Whether renovating your entire home or adding new flooring, it’s important to know how to stagger luxury vinyl plank flooring before you begin. This will prevent any unsightly H-joints or step patterns from forming.
- Remove sinking fasteners before installing
Whether installing luxury vinyl plank flooring over existing flooring or laying the planks over a solid subfloor, removing sinking fasteners before installation can make the installation process easier; removing the fasteners holding your planks together, you can easily slide the planks underneath your door jambs and trim work.
Once you have removed the old flooring and fasteners, you must sand the subfloor to ensure it is level. In addition, you will need to plan the layout of your planks. This is important for both the aesthetics of the finished flooring and the structural integrity of the subfloor. You can use a long bubble level to check that your planks are level. You must fill the gaps with wood filler if they do not level.
- Prevent an H-joint or step pattern from occurring
Whether you’re laying luxury vinyl plank flooring in your home, business or office, there are a few steps to prevent an H-joint or step pattern from occurring on your floor. First, you must measure the floor’s dimensions. Then, you can calculate the number of rows of planks you will need to cover your floor.
Next, you’ll want to calculate the proper spacing between planks. Most manufacturers recommend at least 6 inches between joints. However, if you’re using wide planks, you may want to bump up your spacing to 10 inches. This will prevent your planks from buckling and warping in the middle. You’ll also want to consider using glass tint on your windows. This will help prevent heat transfer from your windows to your floors.
- Avoid faulty transitions and trims
Whether you’re installing luxury vinyl plank flooring over existing flooring or a new subfloor, avoiding faulty transitions and trims is essential to a successful installation. An improper installation can cause shrilling and peaking and may require extensive repairs. If you’re unsure how to avoid these problems, consult an experienced flooring contractor.
The first step in installing luxury vinyl plank flooring is determining the direction in which each plank will be laid. For instance, if your floor is going to be laid in a hallway, you should run it in the same direction as the main light source. This will help make the room feel more open. After you’ve laid your planks, ensure that the last plank in each row is 3/8″ larger than the previous plank. This will provide a quarter-inch expansion space around the perimeter of the room.
- Light-colored vinyl planks can make a room look bigger
Choosing the right light-colored vinyl planks is a great way to turn a small room into a bright, open, and airy space. Light colors can make a room seem bigger than it is. You’ll want to consider several factors when choosing the right light-colored vinyl planks. For starters, you’ll want to choose a brand with a warranty. A manufacturer’s warranty guarantees that your vinyl planks are free from defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers your product for the life of the flooring.
One thing to consider is your tastes. You may prefer a small, minimalist floor plan with light colors and simple lines. On the other hand, you may prefer a room with more color and pattern. In that case, a patterned vinyl plank may be the best choice.