What is the difference between floating and glue-down LVP?

Floating LVP locks together plank-to-plank without adhesive and allows for expansion and contraction, making it easier to install and remove. Glue-down LVP bonds directly to the subfloor, which reduces movement and hollow sound but requires more time and permanent adhesive application.

How thick should the wear layer be for a busy kitchen?

A wear layer of 12 mils or thicker holds up better in high-traffic areas like kitchens where chairs slide, appliances move, and spills happen frequently. Thinner wear layers cost less but show scratches and dents sooner, especially if you have pets or heavy furniture.

Why does underlayment matter with LVP?

Underlayment cushions the floor, reduces sound transmission, and smooths minor subfloor imperfections. Some LVP products include attached underlayment, while others require separate installation depending on whether you are placing the floor over concrete, plywood, or existing vinyl.

When should I avoid using LVP?

You should avoid LVP in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, such as unheated sunrooms or enclosed porches, where the material may expand or contract beyond tolerance. LVP also performs poorly over uneven subfloors or areas with persistent moisture issues that exceed its water-resistant rating.

How do I transition LVP to tile or hardwood?

You use transition strips that bridge the height difference and material change between LVP and adjacent flooring. TILE SUPERSTORE & MORE in Rochester can help you select the correct profile based on whether the floors sit level or one is higher than the other.

LVP Flooring | Tile Superstore & More

When you need flooring that resists water, stands up to foot traffic, and still looks like hardwood or stone, luxury vinyl plank offers a practical alternative to materials that crack, warp, or stain under daily use. LVP works well in Rochester homes where basements stay damp, kitchens see spills, and pets track in mud from outside. The planks lock together over existing subfloors without glue or nails in many cases, and the wear layer protects the printed surface from scratches and fading.

TILE SUPERSTORE & MORE provides LVP flooring selection and design guidance that covers color, texture, plank width, and layout options for kitchens, basements, living spaces, and other areas where moisture resistance and durability matter. The team helps you evaluate different wear layer thicknesses, underlayment requirements, and whether floating or glue-down installation suits your subfloor and room use. This service supports both DIY installations and contractor-led projects and includes consultation on how LVP transitions to tile, carpet, or existing hardwood.

If you are planning a flooring project in Rochester and want to compare LVP options in person, a design consultation can walk you through product differences, installation methods, and how to match flooring to your home's layout and traffic patterns.

You bring room dimensions and photos to the showroom in Rochester, and the design team helps you review LVP samples that vary in color, texture, and plank size. The conversation covers how wider planks make a room feel larger, how textured surfaces hide scratches better than smooth finishes, and whether a thicker wear layer justifies the cost for high-traffic areas. You leave with samples to test at home and a clear understanding of which products fit your budget, subfloor type, and installation timeline.

After installation, your LVP floor will feel stable underfoot without the hollow sound that lower-quality floating floors produce. The planks will lock tightly without gaps or movement when you walk across them, and the surface will resist water pooling from spills or tracked-in snow without warping or swelling at the edges.

The showroom carries LVP suitable for DIY installation as well as professional installs, but it does not provide installation labor directly. TILE SUPERSTORE & MORE works with installers and remodelers throughout Rochester and can recommend professionals if you need installation support. The team remains available to answer questions about underlayment, transition strips, and acclimation requirements before and during installation.

What is the difference between floating and glue-down LVP?
Floating LVP locks together plank-to-plank without adhesive and allows for expansion and contraction, making it easier to install and remove. Glue-down LVP bonds directly to the subfloor, which reduces movement and hollow sound but requires more time and permanent adhesive application.
How thick should the wear layer be for a busy kitchen?
A wear layer of 12 mils or thicker holds up better in high-traffic areas like kitchens where chairs slide, appliances move, and spills happen frequently. Thinner wear layers cost less but show scratches and dents sooner, especially if you have pets or heavy furniture.
Why does underlayment matter with LVP?
Underlayment cushions the floor, reduces sound transmission, and smooths minor subfloor imperfections. Some LVP products include attached underlayment, while others require separate installation depending on whether you are placing the floor over concrete, plywood, or existing vinyl.
When should I avoid using LVP?
You should avoid LVP in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, such as unheated sunrooms or enclosed porches, where the material may expand or contract beyond tolerance. LVP also performs poorly over uneven subfloors or areas with persistent moisture issues that exceed its water-resistant rating.
How do I transition LVP to tile or hardwood?
You use transition strips that bridge the height difference and material change between LVP and adjacent flooring. TILE SUPERSTORE & MORE in Rochester can help you select the correct profile based on whether the floors sit level or one is higher than the other.