How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank floats over almost any subfloor, handles water, and goes down fast. Most rooms can be done in a single day with a utility knife and a tape measure.

What You'll Need

• Utility knife with sharp blades
• Tape measure
• Speed square
• 1/4" spacers
• Tapping block
• Rubber mallet
• Pencil

Step-by-Step

1. Acclimate the planksStack boxes flat in the install room for 48 hours so the planks adjust to temperature and humidity.
2. Clean and level the subfloorSweep thoroughly, fill low spots, and sand or scrape high ones. Vinyl telegraphs every bump.
3. Lay underlayment if neededSome planks have attached pad — if yours don't, roll out underlayment now.
4. Plan the layoutMeasure both directions and figure out the final row width. Rip the first row narrower if needed for balance.
5. Lay the first rowSet 1/4" spacers along the wall, then click planks end-to-end with the tongue toward the wall.
6. Click in following rowsAngle the long edge of each new plank into the previous row and press down to lock. Stagger end seams at least 6 inches.
7. Cut around obstaclesScore and snap planks for straight cuts. Use the utility knife for curves around door casings.
8. Tap seams tightUse a tapping block and rubber mallet to close any gaps along the long edges.
9. Pull spacers and trimRemove spacers and install quarter-round or baseboard to cover the expansion gap.

Pro tipScore the top of the plank with a sharp knife and snap it like drywall — no power tools needed for most cuts.

If you don't think you can do it, let our experts help.

Call Z3 · 337-400-0709