Choosing LVP
There are a plethora of LVP flooring options, but having lots of options means serious decision making.
Harper’s Floor Covering, Inc. professionals will help you make calculated decisions based on your intended use, design preferences, and budget.
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Please see below for factors you should consider when selecting your luxury vinyl planks.
Thickness
Many homeowners believe thicker planks mean more durability which is not always the case.
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If you are selecting flooring for a high-traffic area, a thicker wear layer will be your best bet.
This is the top layer that protects the design from scratches and other blemishes.
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The Harper’s Floor Covering, Inc. team will help you select the wear layer thickness that is compatible with your lifestyle and preferences.
Quality
LVP flooring is often chosen for its affordability, but many people don’t realize that quality still matters in affordable flooring.
The Harper’s Floor Covering, Inc. team will match you with quality brands that fit your budget.
Style
Wood-like vinyl planks are popular because they match the look of hardwood or laminate flooring.
There are so many different colors, wood patterns, textures, and shades to choose from.
Installation Type
Different uses for LVP often have different installation methods. The three installation types are: interlocking, peel & stick, and glue down.
1. Interlocking
Like a laminate flooring installation where the grooves fit into one another.
The planks are not adhered to the floor, so the weight and large connected area are used to hold the floor in place.
2. Peel & Stick
The planks have an adhesive backing that is peeled off the back before the before they are stuck to the floor.
These are usually of lesser quality and thinner. This is best for small, low traffic areas that just need to get some flooring to finish off the look.
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3. Glue Down
The planks are glued directly to the subfloor.
This is best for high-traffic areas, and it is often a permanent solution since the glue is difficult to remove without replacing the subfloor.
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A Harper’s Floor Covering, Inc. professional can assist you in deciding which installation method best works for your home.
Measurements and Calculations
It helps to estimate how much LVP flooring you will need for the areas you want to cover, but please remember your rooms should be professionally measured before installation.
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A Harper’s Floor Covering, Inc. professional will measure your floor during the free in home estimate.
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Here is a quick and simple way to estimate the total square footage of LVP flooring required in order to cover a room:
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Step 1 - Section off the desired area into squares, so you can measure the width and length to calculate the square footages.
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Step 2 - Add the square footage for each section together to get the total square footage for the entire area.
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Step 3 - Add 5 percent to the total square footage for waste and extra pieces. ​​​
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​​​​Note: Most LVP flooring is sold in full cartons only, so check to see how many square feet are in a carton.
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Step 4 - Divide the total square footage by the square feet per carton. Round up to the nearest carton.