Raleigh, Clayton, and the Triangle
LVP Flooring Installation
Luxury vinyl plank and waterproof flooring installation done correctly. Moisture testing on every job. Proper subfloor preparation. Trade-grade brands. The detail-focused installation process that low-cost installers skip.
Installation Done Correctly
Professional LVP Installation Done Correctly
Luxury vinyl plank flooring performs best when the installation is done correctly from the start. Many LVP flooring problems, including separation, movement, hollow spots, and premature wear, are caused by poor floor preparation or rushed installation. Our process is designed for long-term performance, not just fast installation.
We are a hardwood flooring company that also installs LVP. That matters because our subfloor standards, moisture testing protocol, and trim detail expectations come from 24 years of installing and finishing site-finished hardwood. LVP is not easier to install well than hardwood. It just fails differently when you do not.
As a member of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) since 2002, we apply the same rigorous subfloor standards to every LVP installation that we apply to hardwood.
What we focus on that others skip
Subfloor flatness.
Ground, filled, and confirmed to within 3/16 inch over 10 feet before any plank goes down.
Moisture testing.
Tramex MEX5 pinless meter and Delmhorst Total Check pin meter on every slab and subfloor, every job.
Proper expansion gaps.
Maintained at every wall and fixed vertical surface per manufacturer specification. Skipping this causes buckling.
Layout planning.
Balanced cuts at walls, proper racking patterns, and clean transitions between rooms and elevation changes.
Premium trim details.
Transitions, thresholds, and base molding installed cleanly and matched to the floor profile.
Stair integration.
LVP stair treads and risers coordinated with the floor throughout the home in a single project.
Manufacturer compliance.
Every installation follows the product manufacturer's installation requirements to keep the warranty intact.
Why Installation Quality Matters
Common LVP Installation Problems We Help Prevent
Proper floor preparation is one of the biggest factors in how luxury vinyl plank flooring looks and performs long term. These are the failure modes we eliminate through correct process.
Uneven or bouncy floors
Subfloor humps and soft spots not corrected before installation.
Gaps between planks
Improper expansion gaps or installation over an unstable substrate.
Hollow or noisy flooring
High spots in the subfloor that prevent full plank contact.
Moisture-related failures
Elevated subfloor moisture not tested or addressed before installation.
Separation at joints
Subfloor movement or planks installed without proper locking pressure.
Poor transition details
Mismatched or poorly fitted transitions between rooms and materials.
Improper stair installations
Stairs treated as an afterthought rather than integrated into the project.
Inconsistent layout patterns
No layout planning before installation begins.
The Step Most Contractors Skip
Subfloor Prep Determines Whether Your LVP Lasts
LVP planks are rigid. They do not conform to subfloor irregularities the way carpet does. High spots create hollow spots adjacent to them. Low spots cause planks to rock under foot traffic, which stresses the locking system and causes joint separation over time.
The industry standard for LVP subfloor flatness is 3/16 inch over 10 feet. A concrete slab with normal settling, or a plywood subfloor with a joist hump, will typically need grinding or filling before any product goes down.
We test subfloor moisture on every LVP installation using a Tramex MEX5 pinless meter and a Delmhorst Total Check pin meter. Elevated moisture in the subfloor is the leading cause of LVP failure, and it is invisible until the floor starts lifting. We identify it before any product is installed. For a detailed look at how we compare LVP and hardwood for specific room conditions, see our LVP vs. hardwood guide.
Concrete slabs.
We test for moisture vapor emission rate, grind high spots with a floor grinder, and fill low areas with self-leveling compound. On slabs with elevated moisture, a roll-on moisture barrier is applied before installation.
Plywood and OSB subfloors.
We check for soft spots, squeaky panels, and joist humps. Loose panels are re-fastened, humps are sanded or shimmed, and low areas are filled before any LVP goes down.
Existing flooring as substrate.
LVP can sometimes install over an existing floor, but only if it is flat, sound, and within moisture limits. We assess the existing surface during the free in-home visit. If it is not a suitable substrate, we tell you before you spend money on product.
Moisture barrier on every installation.
A moisture barrier is applied on every LVP installation before any plank goes down. This is standard practice on our jobs regardless of initial readings, and it protects against moisture migration that develops after installation.
How We Work
Our LVP Installation Process
Free In-Home Estimate
We measure the space, assess the subfloor, perform moisture testing, and discuss product options. You receive a written estimate covering materials, labor, and subfloor prep if needed.
Subfloor Preparation
Any high spots are ground down and low spots are filled to achieve the flatness required for a stable installation. Moisture barriers are applied if moisture readings exceed product specifications.
Layout Planning
We plan the plank layout to minimize waste, ensure balanced cuts at walls, and handle transitions between rooms or elevation changes cleanly.
