ServicesLuxury Vinyl Plank
Luxury Vinyl Plank in Richmond, TX
Luxury vinyl plank gives you the look of wood with a surface that shrugs off spills, pets and daily traffic. We explain what the labels on the box actually mean, check the floor underneath, and install it so it stays flat and quiet.
What luxury vinyl plank is, and when it fits
Luxury vinyl plank, often shortened to LVP, is a layered floor. A printed design layer gives it the wood look, a clear wear layer on top takes the scuffs, and a core underneath gives it body. Most planks click together and float over the subfloor, so there is no nail or glue holding each board down.
It is a good call for kitchens, laundry rooms, living areas and anywhere with pets or kids. The planks resist water, so a dropped glass or a dog bowl spill wipes up without swelling the boards. It is not the best fit if you want a floor that can be sanded and redone decades from now; for that, our hardwood flooring page is worth a look.
We have been in business 25+ years, and the most common thing we hear is that people feel lost in the showroom. Our job on the phone and at your home is to translate the specs into plain answers so you pick the plank that suits how you live.
What our LVP installation includes
Help choosing the right plank
We explain wear layer thickness, rigid core versus flexible core, and attached pads in everyday terms. Thicker wear layers, measured in mils, hold up better to pets and chair legs.
Removing the old floor
We take up carpet, pad, tack strip or old vinyl and haul it away. Tile removal is a bigger job, and we tell you up front if your rooms need it.
Slab moisture and flatness checks
Most homes here sit on concrete slabs, and floating planks need a flat surface. We check for high and low spots and moisture before anything goes down, and we fill or grind where needed.
Careful layout and cuts
We plan the plank direction and starting row so cuts at doorways and walls look intentional, not squeezed. We leave the expansion gap the manufacturer calls for around the edges.
Transitions and trim
Where LVP meets tile, carpet or a doorway, we fit the right transition piece. Quarter round or baseboard covers the edge gap so the finished room looks clean.
Signs it may be time for luxury vinyl plank
- Carpet that stains and holds odors
- If cleaning no longer brings your carpet back, especially near the kitchen or back door, a hard surface like LVP is much easier to live with.
- Laminate swelling at the edges
- Older laminate can puff up where water sits at seams. LVP handles splashes far better in kitchens, baths and laundry rooms.
- Pets scratching the floor
- Dog nails and sliding food bowls wear down soft surfaces quickly. A plank with a thicker wear layer stands up to that daily use.
- Cracked tile or worn grout
- When tile lines are cracking or grout is crumbling, LVP can be a warmer, softer option underfoot. We will tell you honestly if the old tile needs to come up first.
- Mismatched floors room to room
- Many homes end up with three or four different floors. LVP can run through connected rooms for one continuous look.
How the work goes, step by step
- 1
A phone conversation first
You tell us the rooms, what is down now and how your household uses the space. We explain the options that make sense and what to look for when you compare samples.
- 2
Measuring and checking the slab
At your home we measure each room and check the subfloor for flatness and moisture. You get a clear explanation of any prep the floor needs and why.
- 3
Letting the planks settle in
Many products ask that boxes sit in the rooms before install so they match your home's temperature. We follow the manufacturer's instructions on this.
- 4
Install day
We are insured, and we protect walls and doorways as we work. Old flooring comes out, prep gets done, then the planks go in row by row with expansion gaps at every wall.
- 5
Walkthrough and cleanup
We sweep up, haul away debris and walk the floor with you. We show you how to clean it and which chair pads and rugs are safe to use.
What moves the price of an LVP floor
Your price depends on more than square footage. The plank you choose, the shape of the rooms and the condition of the slab all play a part. We walk you through each line so nothing comes as a surprise later.
- The plank itself
- Wear layer thickness, core type and whether a pad is attached all change the material cost. A thicker wear layer costs more but often lasts longer in busy homes.
- Slab prep
- A flat, dry slab needs little work. Low spots that need leveling compound or high spots that need grinding add labor and material.
- What comes out first
- Pulling carpet is quicker than breaking up glued tile. The type and amount of old flooring affects the time on the job.
- Room layout and trim
- Lots of doorways, closets, angled walls and transitions mean more cuts and more trim pieces. Open rooms usually go faster.
Luxury vinyl plank questions we hear often
- Is luxury vinyl plank really waterproof?
- The planks themselves resist water, so spills and pet accidents will not swell them. Water that seeps under the edges or comes from a leak beneath the floor is a different story. Wipe up spills promptly and have plumbing leaks fixed quickly, and the floor will serve you well.
- What wear layer should I pick?
- For bedrooms and light use, a thinner wear layer is usually fine. For kitchens, living rooms and homes with dogs, we generally suggest a thicker one. We will explain the tradeoff in cost so you can decide.
- Can LVP go over my existing tile?
- Sometimes. If the tile is solid, flat and the grout lines are not too deep, a floating floor can go over it. If tiles are loose or uneven, they need to come out so the planks lock together properly.
- How is LVP different from luxury vinyl tile or laminate?
- Luxury vinyl tile is the same material shaped like stone or ceramic tile instead of wood boards. Laminate has a wood-fiber core, so it handles water less well than vinyl. Our Luxury Vinyl Tile and Laminate Flooring pages go into each one.
- Do you stand behind the installation?
- Yes. We give a 1-year workmanship warranty on all installations. If a seam opens or a plank lifts because of how we installed it, give us a call and we will come take a look.
Ready to choose your new floor?
Tell us about your rooms and we will explain your LVP options clearly, then set a time to measure. We work in Richmond and nearby towns like Rosenberg, Sugar Land and Fulshear.