Everything You’ll Need
| Tool | Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) | Sheet Vinyl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility Knife | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tape Measure | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Straight Edge | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pry Bar | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Spacers | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ |
| Tapping Block | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Non-Marring Hammer | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Squeegee | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ |
| Grout Float | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ |
| Notched Trowel | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Floor Roller | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ |
| Heat Gun | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ |
| Seam Roller | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ |
Step 1: Prepare the Space
Take Off Baseboards and Old Floors
First, take off any baseboards and old floors in your room to get a clear space for vinyl planks. This helps you start fresh.
Use a pry bar to gently take off the baseboards without harming the walls.
If there is carpet, cut it into small pieces with a utility knife and pull it up. For other floors, follow the right removal steps.
Clean the Subfloor and Fix Cracks or Uneven Spots
Sweep and vacuum the subfloor well to clear out dirt and dust. Check for cracks or uneven spots.
Fill gaps or low spots with leveling compound, and sand down high spots for a smooth surface.
Add Underlayment for More Comfort and Quiet
Adding underlayment isn’t needed, but it can make your floor softer and quieter.
If you decide to use it, roll it out on the subfloor and stick it down with tape, making sure there are no gaps or overlaps.
Step 2: Pick a Pattern or Design
Vinyl flooring patterns offer many design choices to make your space look nice.
From old-fashioned to modern, these patterns help you make floors that match your home style.
Check out some popular vinyl flooring patterns to see how they can improve your home.
Straight Lay Pattern
The straight lay pattern is simple for vinyl flooring. Planks are placed parallel, following the walls. This gives a neat look that fits any room, like bedrooms or living rooms.
Diagonal Pattern
For a lively look, try the diagonal pattern. Planks are set at a 45-degree angle, adding movement and depth. This can make small rooms look bigger and add style to larger spaces.
Herringbone Pattern
The herringbone pattern is a classic choice. Planks are placed in a zigzag, creating a V shape. This adds texture and elegance, perfect for entryways, kitchens, and dining rooms.
Chevron Pattern
The chevron pattern is stylish, with planks laid in a continuous zigzag. This modern look is great for contemporary spaces.
Parquet Pattern
Step 3: Choose an Installation Method
There are many ways to install vinyl plank flooring. Each way has its own benefits, depending on the vinyl type and your needs.
GripStrip Method
GripStrip, or peel-and-stick, is easy to use for vinyl plank floors.
Each plank has a sticky back. Just peel off the film and stick it to the floor.
This works best with Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring. It’s thicker and can handle the sticky back.
It might not work well with thinner vinyl like Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT).
Click-Lock Method
Click-Lock, or interlocking, uses planks with edges that click together.
It doesn’t need glue and lets the floor “float” over the subfloor.
Click-Lock works with both LVP and LVT flooring.
Take Note:
- Follow the instructions for proper plank alignment, or you might get gaps.
- Use spacers along walls to keep an expansion gap.
Glue-Down Method
Glue-down uses adhesive applied to the subfloor, then planks are pressed down.
This is strong and good for busy areas or commercial places.
It gives a stable floor for heavy use and moisture.
Take Note:
- Pick a good adhesive for vinyl floors.
- Work in small areas to keep the adhesive tacky.
- Press the planks firmly with a roller.
- Let the adhesive cure before walking on the floor.
Step 4: Lay the First Row
Cut the Short Side of the First Plank
Begin the first row by cutting off the short side of the first plank. This lets the plank sit close to the wall. Use a utility knife for a clean cut.
Place the First Plank 1⁄4 Inch from the Wall
Put the first plank about 1⁄4 inch away from the wall. This gap helps the flooring adjust to temperature and humidity changes. Use spacers to keep this gap.
Use Spacers to Allow for Expansion
Put spacers between the planks and walls to keep the 1/4-inch gap. These spacers help the flooring expand and contract without bending.
