How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring | The Tile Shop (2024)

One of the easiest and most satisfying DIY projects is installing your own vinyl plank flooring. This project can be done in as little as an afternoon and is easy enough that even first-time home renovators can tackle it with relative ease.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how to install vinyl plank flooring in your house, step by step.

Like any other material, vinyl can expand when exposed to heat and contract when it cools. Acclimation helps to stabilize the planks and bring them to the same temperature and humidity levels as the installation area. This minimizes the potential for problems like gaps or warping as the seasons change.

To acclimate them, all you need to do for this is to leave the box of planks open in the room where they will be installed for 48 hours.

Carefully remove the existing baseboards along the walls where you'll be installing the vinyl plank flooring. This step allows for a cleaner and more professional-looking installation.

First, score any paint or caulk that may be adhered to both the baseboard and the wall to ensure a clean removal. Then, use a pry bar to carefully separate the baseboards from the wall. Be sure not to damage the baseboards during this process. Once the baseboards are removed, label each one for easier reinstallation and set them aside so they are not obstructing your work area.

If you are installing adhesive vinyl planks, remove the existing flooring and identify the type of subfloor you are working with. For floating planks, you can leave tile, hardwood, and even one layer of vinyl flooring in place and install the planks directly on top of them.

Using a level, make sure the entire subfloor is flat to a minimum standard of 1/8 inch over 10 feet. (A good motto: “Level is desired, flat is required!”) For minor discrepancies, you can use a floor patching compound to level the subfloor. For larger uneven areas, consider using a self-leveling product.

Thoroughly clean the subfloor by sweeping or vacuuming up any dust, dirt, or loose particles. A clean subfloor will ensure a better bond for the adhesive.

Some vinyl planks come with an attached underlayment, while others require a separate underlayment material. If you need to add underlayment, the first step is to ensure that the subfloor is free from any debris, dust, or imperfections.

In some cases, especially for installations on concrete subfloors, a moisture barrier may be required to prevent moisture from seeping up into the flooring. This is a layer placed in addition to the underlayment specifically designed to protect the flooring from moisture-related damage. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for installing a vapor barrier if it's recommended.

Roll out or lay down the underlayment sheets or rolls across the entire subfloor. Ensure that the edges of adjacent sheets overlap according to the manufacturer's instructions.This helps create a continuous and uniform underlayment surface. Use a utility knife or scissors to trim excess underlayment material along the walls or at obstacles.

Secure the underlayment in place, following any recommended methods provided by the manufacturer. This may involve using adhesive, staples, or tape, depending on the underlayment type.

Use your measuring tape to determine the width of the room, including any alcoves or protrusions. This measurement will help you calculate the width of the first and last rows of planks, ensuring a balanced and symmetrical appearance.

Next, divide the room width by the width of a single vinyl plank. This calculation will help you determine how many planks will fit across the width of the room. If the last row is less than half a plank's width, cut the first row of planks to a narrower width.

When your measurements are complete, use a chalk line or a straightedge and a pencil to mark a reference line along the length of the starting wall. This line will serve as a guide for laying the first row of planks. Take your time to make sure this line is perfectly straight across the entire wall to avoid plank alignment problems later on.

Using a measuring tape and a pencil, mark the measured width on the first vinyl plank. Ensure that the mark is straight and accurate. Place the plank on a flat, stable surface, such as a worktable or sawhorse.

You can cut vinyl planks using a few different tools, including a utility knife, a vinyl plank cutter, or a jigsaw with a fine-toothed blade. If using a utility knife, make a straight cut along the marked line by scoring the plank's surface. Then, carefully snap the plank along the scored line. If using a vinyl plank cutter or jigsaw, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

After cutting the first plank to size, place it along the reference line on the starting wall to ensure it fits correctly. For floating planks, it is vital that you leave a gap between the planks and the wall to accommodate any expansion that may occur. This gap is usually between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch and will be indicated in the manufacturer's instructions.

The process for installing the vinyl planks themselves varies depending on which type of vinyl plank you are using.

Once your first row is complete, go back to the side of the room where you started to begin the next row using the same installation process as the first row.

Because vinyl planks can vary in grain pattern and color, it is a good practice to choose planks at random rather than simply taking the next one from the same box.

To achieve a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance, it's also a good idea to stagger the seams of the planks between rows. This means that the end joints of the planks in one row should be offset by 6 to 12 inches.

As you go, periodically check for any gaps between planks and ensure they are securely connected and use a level to confirm that the planks are level.

Once all the planks are in place, there are a few final tasks before your vinyl plank flooring installation is complete.

• First, install transition strips where the vinyl plank flooring meets other types of flooring or doorways. Use silicone adhesive to secure them in place.
• Next, carefully reinstall the baseboards using finishing nails. Ensure they cover any gaps left between the planks and the wall.
• Finally, go over the entire floor with a 100-lb. floor roller, first along one direction, then in the perpendicular direction. Using the roller is advised no matter what type of vinyl planks you have installed. This will help remove any air bubbles in the adhesive and will ensure all the planks are settled and smooth.