“The floor’s ready for LVT!” It’s a phrase we hear from builders all the time — and one that, more often than not, simply isn’t true. With luxury vinyl tile (LVT), preparation is everything. The finish is only ever as good as the subfloor beneath it, and even the smallest imperfection can show through a freshly laid floor. This project is a great example of the work our installers carry out before a single plank of LVT goes down.
When the Builder Said It Was Ready…
On arrival, the subfloor was anything but ready. It was uneven, had open cracks, and needed proper damp protection and levelling before it could take a quality LVT floor. Laying LVT straight onto a subfloor like this would lead to lippage, telegraphing of cracks and ridges, hollow spots and, ultimately, a floor that fails long before it should.
Why Preparation Is Key
LVT is thin and flexible, so it follows the shape of whatever sits beneath it. A subfloor that is not flat, dry and sound will telegraph every flaw straight through to the surface. Investing the time to prepare the subfloor correctly is the difference between a floor that looks immaculate for years and one that disappoints within months.
The Preparation Process
Here are some of the key stages our installers carried out to get this subfloor truly ready for LVT:
- Assessing the subfloor — identifying unevenness, cracks and any signs of damp.
- Damp protection and sealing — installing damp-proofing and sealing junctions and insulation boards.
- Crack stitching and repairs — stitching and repairing cracks so they cannot reappear through the finished floor.
- Priming — priming the subfloor so the levelling compound bonds properly.
- Reinforcing and levelling — applying reinforcement membrane and a smoothing/levelling compound for a flat, sound base.
- Checking levels — verifying the floor is flat and true before any LVT is fitted.
The Result: A Floor Truly Ready for LVT
After this preparation, the subfloor was flat, dry, sound and ready for a flawless LVT installation — the kind of base that gives a luxury vinyl floor the perfect finish and a long, trouble-free life. It’s the part of the job most people never see, but it’s exactly why our floors look and perform so well.
Planning an LVT Floor?
We supply and fit Karndean, Amtico and other premium LVT across Swindon and Wiltshire — and we never cut corners on preparation. Visit our Swindon showroom or book a free consultation to discuss your project.