How to Install Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Install luxury vinyl plank flooring by preparing a clean, level subfloor, then clicking planks together row by row, starting from the longest wall and working across the room.

1. Level and Clean the Foundation. Remove all existing flooring and clean the subfloor thoroughly. Check for squeaks, loose boards, or uneven spots. Fix any problems now - nail down loose boards and sand or fill low spots. The subfloor must be completely level within 3/16 inch over 10 feet. Sweep and vacuum until the surface is spotless.
2. Let Material Adjust First. Bring the vinyl planks into the room and let them sit for 48 hours before installation. This allows the material to adjust to your home's temperature and humidity. Stack boxes flat and avoid extreme temperature changes during this period.
3. Roll Out Protective Underlayment. Check if your luxury vinyl planks need underlayment - many come with it attached. If needed, roll out the underlayment perpendicular to the direction you'll lay the planks. Butt seams tightly together and tape with the manufacturer's recommended tape. Don't overlap edges.
4. Map Your Starting Wall. Measure the room and calculate how many full planks fit across the width. If the last row would be less than 2 inches wide, rip the first row narrower so both end rows are roughly equal. Mark your starting wall - typically the longest, straightest wall in the room.
5. Lock in the First Row. Place spacers along the starting wall to maintain a 1/4 inch expansion gap. Lay the first plank with the tongue side facing the wall. Cut the last plank in the row to fit, leaving the expansion gap. This cut piece can start your next row if it's longer than 12 inches.
6. Stagger and Click Across. Begin each new row with a plank that creates a staggered pattern - joints should be at least 6 inches apart from the row below. Angle the plank at 20-30 degrees and lower it to engage the click mechanism. You should hear and feel it lock into place. Work row by row across the entire room.
7. Navigate Obstacles Carefully. For pipes, vents, or other obstacles, measure carefully and mark the plank. Use a jigsaw to make curved cuts or a circular saw for straight cuts. Leave the proper expansion gap around all fixed objects. Use transition strips where the flooring meets other floor types.
8. Force-Fit the Last Row. Measure and rip the final row to width, remembering to account for the expansion gap. These planks may be too narrow to click properly - use a pull bar to draw them tight against the previous row. The expansion gap will be covered by your baseboard or quarter round.
9. Hide Gaps with Trim. Install baseboards or quarter round molding to cover the expansion gaps around the room's perimeter. Nail trim to the wall studs, never to the flooring itself. Install transition strips at doorways and where the vinyl meets other flooring types.