What this covers
Luxury vinyl plank is a layered vinyl product with a printed wood image and a wear layer. It is waterproof, which makes it the usual choice for kitchens, baths, laundry rooms, mudrooms and basements. Rigid-core planks click together and float; flexible planks are glued down. Both need a flat, clean subfloor, because vinyl shows what is underneath it.
When to call
- Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms and basements.
- Homes with pets, or a floor that gets wet boots and spills.
- Replacing flooring after a water loss with something that will not be ruined next time.
What to expect
- PrepareThe subfloor is cleaned, checked for flatness and leveled; old flooring is removed or confirmed suitable to go over.
- Lay outPlanks are planned so cuts at the walls are not slivers and joints are staggered.
- InstallRigid-core planks click together and float; flexible planks are glued.
- TrimTransitions and baseboards, then a walk-through.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Is it really waterproof?
The planks are. Water can still run under the floor at the edges and sit on the subfloor, so a flood still needs drying and the floor may need to be lifted.
Does it look like vinyl?
Modern planks have textured surfaces and varied prints. From standing height most people cannot tell.
Can it go over tile?
Often, if the tile is flat and the grout lines are filled. The company checks before quoting.
Related: Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring · Laminate flooring · Sheet vinyl flooring · All flooring
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.