How to Install Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Flooring transforms a room more completely than any other cosmetic upgrade, and luxury vinyl plank has become the industry standard for durability and ease of installation. Unlike traditional hardwood or stone, LVP is water-resistant, forgiving underfoot, and designed for the DIY enthusiast who wants a high-end look without the need for specialized saws or heavy machinery. Success with LVP depends entirely on the preparation of the surface beneath it. If you spend your time ensuring the subfloor is perfectly flat and debris-free, the actual laying of the planks will be quick and painless. Rushing the prep work leads to clicking sounds and joint separation, so treat your subfloor like a blank canvas that needs to be perfectly smooth before you lay down a single piece.

  1. Make the Foundation Flawless. Remove existing floor coverings and sweep the subfloor until it is pristine. Use a long level to check for high spots or dips; grind down humps and fill depressions with floor patch compound so the entire surface is flat within 3/16 inch over a 10-foot span.
  2. Plan and Acclimate Your Boards. Bring the boxes of planks into the room 48 hours before installation to allow them to acclimate to the home's temperature. Plan your layout by measuring the room width and dividing by the plank width to ensure you don't end up with a tiny sliver of board against the final wall.
  3. Lock in the First Row. Place spacers against the walls to maintain a 1/4 inch expansion gap. Lay the first plank with the tongue side facing the wall, clicking subsequent planks into the ends until you reach the opposite corner.
  4. Offset and Click Rows Together. Begin the second row with a plank cut to a different length than the first, ensuring end joints are offset by at least 6 inches from the previous row. Snap the long side of the plank into the first row at a 30-degree angle, then press it flat to lock the joint.
  5. Navigate Obstacles Like a Pro. When reaching door frames, use an oscillating multi-tool to undercut the door jambs so the LVP slides neatly underneath. Use a cardboard template to trace complex cuts around radiator pipes or floor vents before transferring the shape to the plank.
  6. Seal the Edges Cleanly. Once the field of flooring is complete, remove the wall spacers. Cover the expansion gap by installing baseboards or quarter-round molding, ensuring the nails are driven into the wall, not the flooring itself.