Tools & Materials

1. Tools

• Crowbar
• Level
• Chalk Line
• Utility Knife (depending on plank type)
• Square Tool
• Tape Measure
• Sander

2. Materials

• Vinyl Plank
• Surface Preparation

Prepare for Installation

At least 48 hours prior to installation, place the new vinyl plank flooring in the room for acclimation. During installation, mix planks from different boxes to blend the dye lots and patterns for a more uniform appearance.

Good to Know
You may install vinyl over vinyl if the existing floor is one layer thick.
• Step 1
Remove the baseboards.
• Step 2
Prep your floor so that it is clean, dry and level within 3/16-inch change per 10 feet. Use a self-leveler on low spots and / or sand high spots of wood or concrete. Do not sand vinyl flooring – it may contain asbestos. Self-leveler is available in powder and pre-mixed form and is used to create a flat, smooth surface in flooring projects. The strength of the product is similar to concrete. Self-leveler dries quickly, so work quickly.

Plan the Floor

Keep in mind that some walls are bowed, so it’s important to create a starting line square to the room.

• Step 1
Mark the center of each wall and snap lines between them with a chalk line.
• Step 2
Measure from the center to the starting wall, subtracting the 5/16-inch expansion gap, and mark this distance at each end of the wall. Snap a chalk line between these two marks to get a straight line against the wall.
• Step 3
Finally, calculate the width of the last row. If it will be less than 1/3 of a plank, cut about 1/3 of the plank off the first row for even starting and finishing rows.

The First Row

• Step 1
Score and cut the tongue off the first row of vinyl planks using a utility knife. Set the first plank in place on the starting line with the cut side toward the wall, maintaining the expansion gap.
• Step 2
Hold the next plank at a slight angle against the previous plank's end and fold down to click it into place.
Good to Know
The end piece must be at least 6 inches long. If it’s not, cut a bit off the first plank and slide the row.
• Step 3
To cut the last piece to fit, score with a utility knife and snap the plank.
Good to Know
You can use excess cut pieces to start rows if the pieces are at least 6 inches long.

The Second Row Onward

The joints must be staggered at least 6 inches. Measure and cut your first piece accordingly, using a cut end from the first row if necessary.

• Step 1
Insert the tongue of the first piece into the groove of the previous row's first plank and rotate down to click together.
• Step 2
For the next piece, connect the short end first and then connect the long end. You should feel it lock.
• Step 3
Continue the installation, making sure to stagger the joints by 6 inches and maintain the expansion gap.
• Step 4
To get under doorjambs, slightly bend the planks into place and use a pull bar or tapping block to lock the joint if necessary.

Finishing

Replace the baseboards and add transitions and additional trim pieces, like shoe-molding, if desired. Be sure to nail the trim pieces to the wall, not the floor.