is it easy to install vinyl plank flooring

Of all the do-it-yourself floor coverings, vinyl plank flooring (also known as luxury vinyl) is one of the simplest to install. It is easy to cut, requires no bonding to the subfloor, and snaps together edge-to-edge and end-to-end. Vinyl plank flooring is also ideal for high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and basements since the material is completely impervious to water.

Full Answer

Is vinyl plank flooring the right choice for You?

You made the right choice. Of all of the do-it-yourself floor coverings, vinyl plank installs fast because it is easy to cut, requires no bonding to the subfloor, and snaps together laterally, side-to-side. Vinyl plank flooring, too, is ideal for high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and basements.

How to install vinyl plank flooring step by step?

How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring STEP 1: Inspect the underlayment One thing that hasn’t changed about installing vinyl flooring—or any type of flooring,... STEP 2: Install new underlayment, if necessary In our case, we decided with little hesitation to rip out the... STEP 3: Install the vinyl ...

Do vinyl planks need to be bonded together?

It’s uncanny. These days, vinyl planks are most often installed as click-together flooring. That means they only attach to each other, and don’t need to be bonded to a subfloor via glue or nails (and if you’re wondering what subflooring is, it’s the foundation for your underlayment and flooring).

Can you put vinyl flooring over vinyl siding?

You may install vinyl over vinyl if the existing floor is one layer thick. Start by removing the baseboards. First, cut through any paint sealing the baseboards to the wall using a utility knife.

Can a beginner install vinyl plank flooring?

Installing vinyl plank flooring is an easy beginner-friendly project. Get all the details of how to prep the floor and install step-by-step! We needed to install new flooring in our kitchen/entryway/staircase area. It needed to be durable, waterproof, and easy to maintain.

How long does it take to install vinyl plank flooring yourself?

Vinyl Flooring may be the least time intensive material to install in your home, but accurate measuring is essential. Whether you're using tiles or a sheet of vinyl, installing flooring in a 12ft x 15ft room will take about five hours.

What are the problems with vinyl plank flooring?

Well, you need to be aware that vinyl planks can be problematic. Some of the issues you might experience include stains, scratches, discoloration, cracking, peeling and other installation-related failures.

Is vinyl plank easier to install than laminate?

When comparing vinyl plank to laminate, it's a close race as to which is easier to install. However, the installation of vinyl plank requires fewer tools and steps, so it's the superior choice in this category.

What is the easiest flooring to install?

Check out these 7 easy DIY flooring options:Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Tile Flooring. Self-adhesive vinyl tiles can be installed quickly and easily. ... Carpet Tile Flooring. ... Floating Vinyl Sheet Flooring. ... Laminate Plank Flooring. ... Engineered Wood Flooring. ... Painted Wood Flooring. ... Stained Concrete Flooring.

How much does Lowes charge to install vinyl planks?

Labor cost The average vinyl plank flooring installation will cost you from $1.4 to $2.75 per 1 sq ft (0.09 m2) in most cases. However, you will need to pay $4.7 to $5.5 per 1 sq ft (0.09 m2) for specific and more demanding spaces.

Which is better glue down or floating vinyl plank flooring?

Floating vinyl plank floors are a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and bedrooms. If you are laying floors in a large and expansive area, a glue down flooring application can provide more durability. Of course, glue-down applications are appropriate for smaller rooms as well.

Is vinyl plank flooring worth it?

Vinyl is the most popular form of resilient flooring (a category that also includes linoleum and cork) because it's low-maintenance, water-resistant, cost-effective, and long-lasting. It also has the perfect balance of firmness and “give,” meaning it springs a bit when you walk on it for a comfortable feel underfoot.

How long does vinyl planks last?

Vinyl flooring is highly durable. If installed and maintained correctly, it can last upwards of 10-20 years. That said, vinyl is a great choice for the rooms in your house that get the most foot traffic. Additionally, most vinyl flooring has a wear layer on its surface that resists scratches and stains.

Do you need underlayment for vinyl plank flooring?

And here is the truth; an underlayment is a great addition to any flooring project. But really, do you need underlayment for vinyl plank flooring? Short answer – yes, a vinyl plank floor may require an underlayment.

Which is better laminate or LVP?

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Compared to laminate, vinyl flooring is a clear winner when considering moisture exposure. Vinyl flooring is made entirely from plastic which gives it superior moisture resistance. Even extended exposure to splashes and spills won't damage its surface.

