LL Flooring Reviews: The Art Of Installation - Same Floor, Different Results. Why?

In the world of flooring, the distinction between an average finish and a spectacular one often lies in installation.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a homeowner embarking on a DIY project, understanding the nuances can transform the look and feel of any space. Let’s dive into some LL Flooring Reviews from customers to learn from, and add some expert tips that elevate flooring from simply functional to artistically remarkable.

 

Expert Techniques: 1 Vinyl Plank Floor, 3 DIFFERENT Reviews. Why?

Consider the case of the CoreLuxe XD Honey Mead Oak Waterproof Rigid Vinyl Plank. One homeowner, Vickie, faced disappointment due to an installer’s oversight in mixing planks from different boxes. This simple (yet crucial) step would have ensured a natural, varied pattern—crucial for a visually pleasing finish—

 

but instead…

 

LL Flooring Review

Love the floor, but!

CoreLuxe XD 7mm w/pad Honey Mead Oak Waterproof Rigid Vinyl Plank Flooring 7 in. Wide x 48 in. Long

Submitted 7/18/2023 by Vickie, Springfield, IL

 

"..I believe the flooring would look beautiful if it were installed properly. According to LL Flooring instructions on your paperwork it states to PULL FROM MULTIPLE BOXES AND MIX AND MATCH. This is very important especially with this color of flooring...

..I have 3 shades of color right in front of my kitchen sink, going from light, medium light to dark light. Then an odd dark colored piece that sticks out in front of my doorway..."

 

 

 

It is important to evaluate the plank arrangement prior to engaging your planks. Some customers may not mind contrasting plank colors being adjoined, but if there is a specific look desired, do not miss this step.

 

In contrast, another customer, 'Happy,' below, decided for a DIY approach and achieved remarkable results by attentively following proper technique. This success underlines an important lesson: the attention to detail of your installation is just as significant as the quality of your flooring material.

 

LL Flooring Review

Exceeded all expectations..

CoreLuxe XD 7mm w/pad Honey Mead Oak Waterproof Rigid Vinyl Plank Flooring 7 in. Wide x 48 in. Long

Submitted 8/16/2023 by Happy, New York

"After 13+ samples from various LVP manufacturers, we were happy to have patiently waited until we found this product. DIY installation was straightforward and easy to find a rhythm. The product feels like it puts the luxury in luxury vinyl plank.."

Service: "In-store pickup was prompt and the employees were incredibly helpful and pleasant."

 

 

LL Flooring Review

Beautiful!!!

CoreLuxe XD 7mm w/pad Honey Mead Oak Waterproof Rigid Vinyl Plank Flooring 7 in. Wide x 48 in. Long

Submitted 7/19/2023 by SA, Saratoga Springs, NY

"If you're looking for an alternative to hardwood, this vinyl is it! We had it installed upstairs in our new house and it looks so gorgeous. It's also durable and feels good on your feet as well. It has a light brown warm shade to it which feels very homey. Highly recommend!"

Service: "Service was great!"

 

 

Pattern Mixing As Art Form: Review For An Exotic Hardwood  

Pattern mixing is essential for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. This skill involves strategically mixing planks from different boxes to avoid repetitive patterns and color inconsistencies. It’s a testament to an installer’s attention to detail and can dramatically enhance a floor’s appeal.

 

LL Flooring Review

Flooring to match 4in other Brazilian Cherry flooring

Bellawood 3/4 in. Select Brazilian Cherry Solid Hardwood Flooring 3.25 in. Wide

Submitted on 10/15/2023 by @getfinancedtoday, from KY

"Professional and informative install. Wood does darken up as previously had installed in two other rooms. Would suggest don't wait to do all rooms so colors and mixing of boxes are easier to match and place in rooms."
                   
Service: "On time, cleaned up after install, and not placed in way of obstructing homeowners path."      

Recommend to a Friend: "Yes"

 

 

 

 

For Pros: Educating Your Team

As a professional, the caliber of your team’s work reflects directly on your business. Ensuring that every team member is well-versed in key installation techniques is paramount.

This commitment to quality not only elevates the standard of your projects but also bolsters your reputation in the industry and community, where word-of-mouth referrals are truly the lifeline to the success of your crew.

In this short video, install expert Mark shows what he will do when encountering two engineered hardwood planks with a similar knot, perhaps from the same tree. He also advises taking a moment to "rack" or arrange the planks before engaging them.

