What principally defines the semblance and style of your room(s)? I bet you thought of the floor, a classic canvas of your room. You, therefore, need to be conscientious when choosing a flooring option and settle for one that will delineate the elegance of your room.
Thankfully, vinyl plank flooring perfectly fits the bill. Ending up with an attractive, structurally sound, uniform floor is a priority. For this reason, a pertinent subject that pops up is how to stagger vinyl plank flooring.
Stick around and learn an infallible staggering technique of laying vinyl planks.
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How to stagger vinyl plank flooring
Whether you are planning to give your floor a facelift or simply install new flooring, it would be wise to settle for an option that sits at the intersection of budget-friendliness and elegance.
Vinyl flooring utterly fits the description. This flooring type tends to be a common preference because of its remarkable durability, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and striking visuals.
What’s more, the installation of vinyl planks is no longer a job solely within the sphere of the pros. With basic household tools, you, too, can get it done. However, installing the vinyl planks in a staggering design is advisable for outstanding results.
This way, you will end up with a seemingly uniform floor void of unusual joints and seams. A staggering style will make your floor more imposing and stable, alleviating the risks of warping, buckling, and gap formation. In short, you will have your floors in tip-top condition forever.
How do you stagger vinyl plank flooring without the results screaming that a layman did the job? You will first need to equip your arsenal with the essentials for the job. Besides the actual vinyl planks, highlighted below are some of the tools you will require for a successful installation.
- Spacers (1/4″)
- Tape measure
- Utility knife or heavy-duty scissors
- Mallet
- T-square or straight edge
- Tapping block
- Safety gloves
Now that you are acquainted with the requirements let us delve into how to use the staggering technique to install vinyl planks. The thumb rule is that randomicity is the secret behind staggering; therefore, remember to stagger the joints randomly.
Lay the first row, so the last plank is about 6 inches long. Then use the residual part of the plank to start the following row. The trick here is to see to it that the first plank of a new row is at least 2-3 inches shorter or longer than the preceding planks you have used. Just ensure that the first plank is six or more inches for stability. This way, you will end up with a random staggering pattern.
How about we look into the entire process in detail?
Below is a multi-step guide on how to stagger vinyl plank flooring.
Preparation procedures
It is said that failing to plan is planning to fail. Considering this is a relatively demanding job, forethought, planning, and preparation are akin to success. Here are some procedures you should perform before getting to the actual installation.
Get rid of the old flooring
This procedure only applies if you are upgrading your existing floor or redoing it. The decision to remove the existing flooring partly depends on the type of your existing floor. You can install the vinyl planks directly above the floor if you have sheet vinyl or tile as your existing flooring.
However, some flooring types, such as carpet flooring, will require removal. Using tools like a hammer, screwdriver, pliers, and utility knife to cut the carpet into smaller strips will make the task less complicated. Use the pry bar to disintegrate the tack strips and pliers to get rid of the staples.
Prepping the planks
After purchasing and having your vinyl planks delivered, you have to appreciate the need for acclimatization. This is because vinyl flooring is sensitive to changes in temperature. Therefore, you should let the planks sit out in the room you intend to install them in for some days to allow them to inure to the climate.
Another advantageous hack is to get the planks out of their packages and mix them up. This way, you will obtain a random pattern rather than have marked color differences on your floor.
Comprehending and working out spacing
If there is a step that will take you a notch higher with this task, it is figuring spacing particulars. Successful staggering requires spot-on spacing. The real hassle comes in when working out the minimum amount of space to be left between end joints of bordering rows.
Vinyl planks’ size (width) influences the space between end joints. Generally, planks measure 2-3 inches wide; therefore, a 6-inches spacing would suffice. However, it is advisable to calculate and establish whether the 6″ spacing rule is ideal for you.
This is how you do the mathematics. Using a tape measure, determine the length of the room in which you intend to lay the planks, and then divide it by the length of a complete plank.
Use a full plank on the first row if your findings from the above calculations exceed the typical 6″ spacing. Trim 1/3 or 12″ of the full plank if your findings are less than 6″ spacing, and use the plank to start the first row.
Determining the number of vinyl planks needed
You will need to determine the number of plank rows needed to cover the room fully. You can achieve this by measuring the width of the room in which you plan to install the vinyl planks and then dividing the measurement by the width of the planks. The resulting figure is the number of full rows of planks needed.
Determining the size of the first and last row planks
Be aware that in order to achieve a perfect staggering pattern, the first and last rows have to be of similar size. You can use the calculation mentioned earlier also to work out the right size of planks in the first and last rows.
From your calculations, it may be necessary to cut the planks that will take the first row so that you have a half-width plank for your final row. Alternatively, you may realize that the final row planks will be smaller than those in the last row. In this case, you’d be wise to cut the planks going to the first row so that they are even in size to those of the last row.
You can simply use a utility knife and straight edge tool to cut the planks and snap them. Ensure you score the tongue side rather than the groove side. Remember to consider a ¼” gap on the floor’s either side for expansion purposes.
