How to Lay Vinyl Flooring

Tools and Materials

Before You Start

• Acclimatise the vinyl in the room for 24-48 hours at room temperature (minimum 18°C)
• Check the subfloor is clean, dry, flat, and free from dust, grease, and old adhesive
• Remove existing floor coverings and check for damp — treat if present
• Remove skirting boards if possible for a neater finish (or use beading to cover expansion gaps)
• Undercut door frames and architraves so the vinyl slides underneath

Step-by-Step Installation (Click-Lock LVT)

1. Step 1 — Prepare the subfloor. Fill any holes or cracks. Apply self-levelling compound if needed. Ensure the floor is completely dry and clean. Vacuum thoroughly.
2. Step 2 — Lay the underlay. Roll out the recommended underlay across the floor with joints butted together (not overlapped). Tape the seams with foil tape. The underlay provides cushioning and a moisture barrier.
3. Step 3 — Plan the layout. Measure the room width and divide by the plank width to calculate the number of rows. If the last row would be less than half a plank, trim the first row to balance the layout. Stagger the end joints by at least 300 mm between rows.
4. Step 4 — Lay the first row. Place spacers (5-10 mm) against the wall. Lay the first row with the tongue facing the wall. Click planks together end-to-end. Cut the last plank to fit with a Stanley knife and straight edge.
5. Step 5 — Continue laying rows. Start each new row with the offcut from the previous row (minimum 300 mm). Angle the long edge into the previous row and click down. Use a tapping block to close any gaps along the length.
6. Step 6 — Fit the final row. Measure and cut the final row to width, allowing for the expansion gap. Use a pull bar to close the last row against the previous one.
7. Step 7 — Cut around obstacles. Use a profile gauge for complex shapes. Mark and cut with a Stanley knife. Around pipes, drill a hole slightly larger than the pipe diameter and make a straight cut to the hole. Glue the cut piece back in place and cover with a pipe collar.
8. Step 8 — Fit thresholds and skirting. Install threshold strips at doorways. Refit skirting boards or add beading to cover the expansion gaps. In wet areas (kitchens, bathrooms), apply a bead of silicone sealant along the perimeter.

Common Mistakes

• Not levelling the subfloor — every bump and dip will telegraph through the vinyl
• Forgetting expansion gaps — click-lock vinyl must have a gap around all edges and fixed objects
• Fitting in cold conditions — below 18°C the vinyl is stiff and clicks are hard to engage
• Not staggering the joints — creates a visible line across the floor and weakens the structure
• Using a blunt knife — causes ragged edges; change blades frequently

Cost Estimate (2026)

Related Calculators

Use the Vinyl Flooring Calculator for quantities, or the LVT Flooring Calculator for adhesive coverage.