If it is less than 6 inches, cut off enough from the first plank of the row so that the last piece is longer than 6 inches, the minimum needed for structural strength. The basic rule to remember for creating a strong stagger is that all planks should overlap by 6 inches or more. Staggering the planks will help stabilize the flooring and ensure the wood does not crack due to natural expansion from moisture. Laminate planks that are designed to float have a locking system similar to the tongues and grooves on hardwood boards. How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring On Concrete (Step-By-Step Tutorial) Home; Products . Our goal is to deliver high-quality information to help homeowners decide which type of flooring to install in their homes. Why? 2.2 2. Vinyl planks come in the same size, which can make it challenging to stagger the pieces. Required fields are marked *. Hence the question: How do I stagger vinyl plank flooring?. Divide the length of the room by the width of the planks, making sure to leave a 14-inch gap on either side of the floor to allow for expansion and contraction. As you install the vinyl planks, be sure to leave a -inch space between the walls. If your vinyl plank is 36 inches long, measure and . Staggering is used to avoid flooring patterns like the H pattern, in which the seams of the planks are aligned to form the letter H. Flooring patterns appear strange and may draw attention to themselves. Staggering the planks will help stabilize the flooring and ensure the wood does not crack due to natural expansion from moisture. A homeowner can easily install a resilient plank floor on the weekend. [4 Methods], How to Remove Glue From Vinyl Flooring? Get this wrong, and your floor will look like an amateur installed it. Chameleon Vinyl. The key to staggering your vinyl plank flooring is all in your first piece. Short stagger often leads to gaps. That is a general concept. If they look too uniform, youve got an H-joint or Step/Lightning problem which can be solved by following the information below. Self Adhesive Wallpaper. This is due to the planks not moving around, which can create unwanted gaps. Youre probably wondering how to stagger vinyl plank flooring for outstanding results if you install it. 4. When laying subsequent rows, be sure to match the pattern of the first row as closely as possible. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Lightly score the line a few times. That makes 6 inches the most common minimum spacing for 2- and 3-inch hardwood boards, but laminate planks are typically wider than this. Place First Board. C. The rule of thumb is to maintain an 8 stagger when it comes to the setup. Repeat steps #2-3 to complete row three. We offer top-notch flooring installation services that will enhance your homes aesthetic value and also its function. Magic Vinyl. You should be following this step precisely as it will help to give the floor a . The pattern occurs when the spacing on the first and second row is repeated on the third row. ]Continue, Lets be clear: removing vinyl flooring is not a pleasant experience. If the room is large and you are using a lot of planks, you may need to increase the offset to 8 inches or more to create a more balanced look. Keep the piece of the board on the right side of the board. Organize the boards from each box so that they form a random pattern before you begin installing them. 2. Use a tape measure to determine the width and length of the room where you want to install the vinyl planks. The flooring expands and contracts with temperature changes and needs room to move. Install the plank so that the tongue-and-groove side is facing the wall. Also, remember that even as you space out your planks for proper . Once youve determined how much space should be left between the end joints of neighboring plank rows, youll have addressed half of the problem of racking vinyl planks in your storage area or warehouse. After cutting the first board, put the piece you have cut just now on the right side of the board. Wear a respirator to protect your lungs from dust and other particles. Lay down the plank, ensuring that its end is at least 6 inches from the closest joint in the first row. In terms of aesthetics, staggering the end joints avoids creating lines that run perpendicular to the direction of the floor. This can result in unusual joint patterns that are both eye-catching and not in a positive way. A utility knife can also be used in a pinch. You should stagger vinyl plank flooring. But you can use it to start the next row and that's the key to staggering with a minimum of waste. 01. Adjust the plank to leave a 1/8-inch gap at the top and right side. Then, use a utility knife to trim off the tongue. Rebecca Mecomber, a former radio broadcaster, has been a professional blogger and writer since 2006. . If after a few rows you run out of cutoffs, eye the previous two rows and cut the next rows first plank so that the seams wont be too close together. Vinyl plank flooring is flexible enough that it can usually be bent enough to fit around door frames and other protrusions. Step 3: Start laying the second row. Do not compromise on this as that can lead to unwanted repairs in the future. Use the leftover piece to begin the next row, in doing that the seams will naturally be staggered. In this section we will answer a few of the common questions about staggering vinyl flooring. Why Do I Have to Stagger My Wood Floor? ), Can You Mix Stain With Polyurethane? Use the cutoff to begin the next row. You don't necessarily have to plan ahead for a suitable laminate floor pattern, but you do have to have an eye toward subsequent rows as you cut the first plank in any given row. How to Cut out a Section of Carpet & Put in Laminate, How to Install Self-Adhesive Floor Tiles on Top of Old Tiles, How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring in a Long Narrow Room, Beautiful houseplants that also repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pests. Begin by laying the first entire plank on the floor in the right-hand corner of the room, with the visible adhesive tongue pointing outward. This does happen depending on the temperature in the room or how humid it is. The rows of laminate (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Install Lifeproof Vinyl Plank Flooring? Save the shorter cuts of planking between the sheets of packing paper in the vinyl planking boxes. The floors snap together with the tongue and grooves. The vinyl planks have jagged edges because the blade is dull. This type of stagger will lock the flooring tightly together. Finally, you should use a roller to press the planks down so that they bond to the adhesive. Wear a, One Southern Indiana Chamber of Commercer, A Comprehensive Guide to Hardwood Flooring Installation, Checklist for House Renovation | Prepare Before You Begin, The Best Flooring for a Bathroom | What Makes Good Bathroom Flooring. 