Vinyl plank flooring is an attractive alternative to wood flooring that can elevate the look of any room while also offering water resistance. Learning how to install vinyl plank flooring can save you some money while still providing the update you’re looking for.
Vinyl plank flooring is popular because it’s affordable, durable, and attractive. Luckily, this is a DIY project you can tackle with confidence. In this guide on vinyl plank flooring installation, we’ll walk you through the different types of vinyl plank flooring, how to install it, and how to cut it. We’re general contractors based in Elk Grove and we serve the entire Sacramento area including Roseville, Rocklin, and El Dorado Hills and we’ll give you a free quote.
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How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring
Wondering how to install vinyl plank flooring? Whether you’re an experienced handyman or a novice DIYer, vinyl plank flooring installation is one of the easier projects to manage. All you need are the right materials and tools, and you can transform your space.
Different Types of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Before we explain how to install vinyl plank flooring, let’s talk about the different types available. Vinyl plank flooring comes in three installation styles: glue down, click-lock, and GripStrip. Once you’ve chosen the installation style, you’ll need to pick the type of vinyl: LVP, WPC, or SPC.
Glue Down
Glue down vinyl plank flooring uses an adhesive to secure each plank directly to the subfloor. This creates a permanent bond that ensures durability and stability. Glue down vinyl plank flooring installation can be messy and requires more precision than the other types. Some glue down vinyl planks come with a pressure sensitive adhesive on the planks while others require a hard-set adhesive that you have to apply to the subfloor.
Although glue down vinyl plank flooring can be more difficult to install, it does offer more stability than other types since it’s glued directly to the floor. Glue down planks also offer better water-resistance, making them a great option for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Click-Lock
When learning how to install vinyl plank flooring, click-lock vinyl planks are probably the most user-friendly because they don’t require an adhesive. Instead, each plank has interlocking edges that click together to create a secure, stable floor that floats over the subfloor. Because of this, they’re fast and easy to install. Plus, if one plank is damaged, it’s easy to fix. All you need to do is remove the damaged plank and replace it with a new one.
GripStrip
Like click-lock, GripStrip vinyl plank flooring floats above the subfloor rather than being glued down. Each plank has adhesive strips that are used to connect one strip to the next, creating a secure bond. This type of flooring is durable, water-resistant, and easy to install.
LVP
LVP, or Luxury Vinyl Planks, is the most common type of vinyl plank flooring. It’s made to resemble hardwood and comes in a number of realistic shades and textures. LVP is waterproof and scratch-resistant in addition to being less expensive than hardwood.
WPC
WPC, or Wood Polymer Composite, is a type of vinyl plank flooring with a solid core added durability and stability. WPC has a core made of a wood-plastic composite. It’s sturdy but also comfortable underfoot a great option for places like the kitchen where you might spend a lot of time standing.
SPC
SPC, or Stone Polymer Composite, uses a stone-based core that makes it very rigid and durable. It’s very resistant to impacts, dents, and wear, which makes it a great option for high-traffic areas, especially for homes with kids or pets.
Choosing the Right Type of Vinyl Plank Flooring
The right type of vinyl plank flooring will depend on several key factors, such as where you’ll install it, the level of traffic, the condition of the subfloor, and your own preference. Here are some things to consider before you decide which type to pick:
- Location: High-moisture areas will need flooring that is resistant to moisture while high-traffic areas will require sturdy, impact-resistant flooring.
- Subfloor: If your subfloor is uneven, you might choose a rigid core vinyl, such as SPC or WPC, since it’s more forgiving than LVP over small imperfections.
- Ease of installation: Click-lock and GripStrip vinyl planks are very easy to apply. However, if you’re up for a bit of a challenge, glue down planks are still DIY friendly.
- Durability: If you have pets or kids in the home, opt for SPC or an LVP with a high wear layer. In areas with minimal traffic, you can use thinner vinyl planks or options with a lighter wear layer.
How to Do It
Figuring out how to install vinyl plank flooring is fairly straightforward and is often done by DIY enthusiasts. Once you have your vinyl plank flooring selected, you’ll want to follow these steps.
Tools Needed:
- Utility knife
- Measuring tape
- T-square or straight-edge
- Spacers
- Rubber mallet (for click-lock vinyl planks)
- Tapping block (for click-lock vinyl planks)
- Pull bar (for click-lock vinyl planks)
- Pencil or marker
- Level
- Trowel (for glue down vinyl planks)
Steps
- Acclimate the flooring: Vinyl planks need time to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity. This prevents the expansion or contraction of the planks after installation. Leave the planks in the room for 24 to 48 hours to acclimate them to the room.
