Should you be concerned about luxury vinyl flooring expanding?

Luxury vinyl is entirely waterproof. It also has microscopic air holes that circulate the air.

That said, when the air is humid, it expands; it contracts when the air is dry. Some easy precautions, however, will eliminate those concerns.

Acclimate the luxury vinyl plank or squares

Have your product delivered a few days before installation. Leave the opened boxes in the room in which it's to be installed.

The room should be climate controlled, without excessive air conditioning or heat.

Do this even if the product comes from a store down the street. For example, vinyl plank (also called LVP flooring) or the squares is stored in a facility climate different from your home.

Avoid indoor temperature fluctuations

Your house should always be between 65 and 80 degrees. Like many floors, this vinyl should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays.

El Dorado can get pretty sunny and hot. If the floors are in that room, window coverings should be adequate.

Keep in mind also that both luxury vinyl tile and plank can be installed as a floating floor. And expansion can create havoc with this installation. That said, don't let the indoor temperature fluctuate.

Be sure the installer includes an expansion gap

This is a small space around the floor where it meets the walls. Expansion gaps, when done correctly, are effective in accommodating expansion issues in LVT or vinyl plank.

Decades of flooring experience in the area!

At Central Valley Floor Design, you'll find the best of everything, installers, customer service, and products. So we'll get those creative juices flowing when you choose luxury vinyl flooring!

Our award-winning company has over two decades of experience. Visit our El Dorado Hills, CA showroom, serving Folsom, Cameron Park, Granite Bay, Granite Bay, and Shingle Springs. You'll find top brands like Earthwerks, Engineered Floors, and more.