Flooring Installation

Flooring Installation

Flooring installation for luxury vinyl plank (LVP), laminate, and engineered hardwood requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure a flawless, durable result. At XMP Construction, we approach each flooring project methodically, in order to make sure that every install is a success.


Each material brings unique considerations and across all three, careful planning is critical—measuring twice for accurate cuts, correctly staggering joints, and leaving expansion gaps around edges to prevent buckling as materials shift. Subfloor prep, proper underlayment, and following manufacturer specs tie it all together, ensuring the floors not only look stunning but withstand years of use.


Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or to schedule your in-house free consultation and estimate.



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Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring stands out for its blend of affordability, durability, and realistic wood aesthetics, making it a top choice for busy homes and potentially wet areas. It's perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or basements—and its resistance to scratches and dents is ideal for homes with little ones, pets, or high traffic areas, such as an in-home business.


Installation nuances do exist:

- LVP typically uses a click-lock or glue-down system, requiring a clean, flat subfloor, as imperfections can cause uneven wear or joint failure.

- Tight, gap-free seams ensure the floors will last and staggering end joints by at least 6 inches avoids weak spots and enhances realism, ensuring a polished look.

- Underlayment, often built-in or added, cushions and quiets the floor, though moisture barriers are key over concrete.


With appropriate planning and precision, LVP delivers a low-maintenance, long-lasting surface that rivals pricier options.

Laminate

Laminate flooring offers a cost-effective, durable alternative to hardwood, mimicking its look with a photographic layer on top of a high-density fiberboard core, topped by a tough wear layer. Its benefits include scratch resistance, easy maintenance, and versatility for spaces like living rooms or hallways. Although it’s not waterproof, some laminate options are quite water resistant.


Like all flooring types, there are some nuances to consider:

- Installation nuances start with subfloor prep, as it has to be extremely level, as laminate’s rigid planks won’t flex over bumps, risking creaks or gaps.

- A vapor barrier is essential over concrete to block moisture, acting as a shield against moisture that can seep up from the slab and wreak havoc on the planks.

- Acclimation for 48 hours is recommended and helps prevent possible expansion issues.

- The click-lock system snaps together, but precision and professional installation matter—proper end joints staggering has to be used to ensure strength, and an expansion gap around walls has to be left to accommodate seasonal shifts.


Attention to these details yields a budget-friendly floor that endures years of wear with minimal fuss, provided moisture is managed.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood flooring combines the elegance of real wood with enhanced stability, featuring a thin hardwood veneer atop layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard, making it less prone to warping than solid hardwood. Its benefits include versatility—suitable for floors, walls, or even radiant-heated spaces—and durability, with finishes that resist scratches and wear, perfect for moderate-traffic areas like dining rooms or bedrooms.


Since engineered hardwood is a natural product, there are definitely some important considerations to keep in mind:

- Planks need 48-72 hours in the room to adjust to temperature and humidity (ideally 35-55% relative humidity), preventing post-installation gaps or cupping. Testing the humidity level before installing the flooring is highly recommended.

- Subfloor prep is key and the flooring can be glued, nailed, or floated, depending on the product and manufacturer specifications.

- Over concrete, a moisture barrier is often paired with adhesive or an underlayment.

- Staggering joints avoids weak lines, and an expansion gap accounts for seasonal movement.


Precision in cutting and fitting, plus strict adherence to moisture controls, ensures engineered hardwood delivers a timeless look with resilience to match.

Subfloors

Subfloors are the unsung heroes of any flooring project, serving as the foundational layer that supports and stabilizes finished floors like LVP, laminate, or engineered hardwood, directly impacting their longevity and performance.


A solid subfloor—typically plywood, OSB, or concrete—must be flat, dry, and structurally sound; even minor flaws can compromise the final result. Past water damage is a red flag—warped, rotted, or moldy wood needs replacement, as lingering moisture can seep into new flooring, causing swelling or adhesive failure. Pet urine staining adds another layer of concern; beyond odors, it can weaken wood over time, softening it and requiring sanding or replacement to restore integrity, especially since acidic residue may resist sealing.


General wear and softening—think creaky, sagging plywood from years of foot traffic—demand leveling with compounds or sistering joists to prevent bounce or cracks in the finish layer. When preparing to install a new floor, checking for squeaks and fixing loose fasteners is critical.


A well-prepped subfloor, free of these pitfalls, anchors the project, ensuring the finished floor stays beautiful and durable for years.


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