One overlooked hint is reading the installation manual that accompanies the flooring. Often, the manuals recommend using ¼” spacers between walls and planks.
Actual staggering steps
- Laying the first plank – Trim the tongue off using a utility knife, then place the board so that the tongue side faces the wall. Consider the useful calculations as explicated above.
- Install along the entire wall length – Follow the first plank that you have laid with subsequent planks until you cover the entire length of the wall. Make sure that the last plank in this first row is not less than 6 inches in length.
If it is, you’ll need to trim the first plank to allow the last board in the row to measure 6″ or longer. You can use the remnant planks to begin succeeding rows. Note, if necessary, repeat this step for every row.
- Laying second-row planks – Use the remnant plank if its end is no less than 6″ from the nearest joint in the first row to start the second row. This way, you achieve staggering early and ensure the subsequent rows follow your pattern. Continue laying the planks till you reach the end of the second row. Cut the last plank for it to fit if necessary.
- Installing third–row planks – For this row, randomly cut a full plank in a way that provides a 6″ spacing from the nearest joint. Ensure that you do not form an H-joint.
Use this newly cut board rather than the offcut from the second row to start the third row. This helps you avoid creating a matching pattern that would otherwise deter the staggering pattern.
- Installing the fourth and subsequent rows – For the fourth row, use the remnant from the second row to start this row. By now, you have probably noted the pattern.
You will then use the offcut from the third row to begin the fifth. Use a full plank cut at a random length for the sixth row. Use the remnant from the fourth row to start the seventh row. Use this pattern till you cover the whole floor with the vinyl boards, and you will end up with impressively staggered vinyl plank flooring.
How to layout vinyl plank flooring
You’d agree that besides aesthetics, your decision to settle for vinyl plank flooring was also probably influenced by its ease of installation. All you ought to do is ensure that you lay out the planks correctly and enjoy optimal service from your floor for years.
Another yet important reason for planning the flooring layout is to end with an eye-catching floor. On that account, familiarizing yourself with how to layout vinyl plank flooring is essential. The critical point is to determine where to start laying the vinyl planks and what direction they should run.
Several factors will influence your layout plan. Light sources present in the room, whether natural or electrical, pronounced features of the room, the shape of the room, and personal preference will all help you determine your layout.
Usually, it is recommendable to layout your vinyl flooring after taking into account the wall that first meets the eye when you enter the room. Begin laying the first row of planks parallel to the most visible wall or feature of the room.
Follow this up by laying the planks across the room as you proceed outwards towards the entryway. Alternatively, you can install the planks in a manner that allows them to run in a direction similar to that of the light. This way, the floor makes the room more inviting and open.
It is important to note that some rooms’ layouts may differ. For instance, if you plan to install vinyl planks in a small bathroom, the most prominent edge could be the one running parallel to the bathtub.
For a room that is off a hallway, it would be wise to make the planks uniform and lay them to run in a direction similar to the hallway. If you are laying the whole house, it is preferable to install the planks so that they run the length of the house, starting from the front door towards the back wall.
You might find the commonly used hack of dry running quite helpful. It involves sketching the work area to see how the layout would appear before getting to the actual installation. This hack will surely save you a lot of time and hassle.
Remember, once you establish the direction you want your boards to run, proceed to square your room. You will want to do handy calculations to ensure that the first plank is not very short and the last plank row is not too skinny.
How do you install vinyl planks in the first row?
You can be sure that you have made a perfect flooring choice if you have opted for vinyl plank flooring. It is suitable for different locations, including bathrooms, living rooms, recreational vehicles, and bedrooms, making it an unbeatable option.
Moreover, you can install it over concrete, tile, or hardwood flooring, provided the existing floor is level. Whenever vinyl flooring is the topic, you have probably heard how easy it is to install this type of flooring pretty often.
Planning and preparation precede the actual installation. Say you have already prepared your floor, mixed the planks, allowed them to acclimatize, and planned the layout of your floor, the part of the project left is the real deal.
You do not start installing the planks in a slapdash manner. In fact, the installation technique you use on the first row determines the success of the whole project. How, then, do you install vinyl planks in the first row?
You will want to begin with scoring off the tongue of first-row planks using a utility knife. Pick the first plank and lay it on the starting line with the scored side facing the wall. While at it, remember to leave room for the expansion gap.
Still, on the first row, please pick up the next plank and position it at a slight angle against the end of the previous plank. Then fold it downwards to click it into position. You now probably need the last plank to complete the first row. Often, you will have to cut this last full plank using a utility knife for it to fit. Score and snap the plank as necessary.
Do note the installation technique is dependent on the type of vinyl flooring. Therefore, you ought to pore over the instructions for your particular flooring. For instance, if you have grip-sure vinyl flooring, use adhesive strips to join the boards together. This type of vinyl also requires you to start installing the first row along the wall.
However, for glue-down vinyl flooring, things are a bit different. You begin by applying adhesive to the subfloor and then installing the planks. Start working from the center of the room for this type of vinyl flooring.