 

Now, notice the below review pointing out the color blend of the finished basement, which must have special attention, given the variety of colors in this particular flooring.

 

LL Flooring Review

Tranquility Ultra 5mm River Walk Oak Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring 6 in. Wide x 48 in. Long

Submitted on 7/15/2023 by Nikki from New Jersey

"We chose this flooring and had it installed this past winter to complete our basement remodel. I absolutely love the Walk Oak line. It's durable, easy to clean and simply gorgeous. We've received many compliments. And the color blends well with soft natural hues and splashes of dark colors.."

Recommend to a Friend:  "Yes"
 

For Homeowners: Gaining Insider Knowledge

For homeowners, understanding these professional techniques can be incredibly empowering. Whether overseeing an installation or undertaking a DIY project, this knowledge enables you to ensure that the flooring is installed to the highest standard.

Installer Profiles: Which Type Will You Be, And Which Will You Hire?

In the flooring world, two types of installers emerge: those who prioritize quality (Type A) and those who prioritize speed (Type B).

For professionals, being a Type A installer enhances your credibility and client satisfaction. For homeowners, knowing the difference helps in selecting the right professional for your project.

Valuable Insights from Customer Reviews

Reviews from customers provide a wealth of knowledge. They offer a glimpse into common pitfalls and client expectations. For professionals, these insights are invaluable for refining techniques and enhancing client satisfaction. For homeowners, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect and demand from a flooring installation.

Check out the review from Zee, below. From the comments about hardness & finish to the installation nuance, rich benefits can be gained from the real story of someone who just had this experience.

 

LL Flooring Review

Most Beautifull feeling and looking floor I've EVER Owned !!

Virginia Mill Works 3/4 in. Tobacco Road Acacia Solid Hardwood Flooring 4.75 in. Wide

Submitted on 9/02/2023 by Zee from, Washington

"This Floor is Very Very labor intensive compared to the engineered flooring that Snaps Together and fits perfectly. Each piece has to be fit and adjusted. The Usual staple gun people use will NOT work with this flooring I tried and the wood is just too HARD for the staples they just make a mess. so I used 16 gauge 2.5 inch straight finish nails with my Porter Cable nail gun set at 90PSI. Each piece has to be glued along the edge together to ensure they don't move or creak after insulation unlike engineered flooring that fits perfectly and never moves this floor will move ever so slight after you install if you don't. i used Titebond 3 glue. there are SMALL VERY VERY small gaps i mean like 64th or 128th of a inch. the Mill does a OUTSTANDING mill work each piece is a work of art and fits great. but it's NOT engineered so there are imperfections. i mean 128th of a inch imperfection so small. PLUS when you cut an End you have to Sand and shape it to match the rest of the floor then clear coat the end. LABOR INTENSIVE. and i have to put blue tape on the edge of Each piece prior to nailing it down so your nail gun doesn't chip or ding the edge Labor Intensive. it's a Very hard wood just the finish gets nicked. I've installed engineered flooring in the past that stuff is Fast and Easy to install this floor will take you about 1 week to install about 500 Sq feet two people doing it for 8 hours a day "To make it look perfect". compared to the engineered flooring that would take you one day to do the same area. 7 X more labor intensive.

But in the End you will have to most beautiful floor in your LIFE !!!!!"

Recommend to a Friend: "Yes"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Call to Excellence

At LL Flooring, we understand that the right installation can turn a good flooring product into a great one. We invite professionals to partner with us in setting new standards in flooring installation. For homeowners, we provide resources and support to help you make informed decisions, whether you’re hiring a professional or taking on a project yourself.

 

Conclusion: Crafting Beautiful Spaces Together

Whether you’re laying down planks with years of experience or embarking on your first DIY flooring project, the art of installation is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. Together, let’s transform spaces with flooring that’s not just installed, but artfully crafted.

Learning these tips is one more way to make sure you have every step covered.

 

Follow LL Style on Instagram & Pinterest

 

ALSO, do you learn about home improvement and design with fun and informative videos? Subscribe to the LL Flooring YouTube Channel to learn more, leave comments or ideas that helped you, and join the community!

 

Subfloor Preparation Tip

In this quick video, Mark and Louie demonstrate the importance of flattening the floor prior to installation to avoid a variety of problems down the road, and one way to approach small low spots. Check it out, share your ideas!