Installation
Planks are installed using floating click-lock with moisture barrier applied before installation. Expansion gaps are maintained at all walls and fixed vertical surfaces.
Transitions and Trim
Transition strips, thresholds, and base molding are installed to complete the installation. We match transitions to the floor profile and finish the perimeter cleanly.
Final Inspection
We walk the entire floor looking for any planks that are not fully locked, transition issues, or visible defects. We do not leave until the installation is complete and correct.
Real Results
LVP Projects in the Triangle
Three recent luxury vinyl plank installations. Each started with a free in-home assessment, proper subfloor prep, and a written estimate before any work began.
Before
After
Raleigh, NC
LVP Flooring Installation
Full main-level luxury vinyl plank installation over a plywood subfloor. Subfloor leveled and re-fastened, floating click-lock installation, all transitions and base molding completed in one visit.
Before
After
Clayton, NC
Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring
Kitchen and adjacent living area on a concrete slab. Moisture tested before installation, roll-on moisture barrier applied on the full slab, SPC core LVP installed floating with proper expansion gaps throughout.
Before
After
Garner, NC
LVP Stair Installation
Stair remodel integrated with whole-home LVP installation. Treads and risers matched to the wide-plank floor throughout the main level. Coordinated and completed in a single project.
Waterproof Flooring
The Only Truly Waterproof Floor Available
LVP is 100% waterproof through its entire thickness. Not water-resistant. Not moisture-tolerant. Waterproof. That distinction matters in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and any space where water is a real possibility. Hardwood swells with sustained moisture exposure. Laminate has a wood-fiber core that fails when wet. LVP has neither of those vulnerabilities.
In the Triangle, where humidity cycles are real and finished basements are common, LVP is often the right answer for below-grade and moisture-prone spaces. We install it over concrete slabs, existing subfloors, and in areas where solid hardwood is not viable.
The waterproof claim only holds if the installation is done correctly. Moisture in the subfloor below the LVP, not from above, is the most common cause of LVP failure. We test subfloor moisture on every waterproof flooring installation before any product goes down.
Kitchens and bathrooms.
The most common application. LVP handles spills, splashes, and humidity fluctuations that come with water-heavy rooms without the expansion issues that affect wood-core products.
Finished basements.
Below-grade spaces are not candidates for solid hardwood and are risky for laminate. LVP installed over a properly prepared and moisture-tested concrete slab is the most durable waterproof option for finished basement floors.
Homes with pets and kids.
A heavy wear layer rated for residential use resists scratches, scuffs, and the kind of daily abuse that happens in active households. Spills wipe up without damage to the floor.
SPC vs WPC core.
Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) cores are denser and more dimensionally stable than Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) cores. SPC is our recommendation for basements, kitchens, and high-traffic areas. WPC offers a softer feel underfoot and works well in bedrooms and above-grade spaces.
Our Difference
Why Homeowners Choose 12th And Oak for LVP Flooring Installation
Hardwood-level prep standards.
We hold LVP installations to the same subfloor flatness and moisture standards we apply to hardwood. That is not common among LVP installers.
Moisture testing on every job.
Two-meter testing with a Tramex MEX5 and Delmhorst Total Check before any product goes down. No exceptions.
Premium trim and transition work.
Transitions, thresholds, and base molding are treated as part of the installation, not an afterthought. Clean details are what separate a professional job from a fast one.
Stair integration expertise.
We install LVP stair treads and risers as part of the same project, coordinated with the floor throughout the home. See our{" "}<a href="/staircase-remodeling" className="text-gold hover:underline font-semibold">staircase remodeling</a>{" "}service for full details.
Trade-grade brands only.
We do not install big box store product. Every brand we carry is trade-sourced with wear layers and warranties appropriate for long-term residential use.
Showroom support in Clayton.
Compare LVP samples in our showroom before committing to a product. We bring samples to in-home consultations when you cannot come to us.
24 years in the Triangle.
We know the soil conditions, humidity patterns, and subfloor problems common to Johnston County, Wake County, and the surrounding area.
Written estimates, no surprises.
Every quote is itemized in writing before any work begins. Subfloor prep, materials, labor, and transitions are all broken out clearly.
Five-year workmanship warranty.
Our installation workmanship is backed by a five-year warranty on every project.
Choosing the Right Floor
LVP vs. Hardwood
We install both. We will tell you which one is right for your situation. See our full LVP vs. hardwood comparison guide for a detailed breakdown.
