How to Prepare for LVP Flooring Installation: A Room-Ready Checklist
You've picked your luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and the install date is on the calendar. What should you do before the crew arrives? A little prep goes a long way. It helps the install go smoothly, protects your belongings, and avoids surprises on install day.
Here's a practical checklist for Cleveland homeowners, landlords, and property managers getting ready for LVP installation.
1. Confirm Your Measurements and Material
Before anything else, make sure the square footage is right and you have enough material. Measure every room getting new flooring, including closets and hallways. Plan for extra beyond the exact square footage to cover cuts and waste. We'll confirm the amount when we review your job.
Our LVP options are 7" x 48" SPC planks with a 12 mil wear layer, 4.5 mm thick, for floating installation. Each carton covers 28.68 square feet, which makes it easy to figure out how many cartons you need.
2. Clear the Rooms
Installers need open floor space to work. Before install day:
Move furniture, rugs, and anything stored on the floor out of the work area
Empty closets that are getting new flooring
Take down anything fragile hanging on the walls near the work area
Plan for appliances in kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms
Not sure what's included in your job? Ask us when you book so everyone is on the same page about furniture and appliances.
3. Decide What Happens to the Old Floor
Will the existing flooring stay or go? Carpet usually needs to come out. Some hard surfaces may work under LVP if they're flat and solid. Our guide Can you install LVP over existing flooring? walks through it floor by floor. Settle this before install day, since removal changes the scope and the schedule.
4. Check the Subfloor
Floating LVP needs a subfloor that is clean, dry, and flat. Look for:
Soft spots or squeaks that could mean damaged subfloor
Signs of moisture, especially in basements and bathrooms
Dips, humps, or loose boards
Old adhesive, nails, or staples left from earlier flooring
Point out any concerns when you request your quote. It's better to know about subfloor issues up front than to find them mid-install.
5. Think About Trim, Baseboards, and Doors
New flooring can change the floor height slightly. That affects baseboards, transitions between rooms, and doors that swing over the new floor. Decide ahead of time whether you're keeping existing baseboards or replacing them. Our Investor Turn Package includes trim and baseboards along with LVP installation.
6. Follow the Manufacturer's Guidance
Every flooring product comes with installation instructions, including room conditions and how the planks should be stored before install. Keep the cartons in the space where they'll be installed and follow the manufacturer's guidance.
7. Plan Access and Install Day
Access: Make sure the crew can get in. For rentals, coordinate keys or lockbox codes and give tenants notice if a unit is occupied.
Parking and unloading: Clear a spot close to the door for material and tools.
Utilities: Keep power and lights on so the crew can work.
Pets and kids: Keep them out of the work area for their safety.
Debris: Ask how old flooring and scraps will be handled.
8. For Landlords: Schedule Around the Turn
Vacant units are usually the easiest to install. If you're turning a rental, schedule flooring after messy work like demolition and drywall, and before final cleaning. If you're comparing materials for rentals, read What's the best flooring for a rental property?
What LVP Costs With East Cleveland Flooring
Material: $2.49 per square foot
Installation: $3.00 per square foot labor-only install special (currently running; call to confirm it still applies when you book)
Rush installs and multi-unit or portfolio work are quoted on request. See our LVP installation in Cleveland page for details.
Ready to Book Your Install?
East Cleveland Flooring installs LVP in Cleveland, East Cleveland, and Cuyahoga County. Request a quote and reserve your install date.
Call or text (216) 238-5999 or email [email protected].
