How to Install Vinyl Wood Planking Diagonally

Leave the vinyl planks in the room for 24 to 48 hours before installing them. This allows them to acclimate to the room's temperature.

Prepare your floor by removing the old flooring, pulling out any tacks or staples, removing baseboard trim and cleaning it thoroughly. Ensure the surface is smooth and clean before proceeding.

Create a straight starting point in the corner of the room farthest from the door. String a chalk snap line from one corner of the room across to the next and snap it to the surface to leave the straight chalk mark. Measure 4 feet our from the farthest corner and mark this measurement with chalk. At this point, create a line from wall to wall with the previous chalk line in the center. This should form two 90-degree triangles in the corner.

Nail or screw a straight board across the chalk line that is 4 feet out from the corner. Ensure the board is securely fastened to the floor-- it can't move at all or your measurements will be off later. Use nails or screws that are appropriate for the flooring you are working on, such as concrete screws for concrete.

Lay your first plank so it is flush against the center of this board. Press it into position with a hand roller.

Connect the next piece of plank by angling it down into the initial plank so the seams fit tightly together. Press it down with the hand roller.

Continue apply the planks in this manner until the center of the flooring is filled. Leave the edges for last so you can measure and trim them correctly.

Cut the remaining space along the edges by measuring the open area carefully. Leave a 1/8-inch gap between the wall and the plank so the vinyl can expand and contract as the room climate changes. Cut the vinyl plank to fit with a utility knife by slicing halfway through and then snapping it the rest of the way.

Pull up the wood board in the corner by unscrewing it or prying out the nails. Clean the area to get rid of any dust from the board and lay the vinyl in this section by measuring and cutting, leaving a 1/8-inch gap as before.

Press the entire floor into position with a floor roller to make sure all the air is out and the vinyl is securely attached to the floor.

Replace the baseboard trim.