Most Common Mistakes When Installing LVP Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank has become one of the most reliable choices for remodels thanks to its durability, realistic design, and water-resistant construction. Still, even the best products underperform when the installation process is rushed or handled incorrectly.

Understanding the most common errors when installing different types of LVP flooring helps homeowners avoid mistakes, wasted materials, uneven surfaces, and preventable damage. With more than 80 years of experience, Baker Bros has seen every type of remodel challenge, which is why this guide breaks down exactly what to avoid during the installation of luxury vinyl plank flooring.

Key Takeaways

• Subfloor preparation and climate considerations are essential for a long-lasting flooring installation.
• Planning the layout helps prevent awkward seams and reduces mistakes when cutting planks.
• Leaving out an expansion gap can cause buckling and surface tension as temperature and humidity shift.
• Removing the baseboards and evaluating the existing floor ensures proper movement and fit.
• Professional guidance minimizes common installation mistakes and ensures the best performance from luxury vinyl.
• Baker Bros provides a wide selection of luxury vinyl options and expert guidance on choosing products suited for Arizona’s unique climate and remodeling conditions.
  

Preparation Mistakes That Lead to LVP Installation Failure

Many remodel issues begin before a single plank is placed. Subfloor preparation is one of the most essential steps and also one of the easiest to overlook. Any uneven spots, old adhesive, or leftover debris from an existing floor can transfer through luxury vinyl or stress the locking system. The result is a floor that moves, clicks, or separates.

Moisture conditions matter as well. Even water-resistant products rely on a clean, dry foundation to perform properly. When homeowners skip moisture checks during preparation, planks may shift, cup, or detach over time.

Temperature and Humidity Issues to Watch For

Vinyl flooring responds to temperature and humidity changes, especially in Arizona homes that experience seasonal shifts. Installing LVP without acclimating the material in the room can cause expansion or contraction after installation. This movement leads to gaps, lifted edges, or stress on click lock joints.

Another problem is forgetting the expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. Without this small allowance, the floor has nowhere to expand during heat changes. Over time, planks may press into walls and buckle. Even a high-quality flooring install can fail when the expansion gap is ignored.

Layout Planning Errors During a Remodel

Planning the layout ensures the room’s flow feels natural. Homeowners who skip this step often end up with narrow slivers of planks along one wall, mismatched seams, or visible repetition in patterns. Planning the layout also helps determine how planks should run in relation to windows and hallways, which affects the room’s visual balance.

Dry-fitting a few rows helps identify potential issues early. By testing plank placement before committing, installers reduce waste, avoid unnecessary adjustments, and create a floor that looks intentional and continuous.

Cutting and Fitting Mistakes That Affect Performance

Cutting planks is a common source of frustration for DIY installers. A dull utility knife or rushed technique creates a cut vinyl plank with jagged edges or inaccurate dimensions. For curved areas or pipes, a jigsaw or specialty blade designed for vinyl plank flooring offers better precision.

Click lock joints require careful handling. Forcing planks into place instead of aligning and gently tapping them can break the locking tabs. When joints fail, seams open up over time and allow dirt to collect between boards. Working slowly and checking the angle of each connection helps prevent these issues.

Problems Caused by Leaving Trim or Flooring in Place

Some remodel projects run into trouble when the existing floor or baseboards are left untouched. Removing the baseboards provides two benefits: it makes it easier to hide the expansion gap and allows planks to fit naturally against the wall once repositioned. Skipping this step often leads to visible edges or tight pressure points.

The existing floor also matters. Some surfaces are appropriate to install over, but others create height inconsistencies or interfere with the floating nature of luxury vinyl. Assessing whether the old surface should stay or be removed is essential during the installation process.

Subfloor Preparation Details Homeowners Overlook

Even slight imperfections in the subfloor affect the long-term performance of LVP flooring. High spots lift planks, causing click lock joints to loosen, while low spots create hollow sounds that resemble improper fitting. Clean, level, and repaired surfaces allow the planks to sit securely.

Subfloor preparation also includes addressing contaminants like paint, oil, and adhesive. These residues may weaken bonding or affect the stability of the floating system. Taking the time to sand, patch, or level the subfloor eliminates these issues before they cause visible problems.

Installation Process Mistakes That Create Future Problems

A few small details make a noticeable difference in the outcome of installing vinyl plank flooring. Forgetting to stagger seams evenly creates weak points along the rows. Not mixing planks from different boxes can result in color banding. Rushing to complete the last row often leads to improper cutting of planks or tight edges that restrict movement.

Checking progress frequently ensures clean alignment. Additionally, undercutting door frames helps planks fit seamlessly beneath them for a polished finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is subfloor preparation important for LVP?

A level, clean, and dry subfloor prevents movement, gaps, and uneven surfaces. Preparing the subfloor eliminates moisture risks and supports strong click-lock connections during installation.

Can LVP be installed over an existing floor?

Some surfaces are suitable if they are flat, secure, and stable. Baker Bros will not install a floor over a floor and does not recommend this type of installation.

Damaged or uneven existing floor materials should be removed to prevent alignment issues and locking failures. 

How much expansion gap should be left for vinyl flooring?

Follow manufacturer recommendations. Most require a small gap around walls to allow for natural movement caused by temperature and humidity changes.

What tools help prevent installation errors?

A utility knife, pull bar, tapping block, spacers, and accurate measuring tools all help prevent cutting planks mistakes and ensure proper seams.

What causes gaps between planks after installation?

Improper acclimation, skipping the expansion gap, or forcing the click lock system can create gaps. Level subfloor preparation and steady installation reduce the risk.

Final Thoughts on the Most Common LVP Flooring​ Mistakes

Avoiding the most common mistakes when installing luxury vinyl plank flooring starts with careful planning, proper subfloor preparation, environmental awareness, and patience during each step. Paying attention to layout, fitting, and finishing details ensures a floor that not only looks beautiful but lasts for years. 

Baker Bros supports homeowners with expert design guidance and professional flooring installation services, providing peace of mind for remodels of all sizes. As Arizona’s #1 flooring provider and a trusted name for more than 80 years, our teams understand the subtle details that separate a successful installation from a frustrating one. Visit a Baker Bros showroom near you to explore flooring options.