Vinyl plank flooring has been gaining popularity due to its versatile nature, durability and stylish finish. This guide will take you through a comprehensive understanding of vinyl plank flooring and its installation process.
Understanding Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring, also known as luxury vinyl plank (LVP), is highly appreciated for its versatility and durability. It’s an excellent choice for families with children and pets, thanks to its comfort underfoot, sleek finish, moisture resistance, and noise-dampening qualities.
You can install vinyl plank flooring in any room, including bathrooms, basements, kitchens, or bedrooms. What’s more, it can be installed over any rigid and level surface, including concrete, wood, or even a layer of other vinyl.
Varieties of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Before you embark on your vinyl plank flooring installation journey, it’s important to understand the different types of vinyl plank to make an informed decision. Broadly, vinyl planks can be categorized into three types based on their installation method: GripStrip, click-lock, and glue down.
Interlocking vinyl plank flooring: These create a floating floor, but instead of adhesive, the planks interlock with tongue-and-groove joints that snap together for a reliable fit.
GripStrip vinyl plank flooring: These have a manufacturer-applied adhesive layer that connects the planks. This method also creates a floating floor, meaning the vinyl planking covers the subfloor without adhering or fastening to it in any way.
Glue down vinyl plank flooring: These adhere to the subfloor using either hard-set or pressure-sensitive adhesives. While both types of adhesives are durable, the pressure-sensitive adhesive can make replacing individual vinyl planks easier.
All three methods are suitable for novice DIYers, require little time, and can be laid over any rigid and level subfloor.
Preparing for Vinyl Plank Installation
Before starting the actual installation, there are a few preparatory steps to follow. It’s important to measure the size of the room accurately to determine how much vinyl plank flooring to purchase.
Once you have the measurements, buy 10 to 20 percent more flooring than you think you’ll need. This will ensure you have enough planks to cover the entire room, with extras for cutting or future replacements.
Clean your subfloor thoroughly, ensuring it’s rigid, level, and free of cracks. If you have any carpeting or old vinyl flooring, remove it temporarily. If you’re installing vinyl planks in a bathroom, you may need to temporarily remove the toilet or install around it.
If the subfloor is unlevel, you can fix low spots with a self-leveling product and sand or grind down high spots.
Tip: Do not try to sand down old vinyl flooring, as it may contain asbestos. Instead, remove the pre-existing vinyl flooring entirely if it is not level.
Planning Your Vinyl Plank Installation
To make the installation process as quick and smooth as possible, plan how you will lay the planks. Using the room measurements you obtained in the earlier step, divide the room width by the plank width to determine how wide the planks bordering the walls should be.
When choosing between floating floor options, note that GripStrip vinyl plank flooring is often water-resistant, while click-lock vinyl plank flooring can be entirely waterproof.
Tools for Vinyl Flooring
DIY vinyl flooring installation requires relatively few tools. If you’re wondering how to cut vinyl flooring planks, experts recommend scoring the plank with a utility knife and snapping it.
Other tools you’ll need include measuring tape, a chalk or crayon, a straightedge and a vacuum. Some manufacturers also recommend a tapping block and rubber mallet.
Tip: We recommend using safety goggles and work gloves during installation. Knee pads are also a good idea.
Installing Click Lock Vinyl Plank Flooring
Click lock vinyl plank flooring is easy to install. Begin by trimming the short tongue edge from the first vinyl plank. Lay the first plank, appropriately spaced from the wall. Install the second plank by holding it at an angle and inserting its tongue edge into the first plank’s groove edge. Lower the second plank to snap the planks together.
Continue in this manner for the remainder of the row, trimming the last plank as needed. For the second row, use the same angle-and-snap method, attaching them side-by-side to the planks in the first row as well as to one another. Continue for the rest of the room.
Trim the border planks as needed and leave appropriate expansion space between the planks and the wall. Replace the baseboard.
