Why Proper Floor Preparation is Essential for a Long-Lasting LVT Floor
Why Proper Floor Preparation is Essential for a Long-Lasting LVT Floor
At SR Flooring, we often say that the quality of a floor is determined long before the first plank is installed. This recent kitchen and diner project is a perfect example of why proper preparation is so important.
When we first visited this property, the existing floor had already begun to fail. The homeowners had click flooring installed over old safety flooring, and beneath that was plywood that simply wasn't suitable for flooring installations. Unfortunately, shortcuts taken during previous work meant the entire floor had to be stripped back and rebuilt correctly before any new flooring could be fitted.
Removing the Failed Installation
Our first task was to remove everything back to a solid base.
This involved lifting:
The existing click flooring.
The old safety flooring beneath.
The incorrectly installed plywood.
The plywood that had previously been used wasn't flooring grade, meaning it wasn't designed to provide the stable foundation required for an LVT installation. Over time, this can lead to movement, uneven surfaces and ultimately flooring failure.
Once everything had been removed, we left the subfloor exposed to allow it to properly air out before beginning the rebuilding process.
Rebuilding the Floor Properly
With the floor back to a sound base, we could start preparing it correctly.
We installed SP101 flooring grade plywood throughout the kitchen and diner, providing a strong and stable foundation for the new floor.
Every plywood joint was then carefully feather finished to remove any slight height differences and create a seamless surface.
To reinforce key areas, we also installed 4x4 reinforcing mesh, helping to strengthen the floor and improve the bond of the smoothing compound.
Before applying any latex screed, the entire floor was coated with a high-quality primer. This is a crucial step that promotes excellent adhesion between the plywood and the latex screed while helping to reduce the risk of future issues.
Finally, we applied a full latex screed throughout the entire area, producing a perfectly smooth, level finish ready for the customer's new LVT flooring.
Why Preparation Matters
Luxury Vinyl Tile is one of the most popular flooring choices available today because it's durable, practical and looks fantastic. However, even the highest-quality LVT will only perform as well as the surface beneath it.
Poor preparation can result in:
Uneven floors.
Visible imperfections.
Loose or lifting flooring.
Premature wear.
Costly repairs in the future.
By taking the time to prepare the floor correctly, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful floor that performs exactly as it should for many years.
Quality From the Ground Up
At SR Flooring, we never cut corners when it comes to floor preparation. Whether we're installing LVT, laminate, vinyl or carpet, we believe every project deserves the correct foundation before the finished flooring is fitted.
It's often the work you never see that makes the biggest difference.
This kitchen is now fully prepared and ready for its stunning new LVT installation, and we can't wait to share the finished transformation.
Looking for Professional LVT Installation in Stroud?
If you're planning new flooring for your home, let us ensure it's done properly from the very beginning. From uplifting old flooring and repairing subfloors to complete floor preparation and expert installation, SR Flooring delivers quality workmanship you can rely on.