Vinyl Plank Flooring DIY Installation: 7 Easy Steps for a Professional Finish

Step-by-Step: How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring Like a Pro

1. Acclimate the Planks

First, bring the unopened boxes into the room and let them sit for at least 48 hours. This allows the material to adjust to the room's temperature and humidity. As a result, expansion and contraction later are minimized.

2. Prepare the Subfloor

Next, sweep or vacuum thoroughly. In addition, remove nails or debris. The smoother the surface, the better the planks will lay. For concrete, fill visible cracks and let them cure.

3. Add Moisture Protection

If you're installing over a concrete slab or in a humid area, install a vapor barrier. Most importantly, a 6-mil plastic sheet will block moisture, which protects the core of your vinyl planks long-term.

4. Plan Your Layout

Snap chalk lines to guide your first row. Furthermore, measure twice to ensure planks will align parallel to your longest wall. For open layouts, this visual alignment is critical.

5. Begin the Installation

Start laying planks left to right, clicking short ends first. Use spacers to leave a 1/4" expansion gap along all walls. Consequently, your floor won’t buckle due to seasonal shifts.

6. Stagger and Tap Planks Gently

As you progress, stagger the end joints by at least six inches. Moreover, tap each seam with a rubber mallet and tapping block to ensure a tight fit. Avoid using excessive force, especially near corners.

7. Install Trim for a Clean Finish

Finally, once all planks are down, remove spacers and install baseboards or quarter-round trim. This step hides the expansion gap and adds a polished, professional look.

Bonus Help from Oscar Surfaces

Oscar Surfaces offers more than just materials. We rent cutters and tapping tools, especially helpful for first-time installers. Furthermore, we offer free printed checklists, layout diagrams, and how-to videos. Whether you're tackling a bathroom, hallway, or living room, our experts help you every step of the way.