When we purchased our house back in 2016, we knew one of the things we wanted to do was replace the carpets. While I love the cozy feel of walking on carpet, its just practically impossible to keep clean. Fast forward 7 years later we are finally getting around to it, starting with my son’s room.
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After researching, we decided on Luxury Vinyl Planking (LVP). While real hardwood floors are beautiful, we just don’t have the time or energy to constantly baby the floors. With two big dogs and a toddler in the house, the last thing we want is to be constantly worried about ruining our floors.
That’s whenI came across Flooret luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. Not only is it incredibly durable and affordable, but it’s also a breeze to install, even for beginner DIYers. If you’re itching to upgrade your floors but the fear of making mistakes is holding you back, don’t worry I got you! This blog post is here to guide you step-by-step through the process of installing LVP floors. I’ll also share some valuable tips, tricks, and lessons I learned from my own experience, so you can avoid making the same mistakes. Let’s get started, on how to install LVP flooring on plywood subfloor!
What Is Luxury Vinyl Planking (LVP)?
Luxury Vinyl Planking (LVP) is a type of flooring that looks like real hardwood but is actually made of synthetic materials like vinyl and PVC. It’s super tough and can handle lots of foot traffic without getting scratched or stained. The best part? It won’t break the bank like real hardwood! LVP is easy to install too, with options to click and lock the planks or use adhesive. You can choose from a variety of styles and textures to get that classic hardwood look without the hassle of maintenance. It’s a popular choice for homeowners who want durable and budget-friendly flooring that still looks amazing.
Advantages of Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Durability: Vinyl plank flooring is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and wear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas in homes, including entryways, kitchens, and hallways.
- Waterproof or Water-Resistant: Many vinyl plank options are waterproof or water-resistant, making them ideal for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
- Easy Maintenance: Vinyl plank floors are easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are typically enough to keep them looking pristine.
- Affordability: Compared to other flooring options like hardwood or stone, vinyl plank flooring is often more budget-friendly, allowing homeowners to achieve the look they want without breaking the bank.
- Variety of Designs: Vinyl plank flooring comes in a wide range of designs, colors, and patterns, including styles that mimic the appearance of natural wood, stone, or tile. This versatility allows homeowners to find a flooring style that complements their interior decor.
- Comfortable Underfoot: Vinyl plank flooring is softer and warmer underfoot compared to hardwood or tile, providing a more comfortable surface to walk on.
- Easy Installation: Many vinyl plank options feature click-and-lock or adhesive backing systems, making them relatively easy to install for DIY enthusiasts, saving on installation costs.
- Sound Absorption: Vinyl plank flooring has some sound-absorbing properties, reducing noise transmission between floors and making it a quiet and peaceful flooring option.
- Long Lifespan: With proper care and maintenance, vinyl plank flooring can last for many years, providing excellent value for money.
Materials Needed
- LVP Flooring Flooret Nakan Signature
- Baseboards I went with 5- 1/2 inch baseboards
Tools Needed
- Flooring saw (you can also use a miter saw)
- Jig Saw
- Multi- tool saw (for door jamb)
- Laser measure or Tape measure (to measure the room)
- Ruber Mallet
- Flooring Installation Kit (Includes pull bar, tapping, block, spacers, mallet)
- Extra Spacers
- Brad Nailer (For Baseboards)
- 2″ Brad Nails
Before You Install The LVP
Order LVP Samples
Before you make a final decision on the color of your flooring, it’s crucial to obtain a few samples to see how the colors will actually look in your home, especially if you’re ordering online. Keep in mind that colors displayed online may differ from reality, and the lighting and color scheme of your space can also impact how the floors look. The last thing you want is to invest a substantial amount in flooring, only to discover that you don’t actually like it. To avoid this, I highly recommend ordering large samples. Flooret even offers the convenience of sample plank options, if ordering from Flooret be sure to use discount code HOMEWITHTHEDANIELS33 to get 33% off your sample order.
I decided to go with Modin LVP Signature in the color NAKAN from Flooret.
The features that sold me on Flooret.
- 100% waterproof
- 40 MIL layer
- Durable
I have a 4 year old and 2 big dogs so high-quality durable flooring is a must at our house.
Measure and Plan
Before purchasing any Flooring you need to measure so you can determine how much flooring to purchase.
