
Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Follow the Light’s lead When it comes to classic design, flooring is typically built in the direction of the major light source. ...
- Take into Consideration the Room’s Shape ...
- Take Note of the Room’s Specifications ...
- Allow the floor to serve as a guide ...
- Taking Your Time to Think About Your Options ...
How to install vinyl plank flooring as a beginner?
Tools to install vinyl plank flooring
- LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring in the color of your choice. ...
- Matching Reducer or T-mold (as needed).
- Matching Stair nose (if installing on the staircase)
- Quarter Round – for around cabinets (match to flooring or get pre-primed)
- Flooring installation kit (includes spacers, tapping block, S-bar, and a mallet)
- Shop Vacuum
Which direction to install LVP?
Which Direction to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring? 1. Consider adjoining rooms. In most cases, you’ll be installing your vinyl plank flooring in a room that adjoins other rooms. Thinking about the transition between the spaces is one way to determine in what direction to lay the planks.
Does it matter which direction you lay laminate flooring?
There is no wrong or right way to lay your laminate floor in a certain direction. It often depends on your design preference and what you feel seems to have the most sense. At the end of the day, you can lay them in whichever direction you feel is right. These are just design guidelines and are not strict rules that need to be followed every time.
How to install vinyl plank flooring quick and simple?
[11 Steps]
- Plan of Flooring Layout. There is a wide range of examples you can follow when you are installing the vinyl flooring. ...
- Gather materials to start the job. Now all you need is to gather all your material to start the job. ...
- Remove old flooring and baseboards. ...
- Level, clean, and prep the subfloor. ...
- Choose Planks. ...
- Installing vinyl plank. ...
What is tongue and groove vinyl flooring?
What do you need to know about vinyl plank flooring?
How many layers of vinyl plank flooring are there?
What is the most important thing when choosing the direction of your vinyl plank flooring?
How to run planks in the same direction?
Why do you run planks in the same direction as the longest wall?
Why do you run planks towards the focal point?
See 2 more

Should you lay vinyl flooring horizontal or vertical?
Usually, selecting the direction of your wood or vinyl plank flooring comes down to personal preference. The way your floors are laid out can affect the entire feeling of the room, making it feel larger, smaller, busier or calmer. But at the end of the day, the layout doesn't typically impact performance or quality.
Which way does luxury vinyl plank go?
Traditionally, luxury vinyl planks are installed towards the main source of light. In areas with an entryway or a large window, features that normally add natural light, lay down floors in the same direction as the light source.
Does it matter which way you lay laminate flooring?
As a general rule, make sure to lay your floor in the same direction as the main light source in a room and in the same line as the most frequently used entrance. If there are several doors and windows, then opt for the direction that's the easiest to install.
Is it OK to change direction of wood flooring between rooms?
It is not a great idea to change the direction of hardwood flooring from room to room because it causes a safety issue and also breaks up the harmony within your home. You should install your hardwood flooring to be perpendicular to the joists.
Should all wood floors run the same direction?
Wood floors do not need to run in the same direction throughout a house. Different rooms may benefit from different styles and designs of flooring direction. However, areas like entrances and high traffic zones there can be both aesthetic and safety reasons to keep those floors running in one direction.
Which way do you lay laminate flooring to make room look bigger?
3) Parallel or diagonal flooring Believe it or not, the way flooring is installed can help make a room look bigger than it is. As a general trick of the trade, installing flooring such as boards running parallel to the longest wall in the room instantly makes a room appear more spacious.
Which way should flooring run in a hallway?
Whenever you are placing wood flooring in a hallway or any long and narrow area, it should run in the direction away from the doorway.
Can you install vinyl plank flooring in both directions?
Flooring is typically installed in the same direction of your leading source of natural light, and the same goes for luxury vinyl. If you have large windows in a living room or an entryway that allows a flood of natural light, then run your planks in the same direction.
Which side of vinyl plank goes against the wall?
tongueThe tongue is the side that you will want to place against the wall as you start your laminate-flooring installation.
How do you decide which way to lay flooring?
0:403:59Determining the direction to lay/install Hardwood, Laminate, or ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe direction of the light in your home in most cases you'll want to run the flooring parallel toMoreThe direction of the light in your home in most cases you'll want to run the flooring parallel to the incoming.
How do you start the first row of vinyl plank flooring?