1. Placing the vinyl planks in the room beforehand will make the flooring more durable. Well, you had just laid the first row of flooring in your basement remodel. Once all of the planks are in place, use a roller or another object to roll over the floor and ensure that the planks are securely attached. 8. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. To alleviate the odor, open windows for ventilation. Cut your starter, so it is at least 2" longer or shorter than your previous two starting pieces. Then start dividing the planks width by the rooms distance, allowing a 14-inch gap on each floor side for expansion. Create a pattern before installing the LifeProof vinyl flooring to give you an idea of how you want the floor to appear. Don't pull fast; you might tear the backing, and a fresh edge is difficult to raise from the center . Once the carpet and fasteners have been removed, be sure that none of the nails or screws that were used to secure the flooring are protruding. Vinyl flooring is strong and stable on its own, but staggering can add to the floors structural strength. Make use of the offcut from the fourth row to complete the seventh row. Take your planks out of their packages in the room youll be doing the flooring. Be sure to leave a space along the wall for expansion. Iridescence Laser Vinyl. Make sure to purchase enough planks to allow for staggering, as well as any cutting that may be necessary to fit around obstacles. It is also a good idea to have a partner to help with the installation, as the planks can be heavy and awkward to handle on your own. Start off by determining the length of the room using a tape measure. Follow this step precisely it will ensure a smooth surface. | Laminate Floor 101, Kitchen Flooring Options Budget Friendly, Durable and Stylish, Living Room Vinyl Flooring Best Options, Brands and Prices. When installing laminate flooring, allow a 1/4-inch expansion gap around the perimeter to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the flooring. A dull blade causes jagged edges on the vinyl planks. The rule of thumb that professional flooring installers follow is to stagger the end joint of adjacent rows by a distance equal to 2 or 3 times the width of the plank. Natural wood varies in tone so I dont bother ensuring box run dyes are similar if I truly want a natural look, just make sure to mix it up a bit like dont do three dark then three light sort of idea. ), Best Deck Paint For Old Wood (Top Picks! Further below, well give you some expert tips to help you make the most of this project. With a straight edge and a utility knife, cut the first row of planks to 5 inches wide, cutting off the tongue side of the plank. Measure the room and calculate the amount of vinyl planks needed. Take caution not to build an H-joint in your design. Staggering planks of different shades are made more accessible by mixing up the boards for a more natural look. Both are equally important. Steps for Staggering Vinyl Plank Flooring. If your vinyl plank is 36 inches long, measure and mark this plank to 12 inches. This permits the wood to expand and contract in response to changes in humidity. The placement of vinyl plank flooring has to be excellent. As I read this I wouldve measured the full width and end up with telegraphed planks from the tight space. This allows you to leave a space between the floating. Cut a small piece of wood from the first plank to allow the last piece in the row to be longer than 6 inches if the last plank in the row is less than 6 inches. Mark with a pencil, then remove the plank. When it comes to installing vinyl flooring, the most typical rookie blunders are the ones that look like this and this. You're still using 1 plank per row. Step 2: Cut the final plank in the first row. Allow a minimum of 48 hours before installing the planks inside your room. Remember to do the handy calculation described above. You are going to enjoy how it opens up space and makes it seem more welcoming. Instead of focusing on a straight line of wood seams, this maintains your sight on the floor as a whole. Using this calculation, you will also determine the correct size of the planks in the first and last rowsthese need to be the same size for a proper staggering pattern. more authentic look to the installation. The likelihood of an H-joint being formed increases when the gap between the two pieces is greater than 10 inches. Without this gap, your floor will buckle. Yes, you have to stagger vinyl plank flooring. L Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Plank Click Lock Flooring (23.88 sq.ft./case) French Oak Delray 7.17 in. Spread adhesive on the back of the plank and firmly press it against the riser. We'll also offer some tips for a professional vinyl plank flooring installation you'll be proud of for many years to come! Open the windows to allow sufficient ventilation. How to Deep Clean Vinyl Floors? Use the offcut from the second row to begin the fourth row and the one from the third row to begin the fifth row. 15 x 6= 90 pieces. Set First Tile. The only thing left after removing the carpet and pad are tack strips and probably some staples that were used to keep down the carpet pad in place. Repeat steps #2-3 to complete row four. You can do this with a moisture meter, ensuring that your reading is no more than three-pounds per 1,000 square feet per 24 hours. It is not only the LVT staggered pattern that is significant. Most planks are a set length, usually 48". You may observe the correct spacing pattern when installing one row of flooring next to another, but if an end-joint in the third row lines up with one in the first row, you've created an H-joint. This ensures that temperature change is gradual and your planks stay flat and straight. Snip off the top 1-inch over-edge adhesive strip from the first plank. Measure two-thirds of this plank and mark a small vertical line with your pencil. Cut two more fresh boards to start the next two rows, but from the fourth row on, start using the offcuts from previous rows. Vinyl planks produce a faint chemical odor for a few hours or days after installation, called "off-gassing." Glue the first full plank from the right side to towards the door. I want them random. However, you do not want to have the floor bearing erroneous patterns or one that gives amateurish vibes. