Vinyl plank flooring is a popular flooring material due to its durability, affordability, and water and scratch resistance, which makes it perfect for high-traffic areas, such as the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Additionally, they are easy to cut and install, allowing you to do it yourself with the proper tools and materials.
In this blog, we discuss how to install vinyl plank flooring in just a few simple steps. This will make the installation process smoother and faster.
Why Install Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl is durable and versatile, which makes it best suited for flooring. It provides a comfortable feel underfoot while adding a modern and stylish look to the space. They are resistant to moisture and stains, and can also reduce noise, which makes them perfect for households with pets and kids.
Vinyl flooring is mostly used in bathrooms and basements, and is also well-suited for kitchens and bedrooms. They are easy to install, as they can be placed over any firm, level surface such as concrete, wood, or even an existing single layer of vinyl.
Best Vinyl Plank Flooring to Use
Before installing vinyl plank flooring, choose the one that will suit your needs. There are three main types of vinyl planks, as mentioned below -
GripStrip Vinyl Plank Flooring
GripStrip has a built-in adhesive layer that bonds the planks together, forming a floating floor. This means it sits on the top of the subfloor without being glued or nailed down.
Interlocking Vinyl Plank Flooring
Also known as click-lock, interlocking vinyl plank is a type of floating floor which snaps together using tongue and groove edges.
Glue Down Vinyl Flooring
They are directly attached to the subfloor using hard-set or pressure-sensitive adhesive. Though both solutions are considered durable, pressure-sensitive types make replacing each plank more convenient.
How to Cut Vinyl Planks?
Here’s how to cut vinyl planks for flooring -
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Guillotine Cutter: This gives cleaner cuts and is best for rigid cores. It also allows you to cut the LVT directly on the floor.
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Razor and Straight Edge: This is an easy and quick cutting method. All you need to do is score the top surface, then snap the board upward to break it. However, it may need multiple passes, and is best for making cuts around the corners.
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Power Saw: Though these tools make more mess and require frequent movement, they can help cut rigid core planks easily.
Tools and Materials Required to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring
It is important to have the right tools and materials when DIY-ing the project. Here’s what you need before you start to install the plank -
Tools Materials
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Crowbar
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Level
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Utility knife (depending on the type of plank)
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Power saw (depending on the type of plank)
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Vinyl planks
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Self-leveling compound
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Baseboards
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Spacers
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Tapping tool
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Marker/Chalk
What to Do Before Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Before you start the work, keep the vinyl in the room where it will be installed, at least 2 days before the day of installation. Keeping it in the room ensures that it acclimates to the room temperature and humidity. However, if you don’t do so, it can result in gap formation between the planks or cause them to distort between the seams.
Also, consider checking the subfloor. This is because, if there is a dent, crack, or missing chunks, the planks will highlight it. So consider making the repairs beforehand to ensure a smooth installation process.
Step-By-Step Guide to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring
Now that you have the right items needed, here’s a comprehensive walkthrough on how to install vinyl plank flooring -
Preparation for Installing Vinyl Plank
After you’ve checked the subfloor and made necessary repairs, ensure it is clean, rigid, and level. If the surface is uneven, use a self-levelling compound to fill in the low areas and sand or grind down any raised spots. Also, remove any carpeting or old vinyl flooring, and remove the baseboard, too, using a utility knife or crowbar. If you’re installing the planks in the bathroom, be sure to take out the toilet.
| Some Tips |
Avoid sanding vinyl flooring that looks very old, as it may contain asbestos. If it’s uneven, remove it entirely. |
Measure the Floor and Lay the Underlayment
It is also important to measure the floor, as it helps to determine how many vinyl planks would be needed. Ensure to take precise measurements and purchase an additional 10-20% more flooring than estimated to account for cuts and future repairs (if needed). Next, lay the underlayment by rolling it in the room and letting it adjust to the room, and cut it to fit using a utility knife.
| Some Tips | Underlayment acts as a moisture barrier and offers a cushioning effect. Secure it with adhesive tape and ensure there are no wrinkles or bubbles. |
Plan the Layout
A carefully planned layout looks like a professional installation. It is advisable to always start from the centre of the room and create a line with chalk. Next, begin by laying vinyl planks along this centerline and work your way outward. To ensure it looks good and is placed properly, stagger the end joints of the planks rather than aligning them directly.
Lay the First Row
When placing the first row of vinyl plank, start in a corner, placing ¼ inch spacers along the walls for expansion. Place the first plank against the spacers evenly. Next, interlock the other plank by angling and gently lowering it into place. For the last plank, consider cutting it and adjusting according to the space available using a utility knife.
| Some Tips | For the last plank, snap it along the score line, and position the cut edge toward the wall. Also, ensure the spacers are in place. |
Lay the Second Row
Continue installing the planks and stagger the seams at least eight inches apart, or as directed in the manufacturer’s guidelines. For the second row, lay the first plank and secure it with a tapping block. Then, for the next plank, lock it into the previous row first, then slide it close to the adjacent plank.
| Some Tips | Use the tapping block to tighten and secure the connection between both planks. |
Install Bridges
For the third row, install the bridge piece on the third row and ensure that it aligns with the second row. Again, use the tapping block at the end of the second row to lock everything in. Also, the plank should be installed under the door. So, for that, it needs to be slid directly under the door frame for a professional finish.
Add Finishing Touch
After laying all the planks, assess the area for gaps or misaligned seams. Also, look closely at the edges because even a small mistake can affect the finished look. If the planks feel uneven, gently tie them using a tapping block and also add the baseboard and the carpet again.