If you are a homeowner in the Lowcountry, you know that keeping up with coastal trends often means looking at the latest flooring options. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is currently one of the most popular luxury vinyl plank flooring products in Hilton Head, SC, thanks to its durability and water resistance.

If your current home has aging or scratched hardwood, you might be looking for a shortcut. The big question we often hear is: Can luxury vinyl be installed over hardwood floors?

While it might seem like a great way to save time and demolition costs, the short answer is: just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

The Risks of Installing Luxury Vinyl Over Hardwood

On paper, installing luxury vinyl over hardwood seems like a DIY dream. Hardwood provides a flat, level surface, which is exactly what LVP needs. However, beneath the surface, you are creating a recipe for structural failure.

The primary issue is the way these two materials interact. Hardwood is a natural, organic material that needs to "breathe" by exchanging moisture with the air. Luxury vinyl, by design, is a non-porous synthetic. When you place a waterproof barrier directly on top of wood, you trap moisture in between the layers.

As Chris Minick, owner of Floor Coverings International® of Hilton Head, explains:

"The LVP is waterproof and will suffocate the hardwood floors, causing them to rot and ultimately cracking the LVP joint."

Why "Breathability" Matters in Hilton Head

In our humid South Carolina climate, moisture management is everything. Even with climate control, wood floors expand and contract. When you install luxury vinyl over hardwood, any moisture rising from the subfloor or trapped in the wood has nowhere to go.

This leads to several problems:

  • Subfloor Rot: The hardwood underneath will begin to decay, leading to mold and structural weakness.
  • Cupping and Warping: As the wood reacts to trapped moisture, it will push upward against the LVP.
  • Joint Failure: LVP relies on a "click-lock" system. If the wood underneath warps or rots, it creates an uneven surface that puts pressure on those locks, causing your new floor to gap or crack.

Installing LVP the Right Way

To ensure your investment lasts for decades, we always recommend removing the existing hardwood before laying down your new LVP. This allows us to inspect the subfloor, ensure everything is dry and level, and provide a stable foundation for your new floors.

While it adds a step to the renovation process, it saves you from the massive expense of tearing out two ruined floors just a few years down the line. If you love the look of wood but want the durability of vinyl, starting with a clean slate is the only way to go.

Discover the Best Flooring Solutions in Hilton Head

Whether you are looking for waterproof durability or the timeless elegance of refinished wood, we are here to help you make the right choice for your home. We offer a wide range of luxury vinyl over hardwood alternatives and the highest quality luxury vinyl plank flooring products in Hilton Head, SC.

Ready to transform your space the right way?

Contact Floor Coverings International® of Hilton Head today to schedule your free in-home consultation. Let our experts help you find the perfect flooring that fits your style and stands the test of time!