How to Apply Vinyl Planking

Vinyl peel-and-stick tile comes in many varieties, including vinyl planking that looks like hardwood. You can install this planking much like the tile, but in order to get an authentic wood floor look, you need to vary the installation slightly and make some adjustments to the planks. The preparation process is also key for this type of flooring to ensure that the finished result looks professional. If you have linoleum or existing vinyl flooring, you can simply lay the planks right on top. If you have another type of flooring, you need to remove it and put down and a new underlayment system before you can begin.

Mop
Broom
Shop vac
Measuring tape
Vinyl plank flooring
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Thoroughly clean the floor with hot water, cleanser of your choice and a mop. Let the floor dry, and then sweep it carefully.
- 2
  Vacuum the surface of the floor with a shop vac. This will remove any small particles of dust that the broom may have missed.
- 3
  Start laying the vinyl planks in one corner of the room. Unlike square vinyl tiles, which should be installed in the center of the room, planks should be installed like hardwood flooring. Line up the top edge of the vinyl plank. Remove the peel-and-stick backing. Press the plank down firmly. Continue down the edge of the wall until the first row is complete.
- 4
  Cut the starting plank for the next row with a utility knife. Trim the starting plank by at least 2 feet. In order to look like hardwood, the plank lengths must not match up. Install the entire row, trimming the last plank as necessary.
- 5
  Finish laying the floor. Alternate every other row with a shorter sized plank to vary the installation. Do not use hot water or cleaner on the floor until the adhesive has cured completely -- usually about one to two weeks.

How to Make a Trapdoor in the Floor

Framing a 2x4 Green Plate With Floor Joists

Floors