How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring

Before you start

Read the flooring manufacturer's installation instructions before buying accessories or beginning the layout. Requirements for subfloor condition, acclimation, expansion space, moisture protection and underlayment vary by product.

Some vinyl plank flooring includes an attached pad or has specific underlayment requirements. Do not add separate underlayment unless the flooring manufacturer permits or requires it.

Project checklist

1. Prepare the subfloor. Remove debris and address high spots, low spots, damage or moisture conditions according to the manufacturer's tolerances.
2. Acclimate if required. Store and acclimate the flooring only as directed by the manufacturer.
3. Plan the layout. Measure the room, avoid awkwardly narrow edge rows, establish a straight reference and account for the required perimeter expansion gap.
4. Install and stagger the planks. Connect click-lock edges using the approved method and stagger end joints by at least the minimum distance specified for your flooring.
5. Cut around obstacles. Measure carefully around door jambs, trim, vents and irregular shapes.
6. Complete the final rows. Trim the final planks while preserving the required expansion space; use a pull bar where a tapping block will not fit.
7. Finish trim and transitions. Install baseboard, shoe molding and transition pieces without preventing required movement of a floating floor.

Useful tools

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Common planning mistakes

Avoid skipping the manufacturer's flatness and moisture requirements, assuming every product needs the same underlayment, ignoring expansion gaps, repeating end joints too closely, or leaving an impractically narrow final row.

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