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
To get your room ready for vinyl plank flooring, first take off any baseboards and old flooring. This will leave you with a clean, bare surface to work on.
Use a pry bar carefully to take off the baseboards without harming the walls.
If you have carpet, cut it into small pieces with a utility knife and pull it up. For other flooring types, follow the right steps to remove them.
Clean the Subfloor and Fix Cracks or Bumpy Areas
Sweep and vacuum the subfloor well to get rid of all dirt and debris. Check for cracks or bumpy spots.
Fill any gaps or low areas with a leveling compound and sand down any high areas to make it even.
Add Underlayment for More Cushion and Quietness
It’s not always needed, but adding underlayment can give extra cushion and make the floor quieter.
If you decide to use underlayment, unroll it over the subfloor and stick it down with adhesive tape, making sure there are no gaps or overlaps.
Step 2: Pick a Pattern or Design
Vinyl flooring installation patterns give you many design choices to make your space look nice.
From classic to modern, these patterns help you create unique floors that fit your home’s style.
Check out some popular vinyl flooring patterns and see how they can improve your home.
Straight Lay Pattern
The straight lay pattern is the simplest way to install vinyl flooring. The planks are placed parallel, going the same way as the walls. This gives a clean, uniform look that works in any room, like bedrooms or living areas.
Diagonal Pattern
For a more lively look, try a diagonal pattern. The planks are set at a 45-degree angle to the walls, adding movement and depth. Diagonal patterns make small rooms seem bigger and add drama to large spaces.
Herringbone Pattern
The herringbone pattern is a classic choice for vinyl flooring. Planks are laid in a zigzag, creating a V-shape. This pattern adds texture and elegance, perfect for entryways, kitchens, and dining rooms.
Chevron Pattern
The chevron pattern is similar to herringbone but features a continuous zigzag. It adds a modern touch, making it great for contemporary spaces.
Parquet Pattern
Parquet patterns use vinyl planks in shapes like squares or diamonds. These designs can be simple or complex, adding interest and elegance to floors, ideal for formal rooms or offices.
Mixed Patterns
Mixing different patterns in one space gives a personal touch. Combine styles like a straight lay with a herringbone border or create a checkerboard with different colors.
Step 3: Choose an Installation Method
There are different ways to install vinyl plank flooring. Each way has its own benefits and things to consider, based on the vinyl type and your installation needs.
GripStrip Method
GripStrip, also called peel-and-stick, is an easy way to install vinyl plank flooring by yourself.
Each plank has a sticky back, so you just peel off the film and stick the planks to the floor.
GripStrip works best with Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), which is thicker and stronger for the sticky back.
It might not work well for thinner vinyl types like Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or Sheet Vinyl.
Click-Lock Method
Click-Lock, or interlocking, uses planks with edges that click together to make a secure fit.
This way doesn’t need glue and lets the floor “float” over the subfloor, adjusting with temperature and humidity changes.
Click-Lock works for LVP, LVT, and some Sheet Vinyl types.
Take Note:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper alignment and locking to avoid gaps or uneven seams.
- Use spacers along walls to keep the needed expansion gap, so the floor can move without issues.
Glue-Down Method
Glue-down installation uses adhesive on the subfloor, then you press the vinyl planks into place.
This gives a strong, lasting hold, good for busy areas or commercial places needing durability.
It provides a stable setup that handles lots of foot traffic and moisture exposure.
Take Note:
- Pick a top-quality adhesive meant for vinyl flooring.
- Work in small areas to keep the adhesive sticky during installation.
- Use a rolling pin or weighted roller to press the planks into the adhesive firmly.
- Give enough time for the adhesive to cure before walking on it or adding heavy items.
Step 4: Lay the First Row
Cut the Short Tongue Edge of the First Plank
Begin the first row by cutting off the short tongue edge of the first plank. This helps it fit snugly against the wall. Use a utility knife for a clean cut.
Place the First Plank 1⁄4 Inch from the Wall
Set the first plank about 1⁄4 inch from the wall. This space lets the floor expand with changes in temperature and humidity. Use spacers to keep this gap consistent.
Put Spacers Along the Walls for Expansion
Insert spacers between the planks and walls to keep the 1/4-inch gap for expansion. These spacers will ensure your flooring fits well.
Step 5: Cutting Planks to Fit
Use a Utility Knife to Score and Snap Planks
To fit planks around corners and edges, score the plank with a utility knife along the line you want to cut. Then, 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 oscillating multi-tool. These tools 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 extra inch. Cut the plank to fit around the pipe, leaving a half-inch gap. Install the plank and use silicone caulk to secure the piece.
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 the planks fit neatly.
Step 6: Laying Subsequent Rows
Angle the Tongue of the Plank into the Groove of the Previous Row
For the next rows, tilt each plank’s tongue into the groove of the row before. This locks the planks and makes a strong connection.
Use a Tapping Block and Non-Marring Hammer
To fit the planks tightly, gently tap them using a tapping block and non-marring hammer. Don’t use a regular hammer directly on the planks, as it might damage them.
Step 7: Finishing the Installation
Install Transition Strips
After laying all the planks, put transition strips at doorways and between rooms. This helps with a smooth shift and protects the floor edges. Follow the maker’s guide to install them.
Transitioning to Other Flooring
For switching to another floor type, use a T-molding or reducer strip. Fix the strip to the subfloor, not the vinyl planks, for a strong finish.
Leave a 1/4-inch gap between the planks and the strip to allow movement and prevent buckling.
Reinstall Baseboards
Put the baseboards back, attaching them to the wall, not the floor. This lets the floor expand and contract freely.
Allow the Floor to Acclimate for 48 Hours Before Use
Let the new floor sit for 48 hours before using it. This time helps the floor adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity.
Common Things to Avoid When Installing Vinyl Floors
Areas with a Lot of Moisture
Vinyl plank flooring is not good for places with a lot of moisture, like bathrooms. Water can get into the seams and make the planks bend or peel.
Using a Rubber Mallet or Hammer 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 when installing.
Don’t Line Up the Ends of the Planks in Next Rows
Don’t line up the ends of planks in rows next to each other. This can make the floor weak and uneven.
Walking on the Floor Before It Settles
Avoid walking on the floor for 48 hours after it’s installed. This time helps the floor settle and last longer.
Tips for a Successful Vinyl Flooring Installation
- Before starting, measure the room right and figure out how much flooring you need. Add 10% more for cutting and waste.
- Check each plank before putting it down and toss out any damaged ones. This keeps everything looking great.
- Use a knee pad for comfort while installing. It helps protect your knees and makes the job easier.
- Go slow and be careful to avoid mistakes. Rushing can cause errors and make it look less professional.
Installation Costs for Vinyl Plank Flooring
Putting in vinyl plank floors can have different costs based on how you do it:
- Peel-and-stick: Usually costs $1.50 to $8 per square foot.
- Glue-down: Prices range from $2.50 to $12.50 per square foot.
- Floating/Interlocking: Costs between $3 and $13 per square foot.
Labor fees are $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the job’s difficulty.
Other costs might include underlayment at $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot, plus transition strips and trim, which are $1 to $5 per linear foot for a nice finish.
Do You Need Professional Help With Your Vinyl Flooring Installation Project?
Now that you know how to install vinyl plank flooring, you’re ready to make a nice, strong floor. But if you want experts to do it, we can help.
Our flooring installation team can do everything for you — from preparing the subfloor to placing the planks perfectly — so you can relax and enjoy great results. We’ll help you pick the best vinyl flooring for your space, 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.
