Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring has become a popular choice for homeowners looking for a stylish, durable, and budget-friendly flooring option. It’s hard-wearing, easy to clean, and ideal for busy households—trust me, with three kids and two dogs running around, I know the importance of low-maintenance flooring!
LVT is also relatively easy to install, especially with its click-lock and glue-down options. However, like any home improvement project, mistakes can happen. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or hiring a professional, avoiding common pitfalls will ensure a flawless finish. Here are my top five tips to prevent mistakes when installing LVT flooring.
1. Prepare Your Subfloor Properly
One of the biggest mistakes people make when installing LVT flooring is neglecting subfloor preparation. While LVT is more forgiving than hardwood or tile, it still requires a smooth and even surface to prevent problems like uneven planks, gaps, or premature wear.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
✅ Clean thoroughly – Dust, debris, and moisture can affect adhesion and cause imperfections. Vacuum and mop the area before installation.
✅ Level the subfloor – Any dips or bumps can make the flooring uneven. Use a self-levelling compound for concrete or sand down high spots on wooden subfloors.
✅ Check for moisture – Excess moisture, especially in basements or kitchens, can lead to warping over time. Use a moisture meter to ensure the subfloor is dry before laying LVT.
✅ Use the right underlay (if needed) – Some LVTs come with built-in underlay, but if yours doesn’t, choosing the correct underlay will improve comfort and soundproofing.
???? Emma’s Tip: I once helped a friend install LVT in her kitchen, and we skipped checking the subfloor properly—big mistake! A small dip in the floor led to an annoying creak every time someone walked over it. Lesson learned: don’t rush this step!
2. Acclimate Your LVT Flooring
LVT flooring needs time to adjust to the temperature and humidity of your home before installation. Skipping this step can lead to expansion or contraction after installation, causing gaps or buckling.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
✅ Let the planks acclimate – Leave the flooring in its packaging in the room where it will be installed for at least 24–48 hours.
✅ Keep the room at a stable temperature – Avoid extreme heat or cold while acclimating the flooring. Around 18-24°C is ideal.
Emma’s Tip: When we installed LVT in our hallway, I made sure to stack the boxes flat in the room for two days beforehand. It made a world of difference in preventing any post-installation shifting!
3. Measure and Plan Your Layout Carefully
Improper measurements and planning can lead to awkward cuts, uneven patterns, and wasted material. LVT flooring often mimics natural wood or stone, so aligning planks correctly is key to achieving a seamless, professional look.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
✅ Measure the room accurately – Use a tape measure and double-check dimensions before cutting planks.
✅ Plan the plank layout – Dry-lay the planks before committing to the installation to ensure the design looks balanced.
✅ Avoid narrow end pieces – If your last row is too thin, adjust the starting row so both sides have a similar width.
✅ Stagger the joints – A staggered pattern (like brickwork) adds to the natural appearance and strengthens the structure.
Emma’s Tip: My husband, Michael, loves precision, so he marked out the entire living room floor with chalk before we installed our LVT. It saved us from making any awkward cuts and ensured a beautifully even layout.
4. Use the Right Installation Method
LVT flooring comes in two main installation types: click-lock and glue-down. Choosing the wrong method or not following the correct steps can result in planks shifting, lifting, or coming loose over time.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
✅ Know your LVT type – Check whether your flooring is click-lock or glue-down before starting.
✅ For click-lock LVT:
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Ensure each plank clicks securely into place.
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Use spacers to leave an expansion gap around the edges.
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Tap gently with a rubber mallet if needed to secure the joints
✅ For glue-down LVT:
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Use the recommended adhesive.
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Spread the glue evenly and allow it to become tacky before placing planks.
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Roll over the flooring with a heavy roller to secure adhesion.
Emma’s Tip: We used glue-down LVT in our bathroom because it’s more resistant to water. It was a bit trickier to install, but worth it for the extra durability in a high-moisture area!
5. Leave an Expansion Gap
LVT may not expand and contract as much as solid wood, but it still needs a small expansion gap to accommodate minor movement. Forgetting this step can cause the planks to buckle or lift over time.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
✅ Use spacers – Leave a 5–10mm gap around walls, doorways, and fixed objects like kitchen cabinets.
✅ Don’t install under heavy furniture – Large items can restrict movement and cause problems later.
✅ Use appropriate trims and mouldings – Cover the expansion gap with skirting boards or floor trims for a finished look.
Emma’s Tip: When we installed LVT in our dining room, we nearly forgot to leave an expansion gap along one wall—thankfully, Michael spotted it in time! A simple mistake like this could have led to major flooring issues later on.
Final Thoughts
Installing LVT flooring can be a rewarding DIY project, but it’s crucial to take your time and follow the right steps to avoid common mistakes. Proper subfloor preparation, acclimatisation, careful measuring, correct installation techniques, and leaving an expansion gap will ensure your new floor looks fantastic and lasts for years.
If you’re considering LVT flooring for your home, check out our collection at Flooring365.co.uk for high-quality, budget-friendly options. Have any questions or installation tips of your own? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experiences!