- Prepare the subfloor: Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and free of debris. Use a level to make sure there are no high or low spots. Smooth out any rough areas, and fill gaps with a leveling compound if needed. Optionally, you may add an underlayment, which can provide sound absorption and additional comfort.
- Plan the layout: Measure the room to determine the number of planks you need. It’s best to stagger the seams between rows so the end seams don’t align. Plan to have at a ¼-inch gap around the room’s edges to allow for expansion.
- Start laying the planks: Begin in a corner along the longest wall, with the tongue side facing the wall. Place spacers between the wall and plank to maintain your expansion gap. If you’re using glue-down planks, start in the center of the room. Apply the adhesive with a trowel, starting from the center and working outward. If you have to cut any of the planks, plan to use the cut side on the wall.
- Cut planks around obstacles: For door frames or other obstacles, use a utility knife or jigsaw to make precise cuts. You may need an undercut saw to trim door jambs so the planks fit snugly underneath.
- Finish the last row: Measure the remaining space to fit the final row, subtracting the expansion gap. Use a utility knife to cut the planks to the correct width. For click-lock planks, use a pull bar to secure the planks in place since they may be hard to tap with a tapping block.
- Remove spacers: After all planks are in place, remove the spacers. Install baseboards or trim to cover the expansion gaps. Be careful not to nail the trim to the planks.
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How to Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring
Cutting vinyl plank flooring is fairly simple, but it’s a key part of the installation process as you’ll need to trim planks to fit around walls, obstacles, and room edges. Here’s how to do it effectively.
Tools Needed
- Jigsaw
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Utility knife
- T-square or straight-edge
- Measure tape
- Marker
Cutting Methods
- Scoring and snapping: For straight cuts, scoring and snapping is the simplest way to cut your vinyl planks. Start by marking the place it needs to be cut. Use a T-square or straight edge to guide your utility knife along the line. Apply firm, even pressure. After scoring, place the plank over the edge of a flat surface, with the scored line aligned at the edge. Press down on the edge to snap the plank. You should get a clean break.
- Using a jigsaw: For more complex cuts, such as around a door jamb, you can use a jigsaw. Start by marking the outline on the plank. Secure the plank and use a fine-toothed blade on the jigsaw. Carefully cut along the marked line. Go slowly to avoid chipping or cracking the plank.
- Using a circular saw: For thicker planks or rigid core planks, you may need to use a circular saw. Start by measuring and marking your cut line. Place the plank on a stable cutting surface and align the circular saw blade with your mark. Cut along the line slowly to avoid rough edges.
How to Prep and Treat It
Once you’ve installed your vinyl plank flooring, it’s time to prep and treat it. This step is crucial to ensure the flooring lasts for years. Most vinyl plank flooring will come with a factory seal that isn’t very effective. You can remove the factory seal and replace it with a stronger sealant.
First, you’ll want to use a stripper to remove the factory seal if the flooring is new. If it isn’t new, you can still do this to remove the buildup. Once the floor is stripped, you can apply a better sealant. A high-traffic floor polish will protect the floor from heel marks, scuffs, scrapes, and other wear and tear. After you’ve applied the sealant, wash the floor with a neutral PH floor cleaner for a glossy shine. To properly maintain your floor, you may need to do this every 6 to 9 months.
Best Places to Buy Materials and Tools in the Sacramento Area
If you’re in the Sacramento area and looking for quality materials and tools for your vinyl plank flooring installation, you have a number of options to choose from, including:
- Home Depot: With multiple locations around Sacramento, Home Depot carries a wide range of vinyl plank flooring options, underlayment, and installation tools.
- Lowe’s: Lowe’s offers a similar selection to Home Depot, with flooring materials, underlayment, and tools.
- Floor & Decor: With several locations around Sacramento, Floor & Decor is a specialty flooring store that offers a broader selection of vinyl planks. It has options for both DIYers and professionals.
- S&G Carpet: With locations in Rocklin, Elk Grove, and Rancho Cordova, S&G Carpet offers quality flooring and a wide variety of vinyl plank options.
- Carpet One: Carpet One has a number of Sacramento stores, with a good selection of vinyl plank flooring and in-house consultations.
Conclusion
Learning how to install plank flooring is simple enough. With the right tools and a bit of hard work, you can completely change the look of your home with new vinyl plank flooring. However, if you’ve decided you’d rather hire professionals for your vinyl plank flooring installation, give LNL Construction a call. With expertise and dedication to our craft, we’ll completely transform your home. Contact us today for an estimate.
