Can luxury vinyl flooring be installed on an existing floor?

You can place luxury vinyl (LVF) only over an existing surface if the flooring installation is done in the floating floor technique. However, many homeowners will remove the old flooring first because it can present challenges they choose to avoid. If you have even the slightest question about yours, be sure to seek professional installation services about your flooring.

Floating floor vs. glue-down

These are the two methods of installation for luxury vinyl flooring.  One is glue-down, which means just that. It is not recommended because the new floor will only be as sturdy as the old one; if that floor is damaged, worn, or otherwise in need of repair or replacement, a new floor placed on top of it may not be the upgrade you’re looking for.  You will experience problems, including unevenness, height issues, squeaks, and may even lose your warranty protections.

With a floating floor, the surfaces never touch. Here, the pieces click together, mat, then hover over the floor with no nails or glue.  However, the old floor still needs to be in good shape: debris-free, dry, and even.  Otherwise, imperfections can telegraph to the new surface and affect appearance, performance, and longevity.

When you can install over another floor

While you can float over any existing floor, even wood or tile, there are some things to keep in mind:  have plenty of heigh accommodations and be sure the existing floor is structurally sound.  Some floors are better to place over existing ones than others; they include laminate, engineered hardwood (which can be installed as a floating floor), LVT flooring, and vinyl plank. 

LVF has a beautiful, high-end style that can transform your home affordably.  Flooring is still a significant investment in the house and an expression of your style, and you will want to protect it. Many feel the installation is as necessary as the product itself, but if you have questions, feel free to come into our showroom when you are shopping for flooring installations in Everett, WA.

For a quality, craftsman-like flooring installation, come into our flooring store, Completely Floored, in Everett, WA. We also service Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens, Monroe, Arlington, and Mt. Vernon. We would love to give you a free flooring installation quote!