Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring is a stylish and durable choice for modern homes, offering the perfect blend of practicality and aesthetics. However, the key to a flawless and long-lasting LVT installation lies in thorough floor preparation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to ensure your subfloor is in top condition before laying your new flooring.
Step 1: Assess Your Subfloor
Before you start, it’s crucial to understand the type of subfloor you have. The most common subfloors are:
- Concrete – Often found in modern homes or ground floors.
- Wooden Floorboards – Common in older properties.
- Plywood or Chipboard – Sometimes used as an underlay for existing floors.
Each surface requires different preparation techniques, so identifying your subfloor is the first step.
Step 2: Ensure the Floor is Clean and Dry
Dirt, dust, and moisture can impact the adhesion of your LVT flooring. Follow these steps:
- Vacuum and sweep away any debris.
- Mop the surface to remove any remaining dirt.
- Allow the floor to dry completely before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Level the Surface
LVT flooring requires a smooth, even surface to avoid imperfections showing through. Depending on your subfloor, you may need to:
- For concrete floors: Apply a self-levelling compound to fill in any dips or uneven areas.
- For wooden subfloors: Secure any loose boards and use plywood sheets to create a stable, smooth base.
Step 4: Use a Suitable Underlay (If Required)
Some LVT flooring comes with a built-in underlay, but in other cases, using an additional underlay can improve soundproofing and comfort underfoot. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to see if an underlay is recommended.
Step 5: Prime and Seal (If Needed)
To ensure a strong bond, some subfloors require priming before installation:
- Concrete subfloors may need a moisture barrier primer.
- Porous surfaces might require a sealing primer to prevent excess absorption of adhesives.
Step 6: Gather the Right Accessories
Using the right floor preparation accessories can make all the difference. From self-levelling compounds to moisture barriers and adhesives, having the correct products ensures a professional finish.
At Frankly Flooring, we offer a wide range of floor preparation accessories to help you achieve the perfect installation. Explore our collection here and find everything you need to prep your floor like a pro.
Taking the time to prepare your subfloor correctly is essential for a flawless LVT flooring installation.
By following these steps and using high-quality accessories, you’ll ensure a durable and beautiful finish that lasts for years.
For all your floor preparation needs, shop our range of accessories today and get your flooring project off to the perfect start! Then browse through our wide range of LVT flooring options.