Luxury Vinyl Plank Installation in Kansas City, MO
Our skilled installation team ensures your new vinyl flooring is perfectly installed the first time, saving you time and money while delivering professional results that last for years. We've become one of the top flooring services in Kansas City by offering efficient, high-quality LVP installation. Our team works quickly and precisely, minimizing disruption to your daily life. We carry leading brands of luxury vinyl plank flooring that mimic the look of hardwood while providing superior water resistance and durability.
When you choose us for your flooring needs, you're selecting a full-service installation package that handles everything from start to finish. Our efficient processes make your vinyl flooring project straightforward and stress-free. We pride ourselves on delivering beautiful results that enhance your home's value and appearance. Contact us today for a free consultation about transforming your floors with luxury vinyl plank.
Benefits of LVP Floors
LVP floors stand out for their exceptional durability in high-traffic areas. They resist scratches, dents, and stains, making them ideal for busy households with children and pets. Unlike hardwood, LVP won't warp when exposed to moisture, so you can install it in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements without worry.
LVP is also low-maintenance - regular sweeping and occasional mopping is all it needs. No sanding, refinishing, or special cleaners required. The comfort underfoot is another advantage, as many LVP products include cushioned backing that makes standing for long periods more comfortable than on harder surfaces.
Different Types of Luxury Vinyl Plank
Click-lock vinyl plank features edges designed to lock together without adhesives, creating a floating floor that's perfect for DIY enthusiasts.
Rigid core vinyl plank offers enhanced stability and comes in two main variants:
- SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) provides exceptional durability with its dense, rigid core that resists dents and temperature changes. It's thinner but extremely stable.
- WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) features a thicker, more cushioned feel with better sound absorption. It's slightly softer underfoot but still remarkably durable.
Glue-down LVP requires adhesive but offers superior stability for large open spaces where a floating floor might shift over time. All LVP types offer waterproof protection, but their thickness, wear layer, and core construction determine their performance in different environments.
How to Choose the Best LVP Brand?
When selecting LVP for your home, focus on the wear layer thickness. Premium options offer 20-mil or thicker layers for maximum protection against scratches and wear. Look for low-VOC certifications like FloorScore® or GreenGuard to ensure better indoor air quality. These certifications indicate the flooring emits fewer harmful chemicals. Top LVP brands we recommend include:
| Brand | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| COREtec | Pioneer in WPC technology, excellent stability | Whole-home installation |
| Shaw | Wide selection, superior warranty coverage | High-traffic family homes |
| Mohawk | Advanced scratch resistance, realistic textures | Homes with pets and children |
Consider your specific needs. Heavy furniture might require rigid core SPC, while comfort might lead you toward WPC options. The pattern repeat is another factor; premium brands offer more variation between planks for a more natural appearance.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Installation Process
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1. Evaluating Your Space
Your home's layout and specific room conditions play a crucial role in LVP installation planning. Take measurements of each room, including closets and odd-shaped areas, then add 5-10% extra for waste and cuts.
Consider the traffic patterns in your space. High-traffic areas like entryways may benefit from more durable LVP options with thicker wear layers (20 mil or higher).
Check doorway clearances – LVP adds height to your existing floors, which might affect door swing. You may need to trim doors or install transition pieces.
Also evaluate furniture placement. Heavy pieces like refrigerators or pianos require special consideration during installation to prevent floor damage.
2. Subfloor Preparation and Requirements
A properly prepared subfloor is absolutely critical for a successful LVP installation. We inspect all subfloors thoroughly for:
- Levelness: Your subfloor must be flat within 3/16" over a 10-foot span. We use floor leveling compounds to correct uneven areas.
- Cleanliness: All debris, dust, and old adhesives must be completely removed.
- Structural integrity: We check for loose boards, rot, or damage that needs repair before installation begins.
For concrete subfloors, we conduct moisture tests using calcium chloride or relative humidity methods. Readings above 5 pounds (MVER) or 80% RH require moisture barriers.
For plywood subfloors, we ensure proper thickness (minimum 5/8") and secure fastening to joists. Any squeaks or movement issues are addressed before installation.
3. Installation Proper
Many homeowners wonder if they should install LVP themselves or hire professionals like us at Kansas City Flooring Company. DIY installation can save money, but requires time, patience, and some skill.
Professional installation offers several advantages. Our trained installers have years of experience handling various subfloor conditions. We ensure proper acclimation of materials before installation, which prevents buckling or gaps later.
DIY installers often make mistakes with measurements or alignment that lead to wasted materials. Even small errors can affect the overall appearance and longevity of your floors.
We guarantee our work and handle all the heavy lifting, cleanup, and disposal of old flooring. For complex layouts or when working with expensive materials, professional installation provides peace of mind and typically delivers superior results.
4. Installing Transitions and Trims
Our installation process includes careful attention to transition pieces that create seamless movement between different flooring types. T-moldings provide a clean connection where your LVP meets other floors of similar height, while reducer strips offer a gentle slope when transitioning to lower surfaces like carpet.
For doorways and room dividers, we use color-coordinated moldings that match your vinyl flooring perfectly. These pieces aren't just functional—they're an important design element.
