Mon. – Fri. 8AM–5PM / Sat. 10AM–2PM *Showroom Only* / Sunday closed
Call us 503-222-9393 | 1-800-776-2581
1320 NW 17th Ave Portland, OR 97209
Title Image

Blog

The Easiest Way to Get That Hardwood Look (Without the Headaches!)

Thinking of jazzing up your floors but don’t want to throw wads of cash at a contractor? Good news! **Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)** could be your ticket to DIY flooring glory. With a bit of patience, some basic handy skills, and the ability to read instructions (we believe in you!), you’ll be stepping onto fabulous floors that look just like hardwood—without the hardwood price tag.

Why DIY Luxury Vinyl Plank?

LVP is like the *cool cousin* of hardwood. It gives you that coveted wood look but with way less maintenance, an easier installation, and it’s much more forgiving if you’re new to the DIY game. It’s durable, water-resistant, and ideal for high-traffic areas like your living room or kitchen. Plus, it’s known to stand up to the “life-proof” test, whether that’s kids, pets, or, well, DIY trials.

The Essentials: What to Keep in Mind Before Getting Started
So, you’ve decided to go for it. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help your DIY adventure go smoothly:

1. Get Prepped Like a Pro

Think of LVP installation like a recipe: a little prep goes a long way. Ensure your subfloor is flat, clean, and dry. Got any lumps or bumps? They’ll show up like bad actors on a stage. So, sand them down and get your surface ready for its close-up.

2. Measure Twice, Cut Once (Trust Us!)

It’s a classic DIY rule, but it’s worth repeating. Cutting LVP is generally easy, thanks to its flexible nature. Just a utility knife should do the trick! But take your time measuring each piece to fit properly around tricky areas like doorways and edges. Your future self will thank you!

3. Leave Room for Expansion

Vinyl may look tough, but it expands and contracts with changes in temperature. Leave a small gap between the planks and the wall to avoid flooring bulges. It’s like giving your floor room to breathe—trust us, they’ll need it.

4. Watch Those Seams

When laying the planks, stagger the seams so they look natural and avoid a row-by-row repeat pattern. Not only does this look better, but it also strengthens the floor by preventing weak points where seams line up.

Disclaimer 🛠️:

DIY projects are super rewarding, and flooring is no exception! But if “measure twice, cut once” sounds more like math than fun, or if the thought of gaps and seams is giving you stress sweats, don’t hesitate to call in the pros. *Floor Factors* has a team ready to swoop in and handle the heavy lifting. Go ahead, take the easy way out—your floors will thank you.

Want That Wood Look? Get It With LVP (Without Breaking the Bank)

Luxury Vinyl Plank is hands-down the easiest flooring to DIY if you’re looking for style on a budget. Just remember to prep right, measure with care, and, if all else fails, remember we’re only a call away! Whether you’re on Team DIY or Team Help Me Please, Floor Factors has the flooring options you need to make your dream space a reality.

Share