Install Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Category: Flooring ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Time: 7h ·
Estimated cost: $750
Tools needed
- Sharp utility knife (extra blades)
- T-square
- Tapping block
- Pull bar
- Jigsaw for cutouts
- 1/4" spacers
Materials needed
- 5mm LVP with attached pad 9" x 60" (220 sq ft) (220 sf)
- Quarter-round shoe molding (60 lf)
- Transition strips (2 ea)
- Replacement utility blades (pack) (1 pk)
Execution steps
Prep subfloor
Subfloor flat to 3/16" over 10 ft, swept perfectly clean. Any debris will telegraph through LVP and create high spots. LVP with attached pad usually needs no separate underlayment.
Duration: 1h
Plan the layout
Measure room width, divide by plank width. If last row would be less than 2" wide, rip the first row narrower so first and last row are roughly equal. Mix from 3 boxes.
Duration: 30 min
Start straight, click and tap
Spacers 1/4" off the wall. Lay first row, click long edges, tap end joints with the block. Stagger end joints 8" minimum.
Duration: 3h
Score and snap for cuts
Mark with T-square, deep score with utility knife on the wear layer, then bend up — the plank snaps cleanly. No saw needed for straight cuts.
Duration: 1h
Jigsaw curves and toilet flange cuts
Trace pattern, jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade. Around toilet flanges, leave 1/8" gap (caulk later).
Duration: 45 min
Last row and trim
Rip last row, pull tight with pull bar. Install quarter-round shoe nailed to baseboard. Install transitions at doorways.
Duration: 45 min
Safety first
- LVP is waterproof but the subfloor isn't — fix any leaks BEFORE install, or you'll trap mold underneath.
- Fresh blades every 20 planks — dull blades make ragged cuts and slipped knives cause cut hands.
When to hire a pro
Stairs (each tread needs special nosing) or commercial-grade glue-down LVP — both are skill-intensive.
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