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 Flooring
Start by removing the baseboards and any old flooring. This prepares a clear surface for the new vinyl plank flooring.
Use a pry bar to gently take off the baseboards without harming the walls.
When replacing carpet, cut it into pieces using a utility knife and take it away. For other flooring types, follow the right removal process.
Clean the Subfloor and Fix Cracks or Uneven Spots
Thoroughly sweep and vacuum the subfloor to clear away dirt and debris. Check for cracks or uneven spots.
Use leveling compound to fill gaps or low areas, and sand down high areas for a smooth surface.
Add Underlayment for Extra Comfort and Quietness
Adding underlayment isn’t always needed, but it can make the floor softer and quieter.
If you use underlayment, roll it out over the subfloor, secure it with tape, and make sure there are no gaps or overlaps.
Step 2: Pick a Pattern or Design
Vinyl flooring patterns give you many ways to make your space look better.
From old-fashioned to modern, these patterns help you create special and nice-looking floors that match your home’s style.
Let’s look at some popular vinyl flooring patterns and see how they can improve your home.
Straight Lay Pattern
The straight lay pattern is the easiest way to lay vinyl flooring. The planks go in the same direction as the walls, making a clean look that works well in any room, like bedrooms or living rooms.
Diagonal Pattern
For a lively look, try laying vinyl flooring diagonally. The planks go at a 45-degree angle, adding movement and depth. This can make small rooms look bigger and add excitement to larger rooms.
Herringbone Pattern
The herringbone pattern is a classic choice. The planks form a zigzag, creating a V-shape. This pattern adds style to any room, making it popular for entryways, kitchens, and dining rooms.
Chevron Pattern
The chevron pattern is another trendy way to lay vinyl flooring. Unlike herringbone, planks form a continuous zigzag. Chevron patterns bring a modern feel, perfect for contemporary spaces.
Parquet Pattern
Parquet patterns are made by arranging planks in shapes like squares or diamonds. These designs can be simple or detailed, adding elegance to floors, often used in living rooms, offices, and commercial areas.
Mixed Patterns
Using different patterns in the same space can create a unique look. Mixing patterns lets you design floors that show your style.
For example, you can combine a straight lay pattern with a herringbone border or make a checkerboard with different colors.
Step 3: Choose an Installation Method
There are various ways to install vinyl plank flooring. Each way has its own benefits and things to think about, depending on the vinyl type and your needs.
GripStrip Method
GripStrip, or peel-and-stick, is an easy and DIY-friendly way to install vinyl plank flooring.
With GripStrip, each plank has a sticky back. You peel off the film and stick the planks to the floor.
This method works well with Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring, which is thicker and more rigid.
It may not work well with thinner vinyl types like Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or Sheet Vinyl.
Click-Lock Method
Click-Lock, or interlocking, uses planks with edges that snap together for a secure fit.
No glue is needed, and the floor “floats” over the subfloor, moving with temperature changes.
Click-Lock works with both LVP and LVT flooring and some Sheet Vinyl types.
Take Note:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for aligning and locking planks to avoid gaps.
- Use spacers along walls for the expansion gap, allowing free floor movement.
Glue-Down Method
Glue-down involves putting adhesive on the subfloor and pressing the planks in place.
This method gives a strong, long-lasting bond, ideal for busy or commercial areas.
It provides a stable installation, handling heavy foot traffic and moisture well.
Take Note:
- Pick a high-quality adhesive made for vinyl flooring.
- Work in small areas to keep the adhesive sticky during installation.
- Use a roller to press planks into the adhesive for a good bond.
- Give the adhesive time to cure before walking on or placing heavy items on the floor.
Step 4: Lay the First Row
Cut the Short Tongue Edge of the First Plank
Start the first row by cutting off the short tongue edge of the first plank. This helps the plank fit neatly against 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 is important for letting the floor expand with temperature and humidity changes. Use spacers by the wall to keep this gap.
Use Spacers to Allow for Expansion
Put spacers between the planks and the walls to keep the 1/4-inch gap for expansion. These spacers help your floor stay in place.
