Project Overview
This Willesden property needed new flooring fitted in the kitchen and hallway. The client had chosen luxury vinyl plank flooring, which offers the appearance of real wood with much greater resistance to moisture and heavy use. The existing floor covering was removed as part of the project, the subfloor was prepared, and the new vinyl planks were installed throughout both areas.
The Challenge
The kitchen and hallway in this property presented a couple of practical challenges. First, the existing floor covering had left behind adhesive residue in places, which needed to be removed before a new floor could be laid on top. Second, the transition between the kitchen and hallway had a slight level difference, which needed to be addressed to avoid an obvious bump or lip in the finished floor. Modern luxury vinyl planks are thinner than most other floor types, which means subfloor imperfections can telegraph through to the surface more readily if the base is not properly prepared.
Our Approach
Removal of Existing Covering and Subfloor Preparation
The old flooring was removed and the subfloor was cleaned down to remove all adhesive residue and debris. The level difference between the two rooms was addressed using a self-levelling compound to create a continuous, flat base. Once the levelling compound had set and been checked, the subfloor was in the condition needed to proceed.
Moisture Assessment
Before installation, we tested for moisture levels in the concrete subfloor. Vinyl planks are highly moisture resistant on their surface, but excess moisture rising through a concrete subfloor can cause adhesion problems or allow mould to develop under the floor if not managed correctly. Readings were within the acceptable range and no additional treatment was required.
Vinyl Plank Installation
The vinyl planks were installed using a floating click system, which allows the floor to be fitted quickly without adhesive and makes future replacement of individual damaged planks straightforward. The layout was planned to avoid narrow cut pieces at the visible entry points and to run the boards in the direction of the main light source.
Finishing
Matching threshold strips and end trims were fitted at all transitions and doorways to give the installation a clean, finished appearance. Trim details make a significant visual difference to the finished result.
The Result
The finished floor looks clean and consistent across the kitchen and hallway, with a good visual transition between the two spaces. The luxury vinyl plank product chosen gives a convincing wood-look result at a fraction of the cost of real wood, and its performance in a kitchen environment will outlast most alternative options. Vinyl floor fitting is typically one of the more cost-effective flooring options available, generally falling between £35 and £55 per square metre for supply and fit of a mid-grade luxury vinyl product.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does luxury vinyl plank compare to laminate in a kitchen?
The main advantage of vinyl over laminate in a kitchen or any wet area is its full waterproofing. Laminate products, even moisture-resistant ones, can swell or delaminate if they are regularly exposed to water. Luxury vinyl planks are completely waterproof and will handle spills, splashes, and cleaning without any risk of damage.
Can vinyl flooring be fitted over existing tiles?
In most cases, yes. As long as the existing tiles are firmly bonded and the surface is reasonably level, vinyl planks can be fitted directly over the top. This can save the cost and disruption of tile removal. The existing tile surface does need to be checked carefully for any proud grout lines or uneven areas that could show through.
How long does luxury vinyl plank flooring last?
A good quality luxury vinyl plank with a proper wear layer should last fifteen to twenty years or more under normal domestic use. The wear layer thickness is the key specification to check when selecting a product. A 0.3mm wear layer is adequate for light use; 0.5mm or above is recommended for kitchens, hallways, and other high-traffic areas.