Stagger Plank Joints by 6 Inches
To make it look nice and strong, stagger the plank joints in each row by at least 6 inches. This stops seams from lining up and makes a natural pattern.
Step 5: Cutting Planks to Fit
Use a Utility Knife to Score and Snap Planks
To cut planks for corners and edges, score them with a utility knife. Then snap the plank along the line for a clean cut.
For Irregular Cuts
Use a jigsaw or oscillating tool for cuts around door frames or pipes. These give precise cuts for complex shapes. Learn how to use a jigsaw here.
Cutting Planks Around Pipes
Measure the pipe’s diameter and add an inch. Drill a hole in the plank matching this size. Cut to fit around the pipe, leaving a half-inch gap. Secure with silicone caulk.
For Tight Spaces Like Under Door Jambs
Use a jamb saw to fit planks in tight spots like under door jambs. It makes precise cuts near the floor for a neat fit.
Step 6: Laying Subsequent Rows
Tilt the Plank’s Tongue into the Groove of the Last Row
For the next rows, tilt each plank’s tongue into the groove of the last row. This connects the planks tightly.
Use a Block and Soft Hammer
To fit planks well, gently tap with a block and soft hammer. Do not use a regular hammer directly as it can harm the planks.
Step 7: Finishing the Installation
Install Transition Strips
After laying all planks, put transition strips at doorways and room edges for a smooth finish. Follow the maker’s instructions to install them.
Transitioning to Other Flooring
Use a T-molding or reducer strip for switching to a different floor type. Secure it to the subfloor, not the vinyl, for a neat finish.
Leave a 1/4-inch gap between the vinyl and strip for movement, preventing buckling.
Reinstall Baseboards
Put back the baseboards, attaching them to the wall so the floor can move freely.
Allow the Floor to Acclimate for 48 Hours Before Use
Let the new floor sit for 48 hours before using it. This helps it adjust to the room’s conditions.
Common Things to Avoid When Installing Vinyl Floors
Areas with Too Much Moisture
Vinyl plank floors are not good for places with too much moisture, like bathrooms. Water can get in the seams and make the planks warp or peel.
Using a Rubber Mallet or Hammer on the Planks
Using a rubber mallet or hammer directly on planks can cause harm. Always use a tapping block to keep planks safe during installation.
Don’t Overlap Plank End Joints in Rows
Do not overlap the end joints of planks in rows next to each other. Overlapping can weaken the floor and make it uneven.
Walking on the Floor During Acclimation
Do not walk on the floor during the 48-hour acclimation time. This period is important for the floor to settle and last a long time.
Tips for a Successful Vinyl Flooring Installation
- First, measure the room well and figure out how much flooring you need. Add 10% more for cutting and waste.
- Check each plank before putting it down and remove any that are damaged. This makes it look nice in the end.
- Use a knee pad for comfort while installing. It protects your knees and makes it easier to do the job.
- Go slowly and be careful to avoid mistakes. Rushing can cause errors and won’t look as good.
Installation Costs for Vinyl Plank Flooring
Putting in vinyl plank flooring has different costs based on how you do it:
- Peel-and-stick: Usually costs $1.50 to $8 per square foot.
- Glue-down: Ranges from $2.50 to $12.50 per square foot.
- Floating/Interlocking: Costs are $3 to $13 per square foot.
Labor costs are $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on how complex the job is.
Extra costs may include underlayment at $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot, and transition strips and trim from $1 to $5 per linear foot for a nice finish.
Do You Need Professional Help With Your Vinyl Flooring Installation Project?
Now that you’ve seen how to put in vinyl plank flooring, you’re ready to make a great, lasting floor. But if you want experts to do it, we’re here for you.
Our flooring installation team can do it all — from getting the subfloor ready to placing the planks right — so you can relax and enjoy a perfect finish. We’ll also assist in choosing the best vinyl flooring for you, like luxury vinyl plank, sheet vinyl, or tile.
Contact us today to set up your free home visit and check if we serve your area.
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