Step 5: Cutting Planks to Fit
Use a Utility Knife to Score and Snap Planks
To cut planks for corners and edges, use a utility knife to make a mark along the cut line. After marking, snap the plank along the line for a clean break.
For Irregular Cuts
For irregular cuts, like around door frames or pipes, use a jigsaw or multi-tool. These tools help make precise cuts and handle 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 for the pipe’s size plus the inch. Cut the plank to fit around the pipe, leaving a half-inch gap. Install the plank and secure the cut piece with silicone caulk.
For Tight Spaces Like Under Door Jambs
Use a jamb saw to cut planks for tight spaces, like under door jambs. A jamb saw makes precise cuts close to the floor, letting planks fit neatly.
Step 6: Laying Subsequent Rows
Put the Tongue of the Plank into the Groove
To add more rows, put the tongue of each plank into the groove of the row before it. This will lock them and make a strong, smooth connection.
Use a Tapping Block and Soft Hammer
For a snug fit, gently tap the planks into place with a tapping block and soft hammer. Do not use a regular hammer directly on the planks, as it might damage them.
Step 7: Finishing the Installation
Install Transition Strips
After putting down all the planks, add transition strips at doorways and between rooms. This helps make a smooth change and keeps the flooring edges safe. Follow the maker’s guide to put in the transition strips.
Transitioning to Other Flooring
When changing to another floor type, use a T-molding or reducer strip. Fix the transition strip to the subfloor, not the vinyl planks, for a solid and neat finish.
Leave a 1/4-inch space between the vinyl planks and the transition strip. This lets the floor move a bit and stops buckling.
Reinstall Baseboards
Put the baseboards back, making sure they are attached to the wall, not the floor. This way, the floor can expand and shrink without any block.
Allow the Floor to Acclimate for 48 Hours Before Use
Let the new floor sit for 48 hours before walking on it or adding furniture. This time helps the floor get used to the room’s heat and moisture.
Common Things to Avoid When Installing Vinyl Floors
Wet Areas
Vinyl plank flooring is not good for wet places, like bathrooms. Water can get into the seams and make the planks bend or peel.
Using Tools on the Planks
Hitting the planks with a rubber mallet or hammer can harm them. Always use a tapping block to keep the planks safe during installation.
End Joints Alignment
Do not line up the end joints of planks in rows next to each other. This can make the floor weak and uneven.
Waiting Period Before Walking
Stay off the floor during the 48-hour waiting period. This time helps the floor settle and makes sure it lasts a long time.
Tips for a Successful Vinyl Flooring Installation
- First, measure the room carefully and figure out how much flooring you need. Add 10% extra for cuts and waste.
- Check each plank before you start and throw away any that are damaged. This helps keep the floor looking perfect.
- Wear a knee pad to stay comfortable while you work. It protects your knees and makes the job easier.
- Work slowly and carefully to avoid mistakes. Going too fast can cause errors and make the floor look less professional.
Installation Costs for Vinyl Plank Flooring
Putting in vinyl plank flooring has different costs based on the method:
- Peel-and-stick: Usually costs $1.50 to $8 per square foot.
- Glue-down: Costs range from $2.50 to $12.50 per square foot.
- Floating/Interlocking: Typically $3 to $13 per square foot.
Labor costs are $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on how complex the installation is.
Other costs might include underlayment at $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot, and transition strips and trim, which range from $1 to $5 per linear foot, for a neat finish.
Do You Need Professional Help With Your Vinyl Flooring Installation Project?
Now that you know how to put in vinyl plank flooring, you’re on your way to having a nice, strong floor. But if you want experts to do the work, we can help.
Our flooring installation team can do it all — from getting the subfloor ready to placing the planks just right — so you can relax and enjoy perfect results. We’ll help you pick the best vinyl flooring for your place, whether it’s luxury vinyl plank, sheet vinyl, or tile.
Contact us today to book your free in-home consultation and check if we serve your area.
