How to Properly Install Vinyl Plank Flooring: Key Tips for a Long-Lasting Floor

Posted by Christie M. on 6th Dec 2024

Tl;Dr:

  • Ensure the subfloor is clean, flat, and level to avoid common installation issues.
  • Leave a ¼” expansion gap around the perimeter of the room to allow for natural floor movement.
  • Avoid nailing moldings or attaching objects directly to the floor to prevent damage.
  • Rotate through 3-4 cartons during installation to create a natural floor appearance.
  • Use protective measures like furniture pads and rugs to prevent scratches.
  • Use a poly-film moisture barrier over concrete but check moisture levels before installation.
  • Follow special guidelines when installing over tile or wood subfloors.

Finish reading below for detailed installation instructions to ensure your vinyl plank flooring lasts for years.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation: Key Guidelines for Success

Whether you've already purchased vinyl plank flooring or are considering adding it to your home, following the right installation guidelines will ensure your new flooring lasts for years to come. Vinyl plank flooring is a popular choice for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of installation, but proper preparation is key to avoiding issues like joint separation or buckling.

1. Subfloor Preparation: Clean, Flat, and Level

The most important part of installing your vinyl plank flooring is preparing the subfloor. A subfloor that is not properly leveled or cleaned is one of the most common causes of flooring issues.

  • High spots must be sanded or ground smooth, and low spots should be filled with appropriate leveling compounds.
  • Ensure your subfloor is level within 3/16" over a 10' radius. This will prevent the planks from separating or breaking over time.

Properly leveling the subfloor also ensures that the click joints on the planks stay intact and do not come apart due to uneven support.

2. Leave a ¼” Expansion Gap

If you’re considering vinyl plank flooring, it’s important to know that it expands and contracts with changes in temperature, humidity, and sunlight. To prevent lifting or buckling, leave an expansion gap of ¼” around the perimeter of the room and around fixed objects like cabinets and walls.

3. Avoid Nailing Moldings Directly to the Floor

To ensure proper movement of the flooring, avoid nailing moldings or attaching anything directly to the vinyl planks. This can cause the same issues as not leaving an expansion gap, leading to floor buckling or separation.

4. Rotate Through Multiple Cartons

For a more natural, blended look during installation, work from 3-4 cartons at a time. This ensures the color variation in your planks is distributed evenly across the room, creating a more aesthetically pleasing result.

5. Protect Your Vinyl Plank Flooring

Once installed, protect your vinyl plank flooring with furniture pads, rugs, and mats. Scratches can occur from pets, furniture, or debris like small rocks. Even though vinyl is durable, it's not entirely scratch-proof, so taking these preventive steps will help maintain the floor’s appearance.

Additional Installation Considerations Based on Subfloor Type

Depending on your subfloor, certain considerations should be made during installation. Whether you're considering vinyl plank flooring for installation over concrete, tile, or wood, here’s what you need to know:

Concrete Subfloors

  • Do not use the planks as a moisture barrier over concrete.
  • Concrete must be fully cured, and a 6-mil poly-film moisture barrier is required between the concrete and the vinyl plank flooring.
  • Always check the moisture content of your subfloor before installation to avoid damage.

Tile Subfloors

  • Ensure that grout lines wider than ¼" are filled with a leveling compound before installing the planks.

Wood Subfloors

  • Make sure that the wood subfloor is flat and stable. Repair any loose or squeaky boards to ensure a smooth installation process.

Key Installation Don’ts

For successful installation, avoid these common mistakes:

  • Do not install additional padding under flooring that already has an attached pad.
  • Do not install your flooring over subfloors with non-embedded electrical radiant heat.
  • Do not install outdoors or in non-temperature-controlled environments.
  • Do not install kitchen cabinets directly on top of the floor.

Conclusion: Setting Up Your Vinyl Plank Flooring for Long-Term Success

Whether you're still considering vinyl plank flooring or have already made your purchase, following these installation tips will help ensure your floor looks great and performs well for years. By preparing the subfloor, leaving proper expansion gaps, and avoiding common installation mistakes, you can prevent issues like joint separation and buckling. Once installed, protect your floor with furniture pads and rugs to keep it looking new.

Still browsing vinyl plank options? Check out the latest selection at Home Outlet, where you'll find durable, stylish vinyl plank flooring to fit any room. Visit our store or explore online for expert advice and inspiration!

About the Author

With over a decade of experience in both the home improvement industry and marketing, Christie M. specializes in developing insightful and targeted blog content that prioritizes homeowner and pro project challenges. As a multidisciplinary designer, Christie brings a unique, visually-driven perspective to her work, crafting content that resonates with homeowners and professionals alike. Leveraging advanced AI, consumer, and other research tools, along with a deep understanding of home improvement, Christie creates content that provides customers with practical solutions and benefits. Additionally, her extensive experience in the mortgage industry further enriches her understanding of the financial aspects of homeownership, adding a well-rounded perspective to her writing.

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