Installing GripStrip Vinyl Plank Flooring
Lay the first row of vinyl plank flooring along the wall, leaving the manufacturer-recommended amount of expansion space between the plank’s edge and the wall (usually about 1/4-inch). Butt the planks end-to-end, overlap the adhesive strips and press down firmly using a hand roller to administer even pressure over each plank.
Continue to work across the room, making sure each plank is securely and tightly pressed together along the grip strip seams. For the border, trim the planks to fit and press into place, while leaving appropriate expansion room as you did with the first row. Replace the baseboard by nailing it to the wall, not the flooring.
Installing Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring
When learning how to install vinyl plank flooring with a glue down method, start in the center of the room, rather than in the corners. Find the center of the room, strike a line with your chalk and straightedge, and divide your room into four equal quadrants.
Measure the distance from the center point to the wall, parallel to the direction of the plank. If the last plank needs to be shorter than half its width, move the center point as needed so the plank should be trimmed no more than half its original width.
Apply the manufacturer-recommended adhesive to the subfloor with a trowel, starting at the center point and working outward into the desired area.
Allow the adhesive to set somewhat until it is tacky but still cloudy/hazy in color. Do not allow the adhesive to rest so long that it becomes clear.
Place the first plank with its short edge at the junction of the two chalk lines. Continue to lay the planks row by row, working along the parallel chalk line and ensuring the edges of each plank fit tightly against the neighboring plank.
Trim the border planks as needed, leaving manufacturer-recommended expansion space. Most glue down vinyl plank flooring needs to be rolled with a floor roller after installation to firmly and evenly seat the vinyl planks into the adhesive. Wipe away or use a knife to peel away any adhesive that gets into the seams between planks. Replace the baseboard.
Post Installation Tips
Once your vinyl flooring installation is complete, remember to let any adhesive used to cure (check your manufacturer’s technical data sheet to find out how long) before returning your furniture to its place on the new flooring. Use luan board, plywood, or simply cardboard to protect your new planks when moving furniture around.
Remember, your newly installed vinyl plank flooring can be easily refreshed with an entirely new look and feel whenever you want.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation
What is vinyl plank flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring or luxury vinyl is a thicker version of traditional vinyl flooring. It’s made in long planks with a modified tongue and groove connection that lock together for easy installation. Plus, VPF is sturdy against moisture and spills.
What is the fastest way to install vinyl plank flooring?
There are several ways to speed up the installation process. Choosing flooring with a large plank width and click-lock instead of glue down can make the process faster. Also, opting not to lay extra cushion underneath the flooring can help alleviate how much time you spend working.
Is vinyl plank flooring easy to install yourself?
Vinyl plank flooring is one of the easiest DIY flooring options to install. It is easy to cut, requires no bonding to the subfloor below, and snaps together at the ends and edges.
Should I install floating vinyl plank flooring or glue it down?
Floating floors are usually planks that click and lock together and get their name from the fact that the new floor rests on top of the old flooring. Glue-down floors are glued to underlayment or subfloor and are recommended if you’re looking for more durability or are covering a large space.
How long does it take to install vinyl flooring?
It can take between two hours and two days to install vinyl flooring, but some types of vinyl flooring need a few days to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of your home. This prevents expanding and contracting of the material after the flooring is installed.
Do you need an underlayment for vinyl plank flooring?
The planks can be installed without an underlayment (floating) but adding underlayment like plywood can help compensate for imperfect subfloors or even keep your floor warmer if necessary.
Wrapping Up
Installing vinyl plank flooring is a manageable task, even for those new to home improvement. By following the right steps and using the correct tools, you can achieve a professional-looking finish. Whether you’re renovating a single room or an entire house, vinyl plank flooring is a versatile, durable, and stylish choice. Just remember to take your time, prepare properly, and don’t rush the process.
If you’re not feeling up to the task, there are always professionals available to help. And if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try your hand at installation, remember that the process can be enjoyable and rewarding. So, are you ready to refresh your home’s floors with an entirely new look and feel?
