Luxury vinyl plank flooring is advertised as “easy to install,” but that doesn’t mean every project is simple. In fact, small mistakes during installation can cause big problems down the road, from gaps and buckling to wasted materials. If you’re wondering whether you should take the DIY route or hire a professional, it’s important to understand where DIY installations go wrong, how to avoid costly errors, and why hiring a professional installer is often the smarter choice.
The Appeal of DIY LVP Installation
Many homeowners express interest in DIY installation for the potential cost savings. LVP flooring has a click-and-lock system that appears straightforward, making the idea of laying planks over a weekend and saving on labor sound appealing.
However, the process is rarely as easy as it looks on paper. Properly cutting planks to fit corners, doorways, and irregular spaces requires precision and the right tools. First-time installers often overlook subfloor preparation, expansion gaps, and transitions between rooms, which are all critical steps. Without professional experience, what starts as a money-saving project can quickly become frustrating and expensive.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
When it comes to installing LVP flooring, specific errors come up again and again.
Subfloor preparation: One of the most common mistakes is failing to prepare the subfloor properly. Even minor imperfections, like bumps or dips, can cause planks to shift or separate over time, ruining the seamless look you want.
Expansion gaps: Expansion gaps are another detail that DIYers often miss. LVP flooring expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. Without the proper spacing around the edges of the room, planks can push against walls and create unsightly bulges.
Plank cutting: Cutting is another area where frustration often occurs. Without the right saw or cutting technique, planks can splinter, crack, or end up the wrong size, leading to wasted material and uneven edges.
These errors don’t just affect the appearance of your floor; they can shorten its lifespan and undermine the investment you made in quality LVP.
Why Hiring a Professional Installer Pays Off
For most homeowners, professional installation is the best way to ensure a smooth, long-lasting floor. Experienced installers know how to properly prep subfloors, measure expansion gaps, and make precise cuts around corners and tricky layouts. They also work more efficiently, meaning your floor will be installed faster and with fewer wasted planks.
Another major benefit of hiring a professional is the peace of mind it provides. Many installers offer warranties on their work, protecting your investment if an issue arises later. Professional installers also own the specialized tools necessary to handle complex spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture resistance and tight corners make precision even more crucial.
Instead of spending your weekends struggling with cuts, seams, and transitions, you can relax knowing your flooring is being handled by someone who does this work every day.
Protect Your LVP Flooring Investment
LVP is built to last, but only if installed correctly. While DIY installation might be tempting, the risks often outweigh the rewards. A poorly installed floor can warp, separate, or show gaps that take away from its beauty and durability. By hiring a professional, you not only avoid these mistakes but also ensure your floors look seamless from day one and continue to perform for years to come.
At The LVP Warehouse, we believe in helping our customers get the most out of their flooring investment. That’s why we highly recommend professional installation and can connect you with local, trusted installers who have the skill and experience to get the job done right. With the right installer, your LVP floor will not only look stunning but also stand the test of time.
Stop by The LVP Warehouse or give us a call. We’d be happy to help you select the perfect LVP flooring for your home or business. We can also recommend trusted professional installers who will make sure your new floors are installed flawlessly.
The LVP Warehouse is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with Saturday visits available by appointment. We look forward to helping you create a space with LVP floors that are beautiful, durable, and built to last.