2:4215:15How to install the first rows of laminate or vinyl plank - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd putting the butt joint in first and then ever so slightly lifting the plank. And tapping to getMoreAnd putting the butt joint in first and then ever so slightly lifting the plank. And tapping to get it to go into joint.
How do you install luxury vinyl plank flooring?
3:2210:53How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring as a Beginner | Home RenovationYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut using a jig saw table saw or circular saw is really the only way to go. Here. The final plank isMoreBut using a jig saw table saw or circular saw is really the only way to go. Here. The final plank is a floating floor and it needs to be held off the walls a quarter-inch in all the directions.
DOs and DON'Ts for Installing Vinyl Plank Floors in the Bathroom
Thanks, Kendal! I was about ready to lose it for a moment there. I don’t think I can take much more of the renovating process! I mean there is still time to install a luxury vinyl tile look (I HATE cleaning the grought lines in ceramic tile- ain’t nobody got time for that!), but I’m assuming I would be hard pressed to find a classic and timess luxury vinyl tile.
Which Direction To Lay Laminate Flooring?
When you plan to install laminate flooring in every room in your home, you’ll need to consider the planning a bit more carefully. That means you have to consider the way light flows into a room along with doorways, transitions, and hallways.
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.
Why is vinyl plank flooring king?
Vinyl plank floor is king and deserves to be worshipped by other floors, do you know why? Vinyl floors, unlike other forms of floor coverings, stand up to dirt and moisture as well as constant foot traffic and yet don’t waiver in bringing a sheen of class and beauty to a room. If you have a carpet to cover your floor better replace it now. Vinyl is respected mostly because of its versatility – both in how it is installed and designed. It is like a brother of VCT flooring. Vinyl plank floor covering comes in different sizes, shapes, styles, and finishes.
How to make a room look bigger with vinyl planks?
In that case, placing your vinyl floors diagonally would do the trick. However, if the room is narrow like a hallway, placing your vinyl planks parallel to the longest wall will make the space feel bigger. Assuming the room measures 10 feet by 15 feet, your vinyl plank floors should be placed parallel to the 15-foot wall – its that simple.
Can you install vinyl plank flooring in the same direction?
In as much as this can be a great idea for installing vinyl plank floors, new flooring trends shows that it may not be the best, especially for a tiny room with limited space. While vinyl plank floors look amazing in vertical and horizontal patterns, you may want to try the diagonal style (especially if the room has angled walls) – you’ll be amazed!
Do you have to adhere to vinyl planks?
If you’re installing the vinyl planks on your own, you must adhere to the installation instructions from the manufacturers, know the type of adhesives to use if needed, and also follow precautions to avoid accidents or injury. If you’re experiencing any difficulties, you should seek professional advice too or outsource the job to a pro.
Can vinyl plank flooring be installed on wood?
Another beauty of vinyl plank floors is that they can be installed right on another kind of floor even following wood trends, although with professional guidance. They are the best you can fit in your kitchen and bathroom because they are naturally water-resistant.
What is chevron flooring?
Show off your artistic style when you opt for a chevron or herringbone plank flooring pattern. This pointed way of laying flooring is a fantastic choice in large rooms or in homes where one space flows into another. Point the chevron from the front door through the back of the house to make the whole space appear larger and invite people into the space. This pattern could result in the creation of a statement hallway or passage from one space to another.
What is a simpler pattern for plank flooring?
If your plank flooring has intricate detailing , a simpler pattern is called for. If your flooring is more monochromatic in design, it can support a more visually interesting installation pattern.
Why is plank flooring so popular?
0. Plank flooring is a popular choice in homes because it is easy to care for and provides a sophisticated look. It’s easy to soften up the look of plank flooring by laying down a plush carpet in high-traffic areas of the home. Whether you’re laying plank flooring for the first time or simply changing out your flooring, ...
Why lay flooring horizontally or vertically?
Laying your flooring horizontally or vertically will help to get the most coverage out of the fewest materials. Any time you choose a more intricate pattern, you increase the amount of material needed to complete the job. If budget is an issue or the material is limited, this will be an important factor.
What is the best way to install flooring?
When you’re trying to get your flooring installed quickly, choosing a vertical or horizontal arrangement is the most time-effective solution. The different methods used to piece together a diagonal, chevron, or herringbone pattern will also extend the time frame for installation.
