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How to lay vinyl plank flooring

A beautiful room with perfectly laid planks.

Overview

Vinyl plank flooring is a stylish, durable, and cost-effective option that can transform the look of your home. Whether you're installing it in a living room, kitchen, or hallway, this guide will take you through the step-by-step process to ensure a professional finish.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Check your flooring

Before you start, ensure the batch numbers on all your vinyl plank flooring packs are consistent. This ensures the floor will have a uniform appearance once installed. Set aside any damaged or faulty planks, as they shouldn’t be used in the installation.
Two boxes of "Senso Rustic" vinyl flooring by Gerflor labeled with batch number 5402014

2Prepare the substrate and fix any surface irregularities

The substrate needs to be smooth, clean, and dry for the vinyl planks to adhere properly. Whether you're working on concrete, timber, or ceramic tiles, sweep or vacuum the surface to remove any dust or debris.

If the substrate has any cracks, bumps, or other irregularities, use a levelling compound or patching compound to create an even surface. For timber floors, you can sand or plane down any high spots using sandpaper. Ensuring a flat, even surface is essential for a successful installation.

Sweep debris from the floor using a broom

3 Apply floor primer

Once the surface is level and clean, use a roller and extension pole to apply a diluted water-based floor primer. This will improve the adhesion of the vinyl planks and prevent lifting. Let the primer dry for at least 24 hours before moving on to the next step.
Apply floor primer with a floor roller

4Plan the layout

Measure and divide the room in half, using a chalk line to create a straight guide for your planks. This will help ensure that your vinyl planks are laid straight and evenly. Start laying the planks from the centre of the room.
Measure and divide the room into with a chalk line

5Begin laying the planks

Start in the centre of the room and work outwards. Peel off the protective backing from each plank and press it firmly onto the floor. Lay the planks in a staggered pattern, offsetting the joints by half or a third of a plank length. This staggered pattern looks more natural and helps prevent the joints from lifting. Make sure the final plank in each row is at least 300mm long.
Installing vinyl plank in the room

6Make cuts for obstacles

If you need to fit planks around obstacles like door frames or pipes, measure the area carefully and mark the plank where it needs to be cut. Use a utility knife to score and snap the plank to the right shape and size. Always ensure a snug fit before pressing the plank down.
Cutting vinyl plank using a knife and safety ruler

7Cut planks for the room edges

When you reach the edges of the room, measure the distance between the last full plank and the wall. Use a utility knife to score along the line, then snap the plank to size. Position the cut edge against the wall, and check that it fits neatly before peeling off the backing and sticking it down.
Measure the distance between the last full plank and the wall

8 Apply pressure to set the planks

Once all planks are laid, go over the entire floor with a floor roller. This ensures even pressure across the floor, helping the planks adhere firmly and reducing the chances of any lifted edges.
Applying pressure to set the plank with a floor roller.

9Add finishing touches

With your vinyl plank floor now installed, you can finish off by installing skirting boards around the perimeter of the room. This will cover any gaps and give your room a neat, professional look to finish your vinyl plank flooring.

Beautiful room with neatly laid planks

10Looking for more flooring options in your home?

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.