Can you install luxury vinyl over hardwood?

Hardwood floors are a popular choice within the home for their appealing aesthetic. A polished floor made of hardwood planks has an appealing quality, especially in a room such as the kitchen. However, for all that visual appeal, it is not always the most practical choice.

Hardwood can very easily be scratched or scuffed if it has been fitted in rooms that experience a lot of footfall. It can also be harsh to walk on, especially if you live in a northern area like Chester where the weather is colder. That is why homeowners sometimes look to put a second floor surface on top of it.

Luxury vinyl is another popular choice for the floors of a home, but is it one that will work well on top of hardwood? Read on to find out.

Why put another surface over hardwood?

As mentioned above, the attractive look of a hardwood floor has to be weighed against its impractical aspects. If it has been laid in a room where people will not often be walking on it in shoes or boots, it can retain its visual appeal, but in busy rooms it can very quickly become worn and covered in scratches – especially if you also have pets with claws.

Even in a room such as a bedroom, hardwood can have disadvantages. It is cold to walk on with bare feet and does not do much to retain room warmth. Therefore, you may still wish to put another surface over the top of it.

Why not just lift the hardwood floors?

It might seem like simply removing the existing hardwood floor would be easier, but that is not really the case. Hardwood planks vary in length and are awkward and time consuming to lift. Plus, they add value to the home as an investment, so leaving them underneath can be a smart move in case you decide to move in the future.

Will luxury vinyl work on top of them?

The simple answer to that question is: yes, there is no reason why you cannot put luxury vinyl over hardwood. Vinyl is among the most varied and flexible floor surfaces in existence and will work well in most situations. That said, it is best installed on top of an existing surface that is flat, so either you or a professional flooring company may have to sand down any parts of the hardwood that are not even before putting it in place.

Opting for a loose lay installation minus glue or nails will be the best way to avoid any damage to the hardwood underneath. In some cases, if you hire a professional to fit the vinyl, they will opt to put plywood boards over the hardwood first.

Why should you put luxury vinyl over hardwood?

There are a number of advantages to putting luxury vinyl over your hardwood floor. These are just some of them.

It is durable

Luxury vinyl is considered to be one of the most durable flooring surfaces in existence. It is thicker than standard vinyl, which makes it much less likely to degrade, and has a special wear layer added during manufacture that further helps to protect it. It is a floor choice that should survive for decades.

It can cope with water

One of the biggest problems with hardwood flooring is that it can be badly damaged by excess water. This can lead to the planks becoming warped and going out of shape. In the worst cases, it can even lead to serious damage like rotting that will force you to replace the floor. By contrast, luxury vinyl is resistant to water damage so it will work in any room of your home.

It can look like wood

If the prospect of covering up your lovely hardwood floor is painful, do not worry: luxury vinyl planks can be manufactured and designed to closely replicate the appearance of solid wood ones. That way you get the look without the problems.

What else do you need to know?

Check the condition of the wood

Before attempting to install the vinyl, check that the hardwood planks are not damaged in any way. That means cupping, warping or unevenness. It also means making sure no planks are loose and that the floor as a whole is sound structurally. Seek guidance from qualified flooring professionals if you are unsure.

Choose the right vinyl

Whether you opt for a thinner or thicker grade of luxury vinyl will depend on your budget and how often it is likely to be walked on. If in doubt, go with a thicker grade though as it is not particularly expensive.

You can put luxury vinyl over hardwood, and it often makes sense to do so. Talk to a professional firm with experience in installation if you need help.