When installing around stairs, we use specialized flush stairnose pieces that maintain safety while complementing your flooring. Baseboards and quarter-round trim complete the look by covering expansion gaps while adding a finished appearance to your room. We can either reinstall your existing trim or provide new options that enhance your space.
5. Achieving Proper Insulation and Noise Reduction
Underlayment is crucial for both comfort and performance of your luxury vinyl planks. We install specialized noise reduction underlayment that minimizes sound transmission—especially important in multi-level homes or apartments.
The right underlayment creates a thermal barrier that makes your floors warmer underfoot during colder months. This layer also helps smooth out minor subfloor imperfections for a more comfortable walking surface.
For areas prone to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms, we use waterproof underlayment with edge sealing tape to prevent water from reaching your subfloor. This added protection works with your waterproof LVP to create a complete moisture barrier system.
Our installation techniques minimize squeaks and movement, creating a solid, quiet floor that feels substantial underfoot.
6. Protective and Decorative Options
While luxury vinyl planks come factory-finished with durable wear layers, we offer additional protective treatments to enhance longevity in high-traffic areas. These treatments can add UV protection to prevent fading in rooms with extensive sun exposure.
After installation, we apply specialized caulking around areas where water might intrude, such as around tubs and showers. This extra step prevents moisture from compromising your installation.
For baseboards and trim, we offer professional painting services after installation to ensure a perfectly cohesive look. This allows you to match your new trim exactly to your existing wall colors.
We also provide guidance on the best cleaning products and maintenance routines to keep your floors looking new. Regular care with the right products extends the life of your protective wear layer and preserves the appearance of your luxury vinyl planks.
Cost and Budgeting for LVP Installation
Proper planning prevents unexpected expenses and allows you to make informed decisions about materials and installation options.
LVP Installation Costs
We price our luxury vinyl plank installations competitively in the local market. Typically, LVP installation costs range from $1-$2 per square foot for labor, while the materials themselves cost between $2-$5 per square foot depending on quality.
Budget-friendly vinyl plank options start around $2-$3 per square foot, perfect for rental properties or tight budgets. Premium vinyl plank with enhanced durability and realistic textures ranges from $4-$7 per square foot. Your total project cost depends on:
- Square footage of installation area
- Subfloor preparation needs
- Removal of existing flooring
- Trim and transition pieces
- Stair installation (if applicable)
Financing and Payment Options
We believe everyone deserves beautiful floors regardless of budget constraints. We offer:
- 0% interest financing for qualified buyers
- Monthly payment plans with approved credit
- Major credit cards accepted
- Cash or check discounts
Many homeowners find that financing their flooring project makes sense, especially when unexpected flooring needs arise. Our partnerships with trusted financial institutions allow us to offer competitive rates and flexible terms.
We also provide free in-home consultations where we can discuss your budget concerns and help find the perfect balance between quality and affordability. Our transparent pricing means no hidden fees or surprise charges when your project is complete.
Care and Maintenance of LVP
We've found that proper maintenance not only preserves the appearance of your floors but significantly extends their lifespan.
Routine Cleaning Practices
Daily sweeping or dust mopping removes dirt and debris that can scratch your LVP surface. We recommend using a microfiber mop for best results.
For weekly cleaning, use a damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for vinyl flooring. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia as they can damage the protective wear layer.
Never use:
- Steam cleaners
- Abrasive scrubbers
- Wax-based products
- Oil soaps
Spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent staining. For sticky residue, a solution of warm water and mild dish soap works well, followed by a clean water rinse.
Place protective felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches when moving items across your floor.
Dealing with Repairs and Common Issues
Minor scratches on LVP can often be repaired using a vinyl floor repair kit that matches your flooring color. We can recommend the right products for your specific LVP type.
For deeper gouges, replacement of the damaged plank may be necessary. We keep extra planks from your installation specifically for this purpose.
Common issues include:
- Buckling: Usually caused by improper acclimation or installation
- Fading: Prevent by using window treatments to block direct sunlight
- Peaking: Often occurs when expansion gaps weren't properly left during installation
If you notice clicking sounds when walking on your LVP, it could indicate an uneven subfloor. Contact us for an assessment if problems persist.
Long-Term Floor Care Tips
Maintain consistent indoor temperature and humidity levels to prevent expansion and contraction of your LVP flooring. We suggest keeping humidity between 35-55%.
Use protective mats at entryways to trap dirt before it reaches your main flooring areas. Choose mats specifically designed for vinyl floors—rubber-backed mats can cause discoloration.
Rotate furniture periodically to ensure even wear patterns across your floor. Heavy furniture should use floor protectors with a minimum 1-inch diameter.
Trim pet nails regularly to prevent scratches. For areas with heavy traffic, consider using area rugs with non-slip pads that are safe for vinyl.
With proper care, your luxury vinyl planks can maintain their beautiful appearance for 15+ years.
Still have a question?
Call us now at (816) 555-0123 or fill out our simple contact form on our website. We'll respond within 24 hours to discuss your specific requirements.
