Introduction: When Can You Walk on Your New Luxury Vinyl Tile Floor?
In recent years, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring has become a popular choice for home and business owners seeking a blend of aesthetics, durability and affordability. Once your new luxurious flooring is installed, it’s natural to want to start using the space straight away. However, understanding how long to wait before walking on your new floor is crucial for its longevity and performance. The main factors to consider are the type of luxury vinyl flooring and therefore the installation method. So without further ado, let’s answer the question: how soon after installation can you walk on your new LVT flooring?
Types of LVT and Installation Method
LVT flooring comes in two main types, each with its own installation method: click-lock and glue-down. Glue-down LVT requires an adhesive to bond the tiles securely to the subfloor, while click-and-lock systems interlock the tiles, creating a floating floor. Both LVT types have different waiting periods.
- Glue Down LVT and Installation: If you opt for glue-down luxury vinyl tiles, then patience is key. The adhesive needs time to cure and fully bond the tiles to the subfloor. Walking on the floor too soon can weaken the adhesive bond, leading to an uneven surface or potentially tiles coming loose. Most manufacturers recommend waiting between 24-72 hours before walking on glue-down LVT with many settling for a 48-hour timeframe. Remember to check the specific guidelines provided for your chosen tiles and adhesive, as curing times can vary. Installing glue down luxury vinyl tiles is a tricky process often requiring a professional.
- Click-and-Lock LVT and Installation: Click-and-lock luxury vinyl tiles offer a more straightforward installation process, which is also DIY-friendly. As a result, you can usually walk on click-lock LVT immediately after installation. This is because the interlocking mechanism allows the tiles to securely snap into place without the need for adhesives. That being said, it’s advisable to give the floor a few hours to settle and acclimate to the environment before subjecting it to heavy foot traffic. As always, double-check your specific product’s instructions for any exceptions.
Other Factors to Consider
- Temperature and Humidity: Humidity and temperature play a significant role in the curing process of adhesives, which affects glue-down installations. Ideally, maintain a room temperature between 18°C and 30°C during and after installation. Also, higher humidity levels might slow down the adhesive’s drying time, so ensure there is plenty of ventilation to allow for proper curing of the adhesives.
- Subfloor: The condition of the subfloor is crucial for a successful and durable LVT installation. If the subfloor is uneven or moist, it can impact the adhesive’s effectiveness and require additional drying time. This will affect glue down luxury vinyl tiles.
Final Tips
- Manufacturer’s Guidance: Always follow the guidelines provided by the LVT and adhesive manufacturers. Each LVT and adhesive has specific wait times based on its composition and neglecting these instructions could decrease the floor’s lifespan.
- Minimise Footfall: If you must walk on the floor before the recommended wait time, limit it to essential tasks and wear soft-soled shoes to minimize pressure on the tiles. Ideally follow the recommended 24-72 hour wait time.
- No Heavy Objects: Avoid placing furniture or heavy appliances on the floor until the adhesive is fully cured (24-72 hours depending on the manufacturer’s guidance).
- Be Cautious: Waiting a few extra hours won’t hurt. However, rushing the waiting process could lead to costly repairs down the line.
Conclusion
To summarise, the timeframe for walking on a luxury vinyl tile floor post-installation depends on the type of LVT and therefore its installation method. Always follow the LVT and adhesive’s manufacturer guidelines. If you tend to be impatient, then maybe click-and-lock tiles are the best choice for you. If you are set on glue-down vinyl flooring, then you will need to exercise patience to ensure a long-lasting result. Whichever type of luxury vinyl tile flooring you choose; we hope you will be happy with the result!