To determine how much LVP flooring you will need, follow these steps:
Measure the length of the room: Use a tape measure or a laser measure.
to measure or a the longest wall from one end to the other. Round up the measurement to the next highest foot. For example, if the measurement is 14.1 feet, round it up to 15 feet.
Measure the width of the room: Measure the width of the room perpendicular to the length you measured in step 1. Again, round up the measurement to the next highest foot.
Calculate the square footage: Multiply the rounded length by the rounded width to calculate the square footage of the room. For example, if the rounded length is 15 feet and the rounded width is 13 feet, the square footage would be 195 square feet (15 feet x 13 feet = 195 square feet).
By following these steps, you can determine the amount of LVP flooring you will need for the room. It’s always a good idea to add a bit extra (usually 5-10%) to account for any mistakes or future repairs.
See the figure below for a visual example.
You can plug that number on the Flooret website calculator and it tells you exactly how many boxes you need!
Preparation for Vinyl Plank Installation
Acclimate the floors for at least 48 hours
Don’t forget to leave the flooring in the room for at least 48 hours before installation, allowing it to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels of the space.
Steps to Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring
Step 1- Prepare the Subfloor
Before installing your LVP flooring, you must prepare your subfloor. Start by removing any existing flooring, such as carpet or tile.
Remove Existing Flooring
If you have carpet head to this blog post first for the step by step guide to easily remove carpet.
Clean The Subfloors
Next, clean the subfloor thoroughly, make sure there are no staples and that is free of debris. Take the time to take care of any squeaking, it is also important to make sure it is level.
Fix Squeaky Floors
Walk around each panel to if you hear any squeaks or creaks, you can reinforce your subfloor by adding screws.
Step 2- Install Underlayment if Needed
Some LVP flooring requires an underlayment to provide a moisture barrier. For Flooret Modin LVP it is not necessary to install a moisture barrier unless you are installing on concrete slab. We did not install on a concrete slab so we did not use a moisture barrier.
If you do use a moisture barrier, begin by rolling out the underlayment in the opposite direction of the flooring planks, overlapping each row by a few inches. Cut the underlayment to fit the room and tape any seams together with the provided tape.
Step 3 Deciding on Floor Placement
I recommend you consider how the floor will run in all the room, if you plan on installing in multiple rooms. Usually it is recommended to install LVP parallel to the longest wall.
Before you install the first row open 3-4 boxes and “dry lay” planks on the floor to decide on your plank layout. Different planks have different patterns, and you want to avoid putting the same two planks right next to each other.
Step 4- Install the First Row
How to start first row of vinyl plank flooring
It is generally recommended to start installing LVP flooring at the left corner of the room. If you are not using Flooret, be sure to double check the instructions that came with your floors.
When installing flooring, use spacers to make sure there’s enough space between the flooring and the walls. This space is called the expansion gap and allows the flooring to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes without getting damaged.
In short, use spacers for the gaps and leave a ¼ inch space between the last plank and the wall during installation.
To finish a row of flooring, cut the last plank to fit the remaining space. Leave a ¼ inch gap between the end of the plank and the wall to maintain the necessary expansion space..
Step 5- Install The Remaining Rows
Continue installing the remaining rows, using a tapping block and a hammer to lock each plank into place. Make sure to stagger the seams of each row for a natural look. Use a jigsaw or a flooring saw to cut the planks.
Installing Around a Door Jamb
When installing your luxury vinyl flooring, make sure it goes under the door jambs for a secure fit and a clean look.
Use a small piece of the LVP flooring as a guide next to the door jamb.
With an oscillating multi-tool saw, cut the door jamb by placing the tool’s blade flat on the flooring guide.
This will help your flooring stay in place and give it a seamless finish.
Clean area with a shop-vac after cutting.
Step 6- Install The Final Row
The final row of planks may need to be cut to fit the space. Measure and cut each plank to fit, leaving a ¼ inch gap between the end of the plank and the wall. Use a pry bar or a pull bar to fit the final row in place.
You can see more details in the video here.
Step 7- Install Basboards
Once your LVP flooring is installed, it is time to install the trim. Install baseboards or quarter-round molding around the perimeter of the room to cover the expansion gap and provide a finished look.
Installing LVP flooring is a DIY project that can save you money while adding value and durability to your home. Follow these steps carefully and take your time to ensure a professional-looking installation. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can have beautiful new flooring in no time.
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Happy DIYing!
