Flooring — FAQ
What wear layer thickness do contractors need for commercial jobs?
Minimum 12 MIL wear layer for any commercial application. Most commercial warranties require 12-20 MIL. Residential rentals and flips can use 8-12 MIL, but 12+ MIL reduces callback risk and extends floor life by 5-7 years.
Glue-down vs click-lock: which is faster for contractors?
Click-lock installs 30-50% faster once you're proficient. Glue-down requires drying time and precise placement. Use click-lock for floating floors over existing surfaces; glue-down for permanent installs where height or sound transmission matters.
Can luxury vinyl plank be installed over existing tile?
Yes, if tile is secure and grout lines are less than 1/4 inch deep. Use 5mm rigid core LVP to bridge grout lines without embossing leveler. Clean thoroughly and consider a thin underlayment to prevent tile pattern telegraphing.
What's the best LVP thickness for concrete basement slabs?
5mm rigid core SPC handles concrete imperfections best. It bridges minor cracks and unevenness without underlayment. For smooth, level slabs, 2-3mm glue-down works and saves height—critical when ceiling clearance is limited.
How do you handle subfloor imperfections with LVP?
5mm SPC covers gaps up to 3/16 inch. For larger imperfections, grind high spots and fill low spots with self-leveler. Always perform a flatness test before quoting—spend $50 on leveler to avoid $500 in callbacks.
What's the ROI difference between budget and pro-grade LVP for flips?
Pro-grade LVP (12 MIL, 5mm) adds $1.50-2.00/sq ft to material cost but reduces install time and eliminates callbacks. On a 1,000 sq ft flip, that's $1,500 upfront but prevents $2,000-3,000 in potential warranty work and increases sale price by $3,000-5,000.
