A guide to installing vinyl plank flooring

DIYing your new floor can be a little scary so first on your list is research! Immersing yourself in what to do is the best way to not only lay your floor correctly but to make sure you’re buying the right thing in the first place.

So, in this article, we’ll be answering a few common queries regarding laying LVT plank flooring, otherwise known as Luxury Vinyl Tiles, and how to avoid what not to do!

There technically isn’t a right or wrong direction to lay your vinyl plank flooring, mostly it’s down to personal preference and how you want the finished space to look. You can see our full guide on LVT flooring patterns to further explore which direction feels of the most benefit to your project.

Compared to porcelain or ceramic tiles, LVT is a little restricted in terms of vinyl plank layout patterns due to the nature of their click fitting system. However, you can manipulate the length of the tile and stagger them into different patterns, such as a 50:50 brick bond or a 70:30 stagger, depending on your plank length and project requirements. You can view our favourite vinyl flooring installation patterns in a dedicated article which includes the benefits to each style of laying pattern, helping you choose the right look for your home.

LVT range in thickness, usually between 1-8mm, with the thicker tiles having a more robust wear layer and therefore being the most durable. However, going up in thickness usually adds to the overall product cost but you have to weigh this up with the longevity and use of your flooring to make sure you’re getting the most for your budget.

In terms of technique, cutting vinyl plank flooring really depends on how thick it is. For most planks, you should be able to use a utility knife to cut through the layers. However, if it is particularly thick and you’re struggling then try a Jigsaw instead. After marking out your cutting line, drill a pilot hole or cut a notch at the point you will start cutting, then, with a fine-tooth blade, insert the jigsaw in the hole or notch and carefully trace your cutting line.

There are a few things to absolutely avoid when laying vinyl plank flooring as they will cause issues with the structural integrity of your new floor and could end up ruining the actual flooring itself, costing you money, but there are also some smaller things to get right to make your job a lot easier! So, what are the common mistakes to avoid?

Not buying enough. With any tiles, you should look to purchase 10% more than your room’s m2 requirements to ensure you have enough to cover cuts and damages. It’s always best to over buy and then return unneeded boxes afterwards to ensure your new flooring all come from the same batch. Remember to also keep a few of the planks in case you need to replace any of them in the future!

Lack of planning. Remember to plan your room before even buying your new flooring, this way you ensure you get the right amount, you love the look of it, and you know how to lay it. Planning includes seeing a sample in situ, so you can gauge colour and tone within your scheme. As well as working out how you want to lay it, where the seams will be from the edges of your room and also any variation in the tile, don’t just lay them out of the box, dry lay them first to plan your layout.

Improper preparation. Firstly, take off your skirting boards and trim, your new floor needs to sit underneath them to create a clean finish. You’ll need to measure a correct perimeter expansion joint (see your chosen flooring’s individual requirement for this) and then ensure the skirting or scotia you have works with that measurement once it has been laid. Secondly, you need to ensure your substrate is level and clean of any dirt and debris. Any faults in your floor will affect the click fitting system of LVT flooring and will compromise its structure.

We've put together a helpful guide on how to lay vinyl flooring on floorboards which provides you with hints and tips to ensure proper installation.

Fitting it incorrectly. Always read the fitting instructions before you start and make sure you have the right tools. As LVT is a floating floor, never attach it to the substrate and avoid putting the flooring under cabinets or heavy appliances. Finally, when refitting your skirting or trim, never attach them to the floor itself but the wall instead, this allows for the required movement in the floor.

Lack of maintenance. Whilst you’re fitting your new floor, avoid having any liquid in the room that you might knock over. Although LVT is water resistant, it’s best to avoid getting the seams wet before they are fitted. And aftercare once laid is important, we’d recommend avoiding using chemicals or overly wetting your new flooring, you can view our full guide on how to clean LVT flooring for some helpful how tos!

Read our fitting guide overview for LVT to make sure you get the basics right first time, and we’ve also got individual fitting guides for each Pronto LVT range so you can be confident in DIYing your floor transformation.