Installing Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring – Learn how to install vinyl plank flooring over concrete, wood, or existing vinyl flooring for a durable, moisture-resistant floor.
Vinyl plank floors are a great choice because they are waterproof, durable and easy to clean. It’s also a good do-it-yourself (DIY) project. You can install vinyl plank flooring over concrete, hardwood, tile, or existing vinyl flooring. As long as the surface is flat and clean, it will work. Laminate can be uneven, so laying vinyl over it is not recommended.
Installing Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is easy to install and can be used in a variety of locations, including living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and even recreational vehicles (RVs). You can also use it on covered porches as long as you don’t live in a place with extremely cold temperatures.
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Regardless of the surface you are installing vinyl plank flooring on, an underlayment is recommended. It provides extra cushioning and sound reduction, and also acts as a moisture barrier when placed over concrete. For a clean look, you’ll also need to purchase coordinating transition strips to use on doors or when changing floor types.
At least 48 hours before installation, install the new vinyl plank flooring in the room for acclimatization. During installation, you can mix boards from different boxes to mix batches/swatches of paint to create a more uniform look.
Start by removing the stand. First, cut away any paint that secures the plinth to the wall using a utility knife. Then use the apri barto to gently loosen the base.
Prepare the substrate so that it is clean, dry and level within 3/16 inch change per 10 feet. Use a self-leveler on low spots and/or sand high spots of wood or concrete. Do not sand vinyl flooring as it may contain asbestos. The self-leveling material is available in powder and premixed form and is used to create a flat, smooth surface in flooring projects. The strength of the product is similar to concrete. Self-levelling dries quickly, so you have to work quickly.
Ultimate Guide To Vinyl Plank Flooring
Note that some walls are sloped, so it’s important to create a starting line that is square to the room.
Mark the center of each wall and pin the lines between them with a chalk line. Watch our video on DIY basics: How do I use a chalk line?
Measure from the center to the starting wall with a tape measure, subtracting the 5/16 inch expansion gap, and mark this distance at each end of the wall. Draw a chalk line between these two marks to get a straight line on the wall.
Finally, calculate the width of the last row. If it will be less than 1/3 of the board, cut about 1/3 of the board from the first row to make an even starting and ending row.
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Cut and trim the tongue from the first row of vinyl planks using a utility knife. Place the first board on the starting line with the cut side facing the wall, maintaining the gap for expansion.
Hold the next board at a slight angle to the end of the previous board and fold it over to click it into place. To cut the last piece to fit, score it with a utility knife and split the board. Good to know The end piece must be at least 6 inches long. If not, cut the first board a little and pull the row. You can also use the excess cut pieces to start the rows if the pieces are at least 6 inches long.
The joints of your vinyl flooring must be spaced at least 6 inches apart. Measure and cut your first piece accordingly, using the cut end from the first row if necessary.
Insert the tab of the first part into the groove of the first plank of the previous row and rotate downwards to click together.
Installing Luxury Vinyl Floors Over Engineered Hardwood
For the next piece, tie the short end first and then the long end. You should feel it lock. Continue the installation, making sure to offset the joints by 6 inches and maintain clearance for expansion.
To get under the jamb, gently bend the boards into place and use a pull bar or tap block to lock the joint if necessary.
Floor preparation and layout is the same for peel and stick vinyl planks as it is for floating vinyl plank flooring. To install each piece, peel the adhesive backing from the board and stick it to the base.
After laying the floor, you will need to install the underlays. Determine how many floorboards you will need. Measure the length of the walls and cut the baseboard to size using a saw. Attach the panels to the wall with construction adhesive. Next, you’ll want to add a quarter circle and use a caulk to finish. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to install baseboards. This post may contain affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure (“disclaimer” link in the footer) for more information.
How To Repair Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
There are many benefits to using luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in your home. Want the look of wood but need something more durable? LVP is the perfect choice. And, it’s so easy to install. You can use a utility knife to score and snap it if you don’t have a saw and only have simple cuts to make. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install luxury vinyl plank flooring.
Do you have children or pets? Then you need something durable. Are you thinking about new floors in your office space? You’ll need something that will last. Luxury vinyl siding checks all those boxes because it gives you the look of wood without the maintenance and care of real wood.
Two and a half years ago I installed the Lifeproof brand in my home. I recently decided to extend the LVP to another room in my home. I bought the same brand and color from Home Depot. The original floor from March 2020 looks exactly the same as the new floor I installed in October 2022. This floor has held up so well. It still looks like a brand new floor. Check out my review of it here.
Lifeproof features an improved wear layer with ceramic bead technology for scratch resistance and increased durability. They treat it with “Ultra Fresh”, which is a product that prevents the growth of mold and mildew. It also comes with an attached pad.
Laminate Vs. Vinyl Flooring: Pros, Cons, Costs, And More
Another reason I’m a big fan of Lifeproof LVP is that it’s waterproof for up to 36 hours. You can put it in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or anywhere and know it will last.
You can install it over an existing floor, such as vinyl or tile, or directly over a wood subfloor or concrete. Make sure the surface is flat and free of debris.
When installing in a kitchen or bathroom, install the cabinets first, then install the LVP around them. Remove all underlays and base coverings.
Start by measuring the length of the room and divide that by the length of the boards. Allow 1/4″ clearance on both ends using 1/4″ tile spacers. If that number is less than 8 inches, you will need to cut your first board. This avoids boards less than 8 inches across the room.
Why Install Luxury Vinyl Plank In Your Bathroom
Then measure the width of the room and divide it by the width of the board. If the number is less than half the width of the board, you will need to cut the first and last rows to equal widths.
For simple cuts, only a right-side up board scoring knife is needed. Use a straight edge to get the right result. Then put the board back on and cut out the backing.
For more complex cuts, for example around vents, air conditioning or doors, you can also use a utility knife for those cuts. Or use a jigsaw or table saw. Keep extra blades handy for the utility knife as you will need to replace them often.
Start by using a 1/4″ tile spacer between the wall and the first row of boards. Start the installation in the left corner with the tongue facing the wall. When
you start the first row, lock the first two boards in place. The grooves in the planks lock and you’ll know they’re locked tight when the planks lie flat on the seam.
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As for joining the long and short seam, join the long side first. Then push the board until the short sides meet and lower and lock the short ends. Finally, use a jackhammer to lightly tap the short ends into place and a tapping block to ensure a tight fit on the long seams. You may also need a pull bar to tighten long seams in spaces where a tap block won’t fit.
Continue laying the boards until the row is complete. When starting the second row, be sure to move the stitches. Score and cut 8 inches from the first board of the second row and work your way down from there. Place the cut edge on the wall. Offset each row by 8 inches. The boards are 48 inches long so that will give you 6 rows before the seam
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