LVP
- ✓
100% waterproof core
- ✓
Lower cost per square foot
- ✓
Suitable for basements and below-grade areas
- ✓
Cannot be sanded or refinished
- ✓
Faster installation
- ✓
Ideal for kitchens, baths, and laundry rooms
Hardwood
- –
Natural wood, unique grain in every board
- –
Can be sanded and refinished multiple times
- –
Adds long-term resale value
- –
Requires humidity and moisture control
- –
Above-grade installation only for solid hardwood
- –
Higher cost but a lifetime floor when cared for
When LVP is Not the Right Answer
When refinishability matters.
LVP cannot be sanded and refinished. When it wears out, it is replaced. If you want a floor that can be refinished in 15 years to look new again, solid hardwood is the better long-term investment.
Radiant heat systems above 80°F.
Most LVP products are compatible with radiant heat up to a surface temperature of 80 degrees F. Above that, thermal expansion becomes a problem regardless of core type. We verify compatibility with your specific product before installation.
Where resale value is the priority.
In the Triangle market, solid hardwood consistently adds more resale value than LVP. If you are preparing to sell and the buyer profile is premium, hardwood is the better investment. We will tell you that honestly.
Free Flooring Consultation
Schedule a Free Flooring Consultation
Visit our Clayton showroom or schedule an in-home assessment to compare LVP flooring options, review samples, and get expert recommendations for your space. We bring samples to you when you cannot come to us.
Product Lines We Install
LVP Brands We Carry
We do not source from big box stores. Every product line we carry is trade-grade, installer-specified, and backed by a manufacturer warranty.
GemCore
Stone Composite Resilient Flooring
SPC core with over 70% stone content. 20 to 28 mil wear layers across the Diamond, Jasper, Crystal, and Sapphire collections. 9-inch wide plank options. The GemCore MAX line is our go-to for high-traffic residential and commercial work in the Triangle.
View BrandInnova by Artisan Hardwood
SPC and WPC Wide Plank
Artisan Hardwood's flagship resilient collection. SPC and WPC in 7-inch and 9-inch widths with Dura Shield technology. 40-plus colorways from natural European oak to modern gray and warm brown. The design depth here rivals engineered hardwood.
View BrandChoice Flooring
Premium Manufacturer Since 1994
Manufacturer-direct product lines from Dalton, GA. Rigid core SPC and WPC in a wide range of widths and finishes. A trade-only brand with a quality-to-price ratio well above what you find at a big box store.
View BrandWe bring product samples to your free in-home consultation so you can compare colors and textures in your own lighting before committing. 984-400-4OAK
Serving the Triangle
LVP Flooring Installation in Raleigh and the Triangle
Based in Clayton, 12th And Oak Floor Co. installs luxury vinyl plank and waterproof flooring for homeowners throughout Raleigh, Clayton, Garner, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, and across the Triangle. We help homeowners select and install waterproof flooring systems designed for long-term durability, easy maintenance, and a clean modern appearance.
Finished basements, slab-on-grade kitchens in newer Cary and Apex construction, and moisture-prone spaces in older Johnston County crawlspace homes are all areas where LVP consistently outperforms hardwood. We assess each space before recommending a product or method.
For a side-by-side look at LVP versus site-finished hardwood in North Carolina homes, read our flooring comparison guide. For a look at how flooring costs break down across the Triangle, see our Raleigh cost guide.
Reputation
What Our Customers Say
“We are SO HAPPY with our floors! I talked with 4 other contractors and no one was as helpful, patient, and knowledgeable as Izral. He walked us through every option and made the whole process easy. The finished result is stunning.”
Jennifer Franz
“Izral Daniels is a master of his craft. Superior product knowledge, attention to detail, and delivers what he promises. Excellent communicator, highly recommend. We could not be more pleased with our new hardwood floors.”
Ruthie Toler
“Izral is a master at his craft and took time to explain all of the options in detail. He and his team did a fantastic job with everything going exactly as planned, including daily cleanups of dust and debris.”
Bill Gentry
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
LVP installation pricing in Raleigh and the Triangle depends on square footage, product selection, and subfloor condition. Subfloor prep, moisture barrier application, and stair work are all priced separately. We provide written estimates after a free in-home assessment with no surprises.
Yes. LVP is 100% waterproof through its entire thickness. It will not swell, warp, or fail from water exposure the way hardwood or laminate can. The important distinction: the LVP itself is waterproof, but moisture in the subfloor below the installation can still cause failures. That is why we test subfloor moisture on every job before any product goes down.
The most common causes of LVP failure are improper subfloor prep, insufficient moisture testing, incorrect expansion gaps, and installation over an unstable or uneven substrate. LVP planks are rigid and do not conform to subfloor irregularities. High spots create hollow areas. Low spots cause planks to rock and stress the locking system over time. Skipping subfloor prep is the single biggest installation mistake.
