How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring

Installing vinyl plank flooring involves preparing the subfloor, laying underlayment if needed, and clicking planks together row by row, starting from the longest wall and working across the room.

1. Level and Prep the Foundation. Remove all existing flooring and clean the subfloor thoroughly. Check for squeaks, loose boards, or uneven spots. Sand down high spots and fill low areas with floor leveling compound. The subfloor must be completely flat, clean, and dry before proceeding. Any imperfections will show through the vinyl planks.
2. Let Planks Adjust First. Bring the vinyl planks into the room 24-48 hours before installation. Stack them flat and let them adjust to the room temperature. This prevents expansion and contraction issues after installation. Check each plank for damage and set aside any defective pieces.
3. Protect Against Moisture. Many vinyl planks have attached underlayment, but some require separate installation. If needed, roll out the underlayment perpendicular to the direction you'll lay the planks. Butt seams tightly together without overlapping. Tape seams with the manufacturer's recommended tape.
4. Map Out Your Rows. Measure the room width and divide by the plank width to see how many full rows you'll need. If the last row will be very narrow (less than 2 inches), rip the first row to balance the layout. Mark a chalk line parallel to your starting wall, accounting for the expansion gap.
5. Lock in the First Row. Start along the longest, straightest wall. Place spacers between the wall and planks to maintain a quarter-inch expansion gap. Lay the first plank in the corner with the groove side facing the wall. Continue the first row, connecting planks end-to-end by angling and dropping into place.
6. Build Staggered Rows Fast. Start the second row with the cutoff piece from the first row (if it's at least 6 inches long) to create a staggered pattern. Connect the long side first by holding at a 45-degree angle and dropping down. Then connect the end joints. Use a tapping block and rubber mallet for tight connections.
7. Trim Edges Cleanly. Measure carefully and cut planks with a utility knife and straightedge, scoring multiple times until you can snap cleanly. For more complex cuts around obstacles, use a jigsaw. Always cut from the back side to prevent chipping the wear layer.
8. Finish the Far Wall. Measure and rip the last row to fit, remembering to account for the expansion gap. The final row often requires a pull bar to get the planks to lock properly since you can't angle them into place. Work systematically to avoid gaps.
9. Conceal the Gaps. Install transition strips at doorways where the vinyl meets other flooring types. Replace baseboards or install quarter-round molding to cover the expansion gap around the perimeter. Never nail through the vinyl flooring itself.