Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Fitting

Direct Trade Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Installations

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) has revolutionized residential flooring, providing a highly durable, 100% waterproof surface that realistically mimics the textures and tones of natural wood or stone. However, LVT requires a significantly higher level of technical expertise to install than standard flooring. I am Paul, an experienced floor fitter serving South London and Surrey (regularly fitting LVT in Coulsdon, Speldhurst, and Warlingham), and I specialize in premium dryback glue-down and click-lock LVT installations.

When you choose me, you avoid the subcontractor lottery and deal directly with the craftsman who templates, prepares, and fits your floor. I offer both a complete supply-and-fit service utilizing my mobile showroom loaded with hundreds of LVT samples, or a labor-only installation service if you have pre-purchased your own LVT online or from a retail store. My focus is on delivering a flawless finish that stands up to heavy foot traffic, moisture, and temperature changes.

LVT Installation Methods: Click-Lock vs. Dryback Glue-Down

I fit LVT in two primary configurations, depending on your subfloor structure, underfloor heating, and aesthetic goals:

Dryback Glue-Down LVT: This is the gold standard for LVT installations. Individual LVT planks or tiles are adhered directly to the prepared subfloor using permanent, high-strength flooring adhesives. Glue-down LVT is highly stable, does not bounce underfoot, and allows for intricate patterns, such as herringbone or parquet layouts, with custom border framing. It is also the most efficient choice for rooms with underfloor heating, as it provides maximum thermal conductivity.

Click-Lock LVT: Click LVT planks feature interlocking joints and are laid as a floating floor over a dense acoustic underlay. This is a faster installation method that is ideal for timber subfloors or flats where sound transmission must be restricted. It provides a comfortable, slightly cushioned walk underfoot.

I specialize in intricate herringbone LVT layouts, which have become a classic reception hall design. Herringbone requires precise center-line calculations, balance planning, and border cuts. I execute these cuts at perfect 45-degree angles around hearths, doorways, and skirtings to frame the room beautifully.

Subfloor Preparation: The Key to Lasting LVT

Because LVT planks are relatively thin and flexible, they conform to the shape of the floor underneath. Any subfloor unevenness, gaps between boards, or pits in concrete will show through the LVT as visible depressions (known as telegraphing). Furthermore, subfloor movement will cause click-lock joints to separate over time. Meticulous preparation is absolutely vital.

For concrete subfloors, I run moisture tests using digital hygrometers. The relative humidity must be below 75% RH before any flooring is laid. If the moisture is too high, I apply liquid damp-proof membranes (DPM) to block moisture from damaging the adhesives. I then apply latex self-levelling compounds to smooth out structural imperfections, leaving a glass-smooth finish.

For suspended timber floorboards, I secure any loose boards with countersunk wood screws to eliminate creaks. I then overlay the entire floor with 6mm SP101 or FG1 graded plywood sheets, securing them at 100mm intervals to establish a flat, rigid, and completely quiet base.

LVT Specialties:

• Herringbone Layouts: Master-grade center-line planning, border framing, and precise diagonal cuts.
• Subfloor Preparation: Professional latex self-levelling compounding and 6mm flooring-grade plywood installations.
• High-Temperature Adhesives: Premium heat-resistant pressure-sensitive adhesives for areas with underfloor heating.
• Precision Scribing: Exact cuts around fireplace hearths, kitchen islands, and radiator pipes.

Adhesives, Expansion Gaps & Temperature Flex

LVT expands and contracts with changes in room temperature and humidity. To prevent the floor from buckling or pushing against the walls, I maintain a strict 5mm to 8mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. This gap is covered by skirting boards or scotia beading to provide a neat finish.

In areas exposed to direct sunlight (such as south-facing conservatories or large bi-fold extensions) or rooms equipped with underfloor heating, standard adhesives can soften, causing LVT planks to shift. For these spaces, I use specialized high-temperature pressure-sensitive adhesives that maintain a firm grip even under high thermal loads, preventing any gaps from forming.

Local Professional Fitting Coverage Area

Flooring & Fitting provides mobile showroom visits and expert flooring installations across South London, Surrey, and Kent. Click on any of our primary service areas below to view localized details, pricing, and project examples:

Request an LVT Consultation

Let Paul bring my mobile showroom van loaded with click and glue-down LVT samples directly to your door. Coordinate styles next to your paintwork.