Taking the Mystery Out of Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation
One of the most common things we hear from Edmonton homeowners is that they’re not sure what to expect from the installation process. How long will it take? What do they need to do to prepare? Will the house be liveable during install?
This guide walks you through vinyl plank flooring installation in Edmonton from start to finish — so you know exactly what’s involved and what to expect on the day.
Step 1: Getting Your Quote
Before any work begins, you’ll get a detailed quote that covers materials, labour, subfloor prep (if needed), and any transition or trim work. At LCF Flooring, our quotes are itemized and transparent — no surprises on installation day.
During the quoting process, your installer will typically assess the rooms being floored, check the condition of your subfloor, and discuss any potential complications like uneven surfaces, existing floor removal, or moisture concerns in basements.
Step 2: Ordering and Acclimating Your LVP
Once you’ve chosen your product and confirmed the quote, your LVP is ordered. Most products need to acclimate in your home for 24–48 hours before installation — the planks sit in the room they’ll be installed in, reaching the ambient temperature and humidity of your space.
This step matters more in Edmonton than almost anywhere else in Canada. Our extreme temperature swings mean that planks brought in from a cold delivery truck need time to settle before they’re installed. Skipping acclimation is one of the most common causes of gapping or buckling after installation.
Step 3: Subfloor Preparation
A flawless installation starts with a properly prepared subfloor. This is often the most time-consuming part of the job — and the most important. Your installer will:
- Check for levelness — LVP requires a subfloor that’s flat to within 3/16″ over 10 feet. Any high spots are ground down; low spots are filled with floor levelling compound.
- Test for moisture — especially critical for Edmonton basements. Excess moisture in a concrete slab can compromise adhesion and damage flooring over time.
- Remove existing flooring (if included in scope) — carpet, old vinyl, or tile may need to come up first. This affects both cost and timeline.
- Repair any damaged areas — squeaky spots, soft patches, or damaged subfloor boards are fixed before the new floor goes down.
Cutting corners on subfloor prep is the number one cause of premature LVP failure. A properly prepared subfloor is what allows the floor to feel solid, look seamless, and last for decades.
Step 4: The Installation Itself
Most LVP uses a floating click-lock installation — the planks lock together and float over the subfloor without being nailed or glued down. This makes the process faster and cleaner than traditional hardwood installation, and it means the floor can be walked on almost immediately after install.
Your installer will:
- Plan the layout to determine the best starting point and plank direction
- Cut planks to fit around doorframes, cabinets, and room edges
- Stagger the end joints for structural integrity and a natural look
- Leave an expansion gap around the perimeter — LVP still needs room to move slightly with temperature changes
- Install transitions at doorways and room edges for a clean, professional finish
How Long Does LVP Installation Take?
For most residential rooms, a professional crew can install LVP at roughly 300–500 square feet per day, including subfloor prep. Here’s a general timeline:
- Single room (150–300 sq ft): 1 day
- Main floor (600–1,000 sq ft): 2–3 days
- Whole home (1,500+ sq ft): 3–5 days
These timelines can extend if significant subfloor prep is required, if existing flooring needs to be removed, or if the layout involves complex cuts around stairs, islands, or irregular room shapes.
How to Prepare Your Home for Installation Day
A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth install day:
- Clear the rooms — remove all furniture, rugs, and personal items from the areas being floored
- Remove base shoe or quarter round — your installer may do this, but confirm in advance
- Ensure the space is heated — Edmonton winters mean your home should be at normal living temperature (18–22°C) during installation
- Plan for pets and kids — the installation area will be a work zone; arrange for them to be out of the way
- Let the planks acclimate — have the materials delivered at least 24–48 hours before the crew arrives
After Installation: What to Know
LVP can typically be walked on within hours of installation — one of its big advantages over glued-down hardwood or tile. However, you should wait 24 hours before moving furniture back in, and use felt pads under all legs to prevent indentation.
You may notice a faint new-floor smell for a day or two — this dissipates quickly with ventilation. Open windows when weather allows, or run your HVAC system to circulate fresh air.
Why Professional Installation Makes a Difference
LVP’s click-lock system makes it tempting as a DIY project — and while it’s possible, professional installation delivers a noticeably better result. Experienced installers produce tighter seams, better staggering patterns, cleaner cuts around obstacles, and properly fitted transitions that make the whole floor look intentional and polished.
More importantly, professional installation is often required to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty. Many LVP warranties specify that improper installation voids coverage — which matters a lot when you’re investing in flooring that’s meant to last 20+ years.
According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, proper subfloor preparation and moisture management are critical to the long-term performance of any flooring in Canadian climates.
Our LVP flooring installation team at LCF Flooring handles everything — from subfloor prep to final trim — so you get a result that looks and feels exactly right. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote on your Edmonton flooring project.