How to enlarge a home?
When you want to enlarge the look of your home and make the space seem less busy, run the flooring from the front door through the back of the house. If the home is open concept, it’s important that once you choose a flooring direction, you stick with it throughout all the rooms that open onto one another.
Can you run plank flooring horizontally?
There’s typically a standard installation price for running your plank flooring vertically or horizontally. If you start getting a little fancier with the design by choosing a chevron, herringbone, or diagonal arrangement, the price of installation is sure to increase.
What is the best tile pattern for LVT?
While there are several LVT patterns to choose from, offset, diagonal, and herringbone are some of the most popular pattern options. Offset, or running bond, is the most common, universal plank tile pattern where the pattern is staggered or offset by half of the plank’s width. Diagonal is another popular pattern because it adds dimension to a space since the offset pattern is placed at a 45-degree angle. Herringbone, named after its resemblance of fish scales from the herring fish, is a classic pattern that provides a level of sophistication to any room. The zigzag pattern that meets at perfectly straight edges isn’t to be confused with chevron pattern, which is a zigzag pattern that meets at an angle.
What is LVT flooring?
LVT Flooring Benefits. Both homeowners and landlords can reap the many luxury vinyl tile benefits they come with. This more affordable flooring option is able to realistically mimic the looks of real hardwood and many types of natural stone without the big price tags.
What is a zigzag pattern?
The zigzag pattern that meets at perfectly straight edges isn’t to be confused with chevron pattern, which is a zigzag pattern that meets at an angle. No matter which pattern you choose, you’ll want to begin laying your planks in the left-hand corner with a 1/4-inch space between the baseboard and vinyl tile.
What is the difference between a herringbone pattern and a diagonal pattern?
Diagonal is another popular pattern because it adds dimension to a space since the offset pattern is placed at a 45- degree angle. Herringbone, named after its resemblance of fish scales from the herring fish, is a classic pattern that provides a level of sophistication to any room.
When will vinyl flooring be available?
August 10, 2020. With the rise in popularity, it’s no surprise that luxury vinyl planks are dominating the flooring industry. That’s because these beautiful wood-look tiles and planks are available in a wide range of realistic designs, colors, and textures. Plus, unlike natural wood flooring, they’re extremely easy to lay.
Why put padding under a floor?
Adding padding underneath the floors will provide extra cushion for those with little kids or older family members as well as improving sound absorption. Also, installing radiant heating underneath is an excellent way to make the floors warmer in the wintertime.
Why do stairs need to be horizontal?
Since stairs require a horizontal installation, then it may be best to continue the same direction from one floor to the next so that everything stays uniform.
What is tongue and groove vinyl flooring?
Most vinyl plank flooring uses a tongue and groove system. This allows the pieces to be snapped together, so they’re easy to install. The plank format is typically used to mimic the appearance of wood. The grain of the design follows the line of the plank. That means that the direction in which you install it will make a big difference to ...
What do you need to know about vinyl plank flooring?
What you need to know about vinyl plank flooring. To start with, let’s take a look at the properties of vinyl plank flooring. Although both vinyl sheet and vinyl plank flooring is made from the same basic materials, the two shouldn’t be confused. With vinyl sheet, you’ll simply get your flooring on a roll. A couple of layers of material are printed ...
How many layers of vinyl plank flooring are there?
Vinyl plank flooring is altogether more robust. Here, there are four different layers, with a backing layer of rigid vinyl.
What is the most important thing when choosing the direction of your vinyl plank flooring?
All these different options and things to consider can feel overwhelming – so don’t stress out! Remember – the single most important thing when choosing the direction of your vinyl plank flooring is the effect you like. We’re all different, and there’s no right and wrong answer!
How to run planks in the same direction?
You’ll want to run the planks in the same direction along the floor next to them to create a seamless look. 3. Think about the light. Another way to decide on your flooring direction is to consider the main source of light in your room. If you have a large window or glass door, the light will stream through.
Why do you run planks in the same direction as the longest wall?
The other advantage that’s often cited is an esthetic one. By running the planks in the same direction as the longest wall, it’s claimed your room will look larger.
Why do you run planks towards the focal point?
Running the planks towards the focal point will give it even more impact. That’s because the lines between each row will lead your eye towards it.