Which is better laminate or luxury vinyl?

Laminate flooring is similar to luxury vinyl planks in its look and method of installation. The critical difference is that its core is made from wood byproducts bonded with resins....Laminate Flooring.ItemPurposePrint LayerThe image or look of the flooringCore LayerThe main body of the floor, made of highly compressed wood fibers2 more rows•Jun 1, 2022

Should I install vinyl flooring myself?

Learning how to install vinyl flooring is something you can do yourself. Vinyl flooring costs a fraction of the price of hardwood, making it a great option for beginner home-improvers. This guide will give you the basics on how to install vinyl plank flooring in any room easily and efficiently.

How long does it take to install 300 square feet of laminate flooring?

The actual process of installation (excluding all preparation steps) would take most DIY homeowners three to four hours, with an extra one to two hours to wrap the flooring around cabinets and doorways.

What is the labor cost to install vinyl plank flooring?

Labor. A vinyl flooring contractor charges approximately $36 an hour to install vinyl plank flooring. This averages out to $3 to $10 per hour, not including the cost of the flooring materials. Labor prices can vary from the norm due to the cost of labor in your area.

How long does it take to install 1000 sq ft of laminate flooring?

Laying the Flooring Professional installers can finish a 1,000 square-foot space in a day or two.

How to Install Vinyl Flooring

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

Plan the Floor

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

The First Row

Getting the first row down properly will help ensure a successful vinyl flooring installation project.

The Second Row Onward

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

Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Plank Flooring

The floor preparation and layout are the same for peel-and-stick vinyl planks as they are for floating vinyl plank floors. To install each piece, peel the adhesive backing off the plank and stick it to the subfloor.

Finishing

To finish installing vinyl plank flooring, replace the baseboards and add floor transitions and additional trim pieces, like shoe molding, if desired. Be sure to nail the trim pieces to the wall, not the floor.

How far apart should screws be for underlayment?

The underlayment was fastened to the subfloor with screws 8″ apart in each direction, and all joints and fastener holes were filled with patching compound. Ring shank nails or staples work well, too. Just be sure that fastener heads are set below the underlayment surface; otherwise they will telegraph through to the finished floor.

Does vinyl flooring need to be level?

One thing that hasn’t changed about installing vinyl flooring—or any type of flooring, for the matter—is the need for a perfectly smooth and level underlayment. In this bathroom, the existing underlayment, which was covered with adhesive from floors past, also had some water damage due to a toilet-seal leak.

Can you cut vinyl plank flooring with a utility knife?

Of course, there is no sawing involved in vinyl plank flooring. To cut the planks, we only had to measure and then score the flooring the back side with a utility knife. Each break was quite clean.

Is vinyl plank waterproof?

In addition to being waterproof, the vinyl planks had the texture of real wood grain, were heavy enough to feel solid underfoot, and had a convincing look complete with knots and splits. The planks were designed to join together at half-lap joints with contact adhesive pre-applied to the mating surfaces.

Can old underlayment be reused?

Sometimes old underlayment can be reused. This was not one of those times. We tore up the old underlayment using a hefty prybar and banged home the nails left behind.

How long does it take to lay vinyl flooring?

Step 2: Prepare your floor. Place your vinyl flooring in the room where it will be laid for at least 48 hours before you start work. That will give the planks time to adjust to the temperature and humidity before installation. Make sure your sub-floor is clean and flat.

How much to add to planks?

If you plan to lay your planks in a straight line, add 10 percent to this total. That will give you the amount of flooring you need to buy, allowing for some wastage. If you’re going to lay them in a pattern, like herringbone, add an extra 15 percent.

How to get a straight line on a plank?

You may need to cut your first row of planks to get a straight line. If so, use a circular saw to do this. It’s possible to score and snap most planks, but the saw will give you a neater finish. Once your first plank is in place, place the tongue of the second plank in the groove of the first.

What to do if your subfloor isn't smooth?

If your sub-floor isn’t particularly smooth, choose a thicker vinyl plank. That will help disguise any imperfections. Thinner planks, on the other hand, can sink into hollows over time. Whatever you’re cutting – whether it’s door jambs, underlayment or vinyl planks – err on the side of caution.

How to fix a plank that is resisting fitting?

