When homeowners look to upgrade their floors, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is often a top choice for its durability, water resistance, and affordability. But what happens if you already have hardwood flooring? The question many ask is whether LVP can be installed directly over existing hardwood. The short answer is yes, but there are a few critical factors to consider before you dive into the project.
Why Install LVP Over Hardwood?
Here are some reasons you might consider installing LVP over your existing hardwood:
- Cost-effective refresh: Refinishing hardwood can be expensive and time-consuming. LVP offers a faster, more affordable solution that doesn’t involve the mess and downtime of sanding and staining your floors.
- Durability: LVP is highly resistant to scratches, dents, and moisture, making it ideal for homes with kids, pets, or high foot traffic. It’s designed to withstand everyday wear and tear while maintaining its appearance.
- Aesthetic upgrade: LVP comes in a wide variety of styles, colors, and textures, allowing you to achieve a modern or traditional look without compromising on style or functionality.
Is Your Hardwood Floor Suitable for LVP?
Before installing LVP over hardwood, consider the following factors to ensure a successful project:
- Level and stable surface: The hardwood must be even and structurally sound. Uneven floors can cause your LVP to shift or develop gaps over time, which can affect both the look and performance of your flooring.
- Damage check: Address any significant imperfections, such as large cracks, warping, or loose boards, before installation. Minor imperfections can usually be leveled out with the right underlayment.
- Type of hardwood installation: Determine whether your hardwood is glued down, nailed, or floating. This will affect the stability of your subfloor and the overall success of your LVP installation.
What to Do with Floating Hardwood Floors
If your existing hardwood is a floating floor, it’s best to remove it before installing LVP. Floating floors are not fixed to the subfloor, which means they can shift under the weight of LVP. This can result in:
- Instability: Your new floor may feel uneven or bouncy if installed over a floating floor.
- Gaps between planks: Over time, movement beneath the LVP can cause visible gaps to appear.
- Shortened lifespan of your LVP: The shifting can cause wear and tear, reducing the durability of your flooring.
Using Hardwood as a Subfloor
If your hardwood floor is:
- Nailed or glued down: It can serve as a solid subfloor for your new LVP. This provides a stable base, reducing the need for extensive preparation work.
- Floating: It’s best to remove floating hardwood before installation to prevent issues with movement and instability.
Should You Use an Underlayment?
Most LVP products come with an attached underlayment, but if yours doesn’t, you should consider adding one. Underlayment offers several benefits:
- Smoothens the surface: Ensures a seamless installation by covering minor imperfections in the subfloor.
- Reduces noise: A good underlayment can dampen sound, making your floors quieter to walk on.
- Adds moisture protection: Provides an additional barrier against moisture, especially important in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or basements where spills or humidity are common.
Get Expert Help from JP Flooring
At JP Flooring, we understand that every flooring project is unique. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or renovating your entire home, we offer personalized services to ensure your project is a success.
Here’s how we can help:
- Assessment of your current flooring: We’ll inspect your existing hardwood to determine its suitability for LVP installation.
- Guidance on preparation and installation: Our team provides step-by-step advice to help you achieve a flawless result.
- Recommendation of the best LVP products for your home: With a wide range of styles and options, we’ll help you choose a product that fits your aesthetic and lifestyle.
With the right preparation, LVP can transform your space, offering a fresh look with minimal hassle. Contact us today to learn more about your options and start your flooring upgrade journey!