Yes. The industry standard for LVP subfloor flatness is 3/16 inch over 10 feet. Concrete slabs with normal settling and plywood subfloors with joist humps typically need grinding or filling before any LVP goes down. We assess subfloor flatness during every free in-home estimate and include prep costs in the written quote.
Well-installed LVP with a commercial-grade wear layer typically lasts 15 to 25 years in a residential setting. Wear layer thickness (measured in mils), traffic level, UV exposure, and installation quality all affect longevity. We only carry trade-grade product lines with wear layers rated for heavy residential or light commercial use.
LVP stands for luxury vinyl plank. It is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product designed to replicate the look of hardwood while offering superior water resistance and durability. It is a strong choice for areas where solid hardwood is not practical, such as basements, bathrooms, or homes with heavy moisture.
LVP is installed using a floating method, where planks click together without being fastened to the subfloor. A moisture barrier is applied on every installation before the planks go down. We assess your subfloor conditions and moisture levels to select the right product and underlayment for your specific situation.
Yes, moisture testing is performed on every job before installation begins. Excess moisture in the subfloor is one of the most common causes of LVP failure. We test and address any moisture issues before any flooring goes down.
In some cases, yes. LVP can often be installed over a sound, flat existing floor if height transitions and door clearances are not a concern. We assess the existing floor during the free in-home visit to determine if it is a viable substrate.
LVP is 100% synthetic and waterproof. Laminate has a wood-fiber core that can swell with prolonged moisture exposure. LVP is the better choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Laminate can be an excellent choice in dry, above-grade living areas.
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) and SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) are the two main LVP core types. WPC has a foamed composite core that is thicker and softer underfoot, with better sound absorption, making it a good fit for above-grade living spaces where comfort and acoustics matter. SPC has a denser, stone-based core that is harder, thinner, and significantly more dimensionally stable under temperature swings. SPC is the better choice for below-grade installs, spaces with radiant heat, or areas that see wide temperature variation. Both are 100% waterproof. We walk you through the right choice during the free assessment.
12th And Oak Floor Co. installs luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout Clayton, Raleigh, and the Triangle. Moisture testing on every job, floating installation with moisture barrier applied on every install, all subfloor types. 24 years in business, 5.0 Google rating, 49 verified reviews. Call 984-400-4OAK or schedule a free in-home estimate online.
Our Work
Recent LVP Projects
View All Projects →
LVP Flooring Installation · Miriah Towns
LVP Installation Over Worn Engineered Hardwood in Miriah Towns, Garner
LVP Installation · Winston Plantation
Full-Home LVP Installation with Custom Stair Treads, Winston Plantation
LVP Installation · Buffalo Creek
LVP Installation After Mold Remediation, Buffalo Creek
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a FreeIn-Home Assessment
Serving Clayton, Garner, Raleigh, Cary, and communities throughout Johnston, Wake, and Durham Counties. We respond within one business day.
After you request an assessment, we review your project details, confirm your location, and schedule an in-home visit. You will receive a written proposal with the scope, products, timeline, and warranty clearly explained.
Want to see our work first? Browse the portfolio →
Continue Exploring
Related Services
Hardwood Floor Installation→
For areas where solid hardwood is the right call. Site-finished, custom stained, and finished on-site. Five-year warranty.
Staircase Remodeling→
LVP stair treads and risers to match your new floors. Coordinated throughout the home in one project.
Laminate Flooring Installation→
A cost-effective alternative for dry above-grade living areas. Proper subfloor prep and moisture testing on every job.
Where We Work
Serving the Triangle Since 2002
Based in Clayton, NC. We travel throughout Johnston, Wake, and Durham Counties. Call to confirm your specific location.
Johnston County
Home Base- Clayton
- Garner
- Smithfield
- Selma
- Four Oaks
- Benson
- Kenly
- Princeton
Wake County
- Raleigh
- Garner
- Cary
- Apex
- Fuquay-Varina
- Holly Springs
- Wake Forest
- Knightdale
- Wendell
- Zebulon
Durham County
- Durham
- Chapel Hill
- Hillsborough
Don't see your city? Call us. We consider jobs outside these areas on a case-by-case basis, particularly for larger projects.
984-400-4OAKWant to see LVP samples, hardwood options, and stair materials in person? Visit our Clayton showroom by appointment.
Call to Book →Get Started
Ready to Install New Floors?
Schedule a free in-home assessment and we will evaluate your subfloor, test for moisture, discuss product options, and give you a written estimate with no surprises.
LVP installation pricing varies by product selection, square footage, and subfloor condition. Written estimate before any work begins.
After you request an assessment, we review your project details, confirm your location, and schedule an in-home visit. You will receive a written proposal with the scope, products, timeline, and warranty clearly explained.
113 State Ave #103 · Clayton, NC 27520 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · By appointment only