I'm planning to replace my downstairs flooring with LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) and I'm considering going over the existing floor, which is in good shape but not very appealing. The area is about 600 sq. ft. and includes multiple rooms. I've done some home improvement tasks like painting and tile work, but I've never laid flooring before. I tend to underestimate how long these things will take, so I'd like to know what a realistic timeline is. Could I get it done in a day, three days, or maybe even a week? I also want to figure out whether it's worth it to hire someone to do the installation. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
If you're planning to do it yourself and have all the tools ready, I’d guess a realistic timeframe is closer to a week, especially since you haven’t laid flooring before. But if you feel confident, maybe you could do it in a weekend. Just remember that it's better to take your time for a better finish!
You might be able to get it done in a day if you’re really experienced, but since you mentioned you’re new to this, I’d say two weeks is a safer bet. Floors can be tricky, especially if you want everything to look perfect!
If you've got the time, I strongly recommend removing the existing floor first. I once owned a home where the flooring was uneven; starting with a clean subfloor made a massive difference in the final look and feel. Your future self (and any potential buyers) will thank you!
The installation time can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors. Since you're working in multiple rooms, planning and measuring will take a bit longer, especially if there are tricky cuts to navigate around doorways or other fixtures. Generally, if the rooms are empty and the subfloor is ready, you could get it done in about two full days. Once you have the first row set, adding more planks becomes quicker. Just make sure to measure everything carefully to avoid those pesky slivers of flooring at the edges! For cutting, I suggest using a speed square and a utility knife for simple cuts, and a jigsaw for anything more complex.
Thanks for the advice! I feel a bit more prepared now.
Absolutely! Measuring is key. In my experience, if you don’t measure correctly, you could end up with awkward gaps that are hard to hide. I almost had this issue once and had to rework my cuts. So definitely take your time with this part!