If you find that one plank is resisting fitting against another, check for debris in the groove. Run the blade of your utility knife gently along the groove to clear it out. You may also find it helps to give the board a bit of a twist as you put in place.

What do you need for a floor that is higher than the other?

This will fit into a U-shaped channel. But if one floor is higher than the other, you’ll need a baby threshold or multi-purpose reducer.

Is vinyl plank flooring easy to clean?

Vinyl plank flooring is inexpensive, easy to clean and looks great. It’s a brilliant way to give your room a whole new look without breaking the bank. But if you haven’t done it before, you might be wondering how to install vinyl plank flooring. The good news is, it’s very easy. And we’re going to show you exactly how to do it, step by step.

What is a vinyl floor?

It is the stick-on version of the viny floor installation method. The vinyl planks or tiles come with two sides. The side with a vinyl surface and a sticky underside with a protective film or layer.

What is backing vinyl flooring?

Backed vinyl flooring fabrication occurs with the typical vinyl surfaces. It then goes through a lamination process to many different backing materials.

What Is Resistant Flooring?

Resistant flooring is the capability of floor covering to withstand heavy-duty use. It is both in a residential or in a commercial environment. Resilient flooring is considered a very modern type of flooring because of the well-engineered products in its catalog.

What is the least easy flooring to install?

Last but not least are vinyl tiles. They are the least easy vinyl flooring to install because of the increased time and effort that will go into the entire installation process. Unfortunately, it is more tedious than anything.

What is the best thing about luxury vinyl?

One of the best things about this type of luxury vinyl is how realistic it will make your floor and house look . The manufacture is impeccable so that users can get the aesthetic they wish to achieve.

Is vinyl flooring good?

Some manufacturers offer it in different styles, and the comfort of the vinyl doesn’t face compromise in any way. It’s a great vinyl flooring choice.

Is LVP solid core?

This type of core in LVP makes it incredibly firm. The solid core makes this product stable and highly durable. Whether LVP or LVT (luxury vinyl plank or luxury vinyl tile), the core performance is the same across the board.

In which direction should vinyl plank flooring be installed?

Similar to this, it is often recommended that boards be put parallel to the longest wall of the room to maximize visual impact.

Preparation for Installing Vinyl Flooring

Prior to installing vinyl plank flooring, it is necessary to do extensive preparation work.

When it comes to setting down vinyl floors, what are the different options?

When it comes to setting down vinyl floors, what are the different options?

Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring

When it comes to classic design, flooring is typically built in the direction of the major light source.

Our Final Thoughts

It can be overwhelming to evaluate all of the many alternatives and factors to take into consideration – but don’t get overwhelmed!

Frequently Ask Questions

By laying the boards parallel to the longest wall, the most typical method of installing hardwood flooring is achieved.

What is the easiest flooring to install?

So what makes engineered hardwood some of the easiest flooring to install? It’s simple—you can often install it as a click-together floating floor!

What is click together vinyl planks?

Click-together vinyl planks: some of the easiest flooring to install. Vinyl planks (aka luxury vinyl tile or “LVT”) are made of 3 layers: a rigid base layer, a patterned design layer, and a protective finish.

What is LVT flooring?

LVT or luxury vinyl tile (AKA vinyl plank) is a beautiful scratch-resistant flooring product that will stand the test of time. It’s so durable, it can even be used as mudroom flooring or an outdoor flooring option !

What is laminate flooring made of?

Well, it’s a three-component floor. Similar to the vinyl planks mentioned above, it’s made of a core layer, image layer, and a wear layer. But unlike LVT, laminate boasts a plywood or fiberboard base layer, a photo-realistic image layer (not usually textured), and a hard plastic wear layer.

Where do you lay carpet tiles?

Anyway: after you’ve prepped your floors, begin laying down your carpet tiles starting from the center of the room and working outward. This is the same method used for installing most types of tile, and even other types of flooring like laminate and vinyl. Starting from the center keeps any imperfections from being smack-dab in the middle of the room.

What is peel and stick flooring?

Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are a fantastic solution if you’re looking for a quick, durable floor. To prepare a space for peel-and-stick vinyl tiles, make sure your subfloor is rigid, clean, and free of any cracks. Then, just peel off the backing, position the tiles, and press down. It’s as simple as that!

What is floating floor?

This type of no-bond surface is called a “floating floor”—because the pressure of those click-together connections keeps your flooring in place! And it also makes vinyl plank flooring incredibly easy to install.