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... Read moreSo, I’ve been seeing a lot of buzz about installing vinyl plank flooring without quarter round, and honestly, I totally get it! That clean, seamless look is just so modern and appealing. When I was doing my own LVP project, I was determined to achieve it if I could. The original post mentioned how easily thin LVP locks in – and it's true! I found that using a flat bar, just like they suggested, really helps get those planks snug without damaging them. It makes a huge difference, especially when you're trying to minimize gaps. But let's dive into the 'no quarter round' part. Why would you want to skip it? For me, it was all about the aesthetics. Quarter round, while functional, can sometimes make a room feel a bit more traditional or less streamlined. A lot of people are going for that minimalist, contemporary vibe, and removing that extra trim layer really helps. Plus, it’s one less thing to cut, paint, and install, which saves a lot of time and effort during a DIY project! Now, is it always possible? Not always, but often it is if you plan ahead. The main reason for quarter round is to cover the expansion gap (usually about 1/4 to 3/8 inch) that you need to leave around the perimeter of your room. This gap allows the flooring to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes without buckling. If your existing baseboards are thick enough to cover this gap, or if you're installing new, wider baseboards after the LVP, then you're golden! I actually opted to remove my old baseboards, install the LVP, and then reinstall the baseboards right on top of the new flooring. This gives such a polished, custom look. My top tip for doing this is precision. Measure twice, cut once, as they say! You really want your cuts along the walls to be as straight and clean as possible. Using good spacers is crucial to ensure that consistent expansion gap. Another thing to consider is undercutting your door jambs and any other trim work. This allows the LVP to slide underneath, creating a seamless transition rather than having to cut around them awkwardly or use unsightly transition pieces. I used an oscillating multi-tool for this, and it was a game-changer. What if your walls aren't perfectly straight? Well, join the club! Most older homes have character, which sometimes means wavy walls. If your baseboards aren't wide enough, or if the gaps are too inconsistent, sometimes quarter round or shoe molding becomes necessary to hide those imperfections. Don't feel like you've failed if you need to use it – it's there for a reason! But with careful planning and installation, especially with how easily thin LVP connects, you can often achieve that desired clean, quarter-round-free finish. Give it a try, and you might surprise yourself like I did!

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