LVP and laminate installation in Port St. Lucie, FL

Whole house LVP or laminate flooring installation in Port St. Lucie, FL. Free quotes from independent local flooring installers. Ask for proof of insurance.

A hallway with newly installed warm brown wood look laminate plank flooring and white baseboards

Running one floor through the whole house is one of the most popular updates on the Treasure Coast. It makes rooms feel larger, it removes the strips at every doorway and it gives you one surface to clean. LVP and laminate are the two usual choices because they go in fast and cost less than tile.

LVP and laminate side by side

Water. Most LVP has a waterproof core, so it can go in kitchens, baths and laundry rooms. Most laminate has a wood fiber core that can swell if water sits on it, though some newer products are made to resist spills for a set time.
Scratches. Laminate has a very hard top layer and resists scratches well. LVP depends on its wear layer. Around 12 mil is common for homes, and 20 mil or more is common for heavy use.
Feel. LVP is a little softer and quieter. Laminate feels firmer and more like wood.
Heat and sun. Large windows and sliding doors facing west can heat a floor a lot. Some LVP makers have rules about direct sun and temperature, so ask about it if you have a sunny room.

Floating or glue down

Most click LVP and all laminate are floating floors. The planks lock together and rest on the slab without glue, which makes them quick to install and easy to repair. Glue down LVP is bonded to the slab. It feels more solid, it can run longer distances without breaks, and it is common in condos and rentals. It needs a flatter, cleaner slab and costs more to install.

Underlayment and vapor barrier

On a concrete slab, laminate needs a vapor barrier under it, usually a plastic sheet or an underlayment with one built in. Many LVP products have a pad attached, and some makers say not to add another layer under it. Follow what the maker says, since the wrong layer can void the warranty. See slab moisture and floor prep for why this matters on Florida slabs.

Long runs and big rooms

Floating floors expand and contract. Many makers set a limit on how long a run can be before you need a break, and some want a break at doorways. That is why some whole house jobs have a thin strip at certain doors. Ask the installer what the product allows for your layout.

Permits, licenses and who is responsible

Many cities and counties do not require a building permit to replace floor covering alone, but rules differ and some jobs include other work that does, such as moving a toilet or changing a doorway. Confirm with your city or county building department. The installer is responsible for its own work and any permits the job needs.

Florida does not require a state contractor license for flooring work on its own. Florida Statute 489.117(4)(a) leaves flooring out of the trades that need state certification or registration. That is not the whole story, because counties and cities can have their own requirements, such as a local business tax receipt or a local license, and a job that touches plumbing or electrical work brings in other rules. Local rules can vary, so confirm with your city or county. Either way, ask any installer for proof of insurance.

For prices, see the flooring cost guide.

Questions homeowners ask

Can LVP go in a bathroom?

Most LVP has a waterproof core and is rated for bathrooms. Water can still get under the edges, so the installer should seal around the tub and toilet the way the maker recommends.

What wear layer should I choose?

For a typical home, around 12 mil is common. For pets, kids, sand or a rental, many people choose 20 mil or more. The wear layer matters more than the total plank thickness for scratch resistance.

Do I need underlayment under LVP?

It depends on the product. Many LVP planks have a pad attached and the maker says not to add another one. On concrete, a vapor barrier may still be required. Follow the maker's instructions.

Related services

We refer homeowners in Tradition, Port St. Lucie West, Fort Pierce, Stuart, Jensen Beach, Palm City, Vero Beach, and nearby neighborhoods.

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