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you have to cut the planks, utilize a straight edge and a utility knife to score them before snapping them if you require to cut planks. Adjust the plank to allow a 1/8-inch gap at the top and right side of the plank. Keep the tongue side intact because you will need it for installation. If you . Arrange the tiles loosely along the layout lines with the arrows (grain) facing in the same or opposite directions (depending on the look you want). Before laying your first row - be sure to measure the width of the room in planks. Tips To Install Vinyl Planks Around A Toilet, How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring Under My Vanity, How To Turn On An Electric Shower In A Bathroom, How To Manage A Shower Head For Bathrooms, Do You Put Vinyl Plank Flooring Under Vanity With Legs? If you dont have a roller, walking over all areas of the floor may suffice. Vinyl flooring designs support this method. We work closely with qualified flooring contractors throughout the USA to provide installation and repair services for home flooring products. Depending on how wide the planks are, you can increase the minimum to 8 or 10 inches.. Choose The Suitable Stagger Spacing. Im the son of an interior designer and picked up an eye for design as a result. Car Window Tint . Any severely uneven areas may need to be shimmed, or require further repair before installing your flooring. This will tell you how many rows of planks you will need to complete the . Take the first board out of the stack and place it on the table. For example, if your room measures 123 in., and your flooring is 5.75 in. The length of that plank determines the length of the last plank in the row, and if you choose carefully, you can use the last plank to start the next row. Leave a gap for your transition strip to fit and fasten it. 8. This will help create a consistent and cohesive look for the floor. You will find it easier to take out the planks when they are in a staggered setup. By employing a few simple home products and some basic math for a do-it-yourself price, you may have a floor that appears to be placed by a professional. Laminate flooring planks come in 3- and 4-foot lengths, and when you're installing 3-foot planks, you'll want to use a shorter spacing to avoid H-joints. Without mixing them, all of the same shades and patterns will be laid together and it will be noticeable. This results in a neat, staggering pattern that also offers added structural stability. Repeat this process until the entire room is covered. 3-section vinyl roller. Remember, you'll need space to stack the panels, which should be away from where you begin laying the . For planks wider than 5 inches, you can raise the minimum to 8-10 inches. A rule of thumb: For 5-inch wide planks, have a minimum of 6 inches between adjacent row seams. Thanks, Linda. 2 wide start/end rows?!! When reaching the far end of the room, the plank will need to be cut to fit. Doing so makes it difficult to avoid H-joints, which, in the art of installing laminate flooring for beginners, is one of the most common racking mistakes. The capacity to resist moisture and the versatility of its appearance has made it a more and more popular flooring material over the last few years. Make sure to change your utility knife blade if it becomes dull. Remember to allow 1/8-inch gap by the wall. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to install vinyl plank flooring? It is not just about the looks but also making sure it lasts longer as soon as it is in place. Step 1: To begin with the installation and stagger the vinyl planks, the first thing you need to do is to cut the top 1-inch adhesive strip from the first board. While it is possible to install vinyl flooring directly on top of tile or sheet vinyl, it is necessary to remove the carpeting before putting vinyl. Using this calculation, you will also determine the correct size of . Planks are Step 4: Start laying the third row. For example, it will remind you to use 1/4-inch spacers between boards and walls. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How To Fix Gouges In Hardwood Floors (Step-by-Step Guide), Can You Paint Hardwood Floors? Step 1: Score the First Row of Planks. What staggering method would you use. long by 93.5in wide. The trick to properly laying your wood flooring is to stagger the seams, so they appear random. Eco Solvent Printing Vinyl. Allow a gap of approximately 1/8 inch around the perimeter of the room. Benefits Of Staggering Vinyl Plank Flooring. Apply the floor stripper or paint thinner with a mop and let it soak in for 15 minutes, then scrape off the remaining debris. Multiply the exposed plank width of 6 inches by .833 to get 5 inches. A Flooring Stagger Patterns Importance in the Construction IndustryRacking the floor to create a random stagger pattern has two purposes: one is only aesthetically pleasing, and the other is structurally beneficial. Be careful not to create an H-joint. Repeat steps #2-3 to complete row four. Replace the utility knife blades on a regular basis. If you do this incorrectly, your floor will appear to have been built by a novice. Staggering is all about putting the boards in the right place at the right time. Score, break and install the plank as the first plank in the third row. Don't forget to mark the expansion gap for the sides & every row. Off-gassing is the term used to describe the chemical odor that vinyl planks emit for a few hours or days after installation.