Vinyl plank is one of the most popular flooring products on the market. Affordable, durable and easier to install than hardwood, vinyl is a great product for a wide variety of applications.
Which Type Of Vinyl Plank Flooring?
The most popular variety of vinyl plank flooring on the market is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). LVP is lightweight, affordable, resistant to wear and moisture, and easy to install.
Luxury Vinyl Plank is a composite product formed of many layers. Here's a breakdown of a typical LVP plank:
Bottom: Thick backing layer of vinyl for stability
Design layer mimicking your desired flooring material (wood, stone, etc.)
Translucent clear film layer protecting the design
Thin wear layer preventing scratches and scuffs
The design layer allows LVP to closely resemble other materials like hardwood, perfect for replicating the look in areas prone to moisture.
LVP comes in two main installation methods:
Glue-down: Requires adhesive to secure the planks to the subfloor.
Click-lock: Planks interlock without glue, creating a floating floor.
For DIY projects, we recommend click-lock LVP due to its ease of use and forgiveness for mistakes. Prices for LVP flooring vary depending on factors like quality, thickness, and wear layer rating. Here's a general cost range per square foot:
LVP Quality | Price Range (per sq. ft.) |
Budget-friendly | $2.00 - $3.00 |
Mid-range | $3.00 - $5.00 |
High-end | $5.00 - $8.00+ |
Preparing For Your Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation
Before installation, proper planning is crucial. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Measure the Room
Measure the length and width of your room in feet and inches.
Round up both measurements to the nearest whole number (e.g., 9'7" x 12'3" rounded to 10' x 13').
Multiply the rounded length by width to get the square footage (e.g., 10 x 13 = 130 sq. ft.).
Add 10% for waste due to cuts and mistakes (e.g., 130 sq. ft. x 1.1 = 143 sq. ft.).
2. Order Underlayment
Underlayment provides cushioning and noise reduction. Choose the appropriate underlayment type for your subfloor. Expect to pay around $0.50 - $1.00 per square foot for underlayment in Canada.
Table 1: Recommended Underlayment Types
Subfloor Type | Recommended Underlayment |
Concrete | Moisture barrier underlayment |
Wood | Wood-based underlayment |
Vinyl or Tile | Smooth, non-cushioned underlayment |
Underlayment is always recommended for a vinyl plank installation, and the type you need will vary depending on the type of subfloor. If you have any questions about the underlayment required, consult with our professionals.
3. Vinyl Plank Transition Strips
These strips create a finished look where your vinyl plank floor meets another flooring type. Prices typically range from $10 to $30 per strip, depending on material and style.
Installing Your Vinyl Plank Flooring
Having completed the necessary preparations, one may proceed with the installation process.
1. Layout Planning
Commence the installation along the room's most prominent wall. In a living room, this might be the wall featuring a fireplace. In a bedroom, it could be the wall behind the headboard.
Conduct a test fit along this wall:
Begin with a full plank in the center of the wall.
Determine how the planks will fit from side to side.
Aim for cut planks of equal length on both sides of the room to achieve a balanced appearance.
Always maintain a ¼ inch gap around the perimeter of the room to allow for expansion.
2. Underlayment Installation
If the chosen underlayment does not feature an adhesive backing, utilize tape specifically designed for flooring underlayment to secure it in place. The underlayment should be laid perpendicular to the intended direction of the vinyl planks.
3. Commencement of Plank Installation
Begin laying planks along the chosen starting wall:
Utilize spacers to maintain the ¼ inch expansion gap along the wall.
For click-lock systems, angle the tongue of the new plank into the groove of the previous plank and apply downward pressure to secure it in place.
A tapping block and rubber mallet may be employed to ensure tight seams between planks.
4. Progression Across the Room
As the installation progresses across the room:
Connect planks end-to-end to form rows.
Attach each new row to the previous one.
Stagger end joints by a minimum of 6 inches from the previous row to achieve a natural appearance and improved stability.
5. Cutting Planks
The cutting of planks will be necessary to accommodate obstacles or at the termination of rows. Several methods may be employed:
For straight cuts, score the plank multiple times with a utility knife and snap it along the score line.
For more precise cuts, a fine-tooth handsaw may be utilized.
For complex cuts, such as those required around door jambs, a jigsaw equipped with a fine-tooth blade is recommended.
It is advisable to measure twice and cut once to minimize material waste.
6. Installation of the Final Row
The last row often necessitates cutting planks lengthwise to fit. It is important to maintain the ¼ inch expansion gap during this process.
7. Finishing Touches
Upon completion of plank installation:
Remove all spacers.
Install transition strips where the vinyl plank flooring meets other flooring types.
Reinstall baseboards and trim to conceal the expansion gaps.
If doors were removed, rehang them, making any necessary adjustments to account for the new flooring height.
Additional Tips for Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation
Use a tapping block and mallet to gently tap planks into place during installation. Place a scrap piece of vinyl plank under the tapping block to avoid damaging the installed planks.
Maintain a clean work area throughout the installation process to prevent dust or debris from getting trapped between the planks.
Work methodically and carefully, especially when cutting planks. Take your time to ensure accurate cuts and avoid wasting material.
Consider using a tape measure and straight edge to guide your cuts for better precision.
Invest in a kneepad for comfort while working on your knees during installation.
Summary
Vinyl plank flooring installation is a great way to add some personal style to your living space. Vinyl plank flooring offers a stylish and practical flooring solution for various residential applications. With careful planning, proper installation techniques, and good maintenance practices, you can enjoy the benefits of vinyl plank flooring in your home for a long time.
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