’ll want to avoid a repeating or stair-step look, so use planks of varying lengths for a random and authentic looking pattern. With most LVP products, you can cut planks to size easily with a utility knife or vinyl cutter.
4) Use the off-cut to start the next row. After you finish a row, use the leftover piece (if it’s long enough) to start the next row. This will help reduce waste and create a staggered joint layout naturally.
5) Keep an eye on end joints. Your end joints should never line up between rows, or be too close together. It’s a good idea to always check your spacing before snapping the next plank into place.
Want To Hire A Professional For Your LVP Flooring?
Many homeowners tackle LVP installation as a DIY project, but when you choose an experienced professional for your installation, you can help ensure that the flooring is installed correctly from the start. At Upstate Flooring Direct, we provide first class installation services across the upstate South Carolina region. We can save you time, stress, and potential mistakes.
Whether it’s for a single room or your entire home, we can help you every step of the way. Reach out to Upstate Flooring Direct today, and request a free estimate for a flawless flooring installation that looks as good as it performs.
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