How do you keep vinyl planks straight?
Even as a DIYer, engaging in vinyl flooring installation will make you realize that walls are rarely straight. You will find out that rooms are hardly perfect squares. This may lead you into the trap of installing crooked flooring.
How do you keep vinyl planks straight? Fortunately, there is a hack you can apply to avoid having your floor appear disfigured. You can square the flooring with the wall. This will reveal whether you need to create an angle cut on the first row to see to it that the vinyl planks keep straight.
Here’s how you conduct the squaring process. Find the length between the walls running alongside your planks, ensuring that you calculate on both ends. If your findings vary, subtract the greater number from the lesser one, then divide the figure by two.
You can now determine the angle cut for the first row using the offset figure and the length of the planks. These handy calculations will help you establish the angle to cut the boards (accounts for crooked walls) and determine the extent to cut the boards to ensure you don’t have a narrow last row. A circular or table saw will come in handy when making these cuts.
A common mistake when laying vinyl plank flooring is proceeding with the installation, even after realizing that the first row is crooked. This sets up your entire project for failure.
The nature of the first row sets the pace for the entire floor. Therefore, building on a crooked first row will result in an uneven and improperly sealed floor. Upon laying the first row, take a moment to check whether it appears slanted and correct it if it does.
How do you stagger hardwood floors?
Considering the distinctive nature of hardwood flooring, you will want to make this investment worthwhile. One absolute way of achieving an outstanding and imposing hardwood floor is through exceptional installation.
You can bet on the pretty fail-safe staggering technique to achieve a striking, seamless, durable wood floor. You sure want to get a charge out of your floor, right? How do you stagger hardwood floors?
The secret when staggering wood flooring is to ensure that you follow no consistent pattern – avoid regular patterns. See to it that the planks overlap by 6 inches or more. Simply put, the joint between the wood planks should be at least 6 inches away from the closest joint in any neighboring row.
By doing so, you establish a brilliant staggering pattern that locks the entire floor together solidly. There is a guarantee that your floor will not give in to heavy furniture since staggering aids in distributing the weight across bordering planks.
By staggering properly, you will have greatly dealt with the buckling problem that occurs when flooring expands and contracts due to environmental changes. You ought to zero in on the first 2-3 rows. This is because these rows set the tone for the entire floor.
How to stagger peel and stick vinyl plank flooring
You’d agree that when on a shoestring but need to give your floors an uplift, vinyl plank flooring makes perfect sense. It is economical and gives off an intriguing and luxurious feel. Even better, if you’ve opted for peel-and-stick vinyl plank flooring, you can save more on installation costs.
This type of flooring already has an adhesive on the planks, so you will just lay them one at a time. Quite easy, right? You can definitely pull off installing this floor on your own.
However, you do not want to have the floor bearing erroneous patterns or one that gives amateurish vibes. For this reason, let us look at how to stagger peel and stick vinyl plank flooring.
Ensure that you do all the prep work, including leveling and cleaning the subfloor and planning the layout before engaging in installation. Since many rooms have irregular walls, snap a chalk line. You will use it as your reference.
Once that is done, roll the first plank over and peel off the backing paper after you’re ready to install it. You can employ a utility knife or razor blade to isolate the plank and paper. Press this first plank while lining it up against the chalk line. Lay your second plank firmly against the first, ensuring that you leave no gaps in between. Continue laying the planks till you complete a row. Cut planks if necessary to adjust their size. For the second row, ensure that ½ or 1/3 of the first plank’s length offsets from the end of first-row planks.
The aim when staggering these planks is to embrace randomness. Avoid lining up the joints on the floor when starting subsequent rows. Also, aim to avoid forming an H pattern. Ensure that you offset the ends of each plank for each row to conceal the seams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pattern should you use for vinyl plank flooring?
There are quite a number of flooring patterns feasible for vinyl floors, including grid, diagonal, weave, offset, herringbone, soldier, and corridor. A more common and preferred pattern is the staggering pattern for the immense stability and aesthetic appeal it confers. It would be best if you make an effort to understand each pattern and its suitability for your space.
Where should I start laying my vinyl plank flooring?
One of the key reasons for planning the layout for your flooring is to determine where to start. For vinyl plank flooring, it is recommendable to start installing perpendicular to the longest wall. This way, you will minimize the amount of cutting to partake.
Does the tongue or groove go against the wall?
Each side of a plank will either have a tongue or a groove. Although it is advisable to cut off the tongue on the first row to curb potential problems with expansion, this tongue side also goes against the wall. You also ought to take the recommended spacing gap into account.
Final remark
Would you take it if there was a way to manage potential floor risks such as warping, separation, or bowing? I bet you’d do without a dally. Being some of the most common risks that become a headache for many homeowners, the staggering technique could save you this bother.
A concise principle from this piece on how to stagger vinyl plank flooring is to avoid laying planks in a continuous pattern. You want the joints to look randomly placed rather than appearing uniformly or lined up. The means of successfully achieving this technique is well explicated in this article. Be sure to find a solution in this piece.