You don't necessarily have to plan ahead for a suitable laminate floor pattern, but you do have to have an eye toward subsequent rows as you cut the first plank in any given row. Depending on how wide the planks are, you can increase the minimum to 8 or 10 inches.. Do You Have To Stagger Vinyl Plank Flooring? The key to a smooth appearance is staggered joints. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring On Concrete? It is also a good idea to order a few extra planks in case of any mistakes or damage during installation. . With a straight edge and a utility knife, cut the first row of planks to 5 inches wide, cutting off the tongue side of the plank. 15. How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring On Concrete (Step-By-Step Tutorial) Home; Products . The idea behind staggering is to avoid flooring patterns such as the "H" pattern, where the seams of the planks are arranged to form the letter H. Flooring patterns look unnatural and may draw attention. For example, it will remind you to use 1/4-inch spacers between boards and walls. My planks are 6in. If you do this incorrectly, your floor will appear to have been built by a novice. You can get a rough estimate on the square footage needed by multiplying the length of the room by the width, but obstacles must be accounted for. After laying out your flooring in the entire room, re-attach your trim and baseboard. Measure the length and height of the riser and cut a vinyl plank to fit. Take the first board out of the stack and place it on the table. When racking or staggering boards, you want to make sure that the pieces are laid down as randomly as possible to avoid the formation of step patterns and H-joints in the final product. Hence the question: How do I stagger vinyl plank flooring?. A staggering pattern is created by putting vinyl planks that have been cut at random lengths to form a staggering pattern at the end joints of adjacent rows of vinyl planks, which is a procedure known as vinyl plank installation. It is possible to achieve the look of real wood in spaces where hardwood flooring is not an option by using this cost-effective, Read More How to Install Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring [Step-by-Step Guide]Continue, For its durability, affordability, and utility, vinyl flooring is a synthetic substance that is popular in the home. To start the sixth row, cut up a new plank at a random length. Set the first plank in place on the starting line with the cut side toward the wall, maintaining the expansion gap. Staggering the planks will help stabilize the flooring and ensure the wood does not crack due to natural expansion from moisture. Manufacturers often group the same shades and patterns together. Get the vinyl plank flooring layout right and your friends wont believe you did it yourself. Lightly score the line a few times. This isn't the only way to create a random flooring stagger pattern, though, and it may need modifications when something, such as a cabinet, is in the way. Last update on 2023-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Although it's fine to make the spacing even wider than this, it seldom makes sense to maintain a minimum of more than 10 inches. You may need to cut the first plank in the new row to create the desired stagger. Also, read the installation material that comes with the flooring. 8. When the end joints are properly staggered, each end joint gets reinforcement from the planks on either side. There should be a gap of roughly 1/8 inch around the edge of the room to accommodate this. Change the utility knife blades frequently. You should slide the groove fastener & tongue together towards the end. Once you determine how much space there should be between the end-joints of adjacent plank rows, you will have solved half of the challenge of racking vinyl planks. They can be anywhere from 5 to 12 inches . Failure to acclimate the planks to the environment may cause warping or buckling of the planks after installation. Use the leftover piece to begin the next row, in doing that the seams will naturally be staggered. Place your tape measure on the right side of a new plank. The tack strips will be easy to remove with a pry bar, but the staples will require the use of pliers to pull up. The H problem: When the seams of the first row line up with the seams of the third, this forms an H-joint. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The trick to stagger vinyl plank flooring successfully is to play around with the minimum spacing and laying down the planks randomly. However, if your planks are broader, you can extend the spacing to a maximum of 10 inches, although 8 inches is the best distance between each plank. Adjust the plank to allow a 1/8-inch gap at the top and right side of the plank. Once you have determined the number of panels required, we recommend purchasing 1 package of leveling shims (24 shims/package) for every 60 panels. Would the joints occur as randomly placed? Why have you decided to look up how to stagger vinyl plank flooring? Do not compromise on this as that can lead to unwanted repairs in the future. Thanks, BathRoom is 45 wide. But you can use it to start the next row and that's the key to staggering with a minimum of waste. Then full , halves, then 3/4 and 1/4. This allows you to leave a space between the floating. The rule of thumb is to maintain an 8 stagger when it comes to the setup. Here are the supplies needed for accurate measurement: Paper; Pencil; Calculator; . Copyright 1990 - 2023 | Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers, Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 11. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Install Lifeproof Vinyl Plank Flooring? In terms of aesthetics, staggering the end joints avoids creating lines that run perpendicular to the direction of the floor. When racking or staggering planks, you want to lay down the pieces as randomly as possible to avoid the formation of step patterns and H-joints. Maintenance; DIY; Furniture; About. There is nothing worse than walking on flooring that begins to creak and/or crack as soon as a bit of weight is put on top of it. Be sure to stagger the seams so they don't line up. Set First Tile. Then slowly fold down the cut-out plank until it locks into place with the adjoining plank. This indicates that the short joint among planks should be at least 6 inches apart from the nearest joint in any adjacent row. This will help ensure that the floor is secure and that the planks do not come apart over time. Divide 1.667 by 2, which equals 0.833. Repeat this for every row as needed. For this reason, let us look at how to stagger peel and stick vinyl plank flooring. A Flooring Stagger Patterns Importance in the Construction IndustryRacking the floor to create a random stagger pattern has two purposes: one is only aesthetically pleasing, and the other is structurally beneficial. This ensures that temperature change is gradual and your planks stay flat and straight. Finally, you should use a roller to press the planks down so that they bond to the adhesive. As you work, check to make sure that the planks are straight and that the staggering looks even. For planks wider than 5 inches, you can raise the minimum to 8-10 inches. ), Best Deck Paint For Old Wood (Top Picks! Keep the tongue side intact because you will need it for installation. Score and cut the tongue off the first row of vinyl planks using a utility knife. Roll back the vinyl sheet from the edge and line the perimeter using double sided vinyl tape. Measure the room and calculate the amount of vinyl planks needed. Leaving a distance between the floating vinyl floors and the wall itself will allow you to save money on installation costs. Choose The Suitable Stagger Spacing. You will find a list of the tools and supplies you will need for this process, as well as the typical pricing for each item, in the section below. Car Wrap Vinyl. We offer top-notch flooring installation services that will enhance your homes aesthetic value and also its function. Use a speed square or T-square as a guideline for this straight cut. Rob joined the Home Flooring Pros team in 2014 and is a freelance writer, specializing in flooring, remodeling and HVAC systems (read more). Lay the planks on the packaging paper when measuring and cutting. Vinyl is susceptible to temperature change. From modern to rustic, there is a style to suit any environment. 8. Staggering simply means the process of shortening planks so that the end joints (short edge) do not align on every row. Even lay out all the pieces before snapping them in place. If necessary, use a saw or a utility knife to trim any planks that are not fitting properly. Vinyl sheet flooring is one of the most long-lasting and water-resistant flooring options for your home. The only thing left after removing the carpet and pad are tack strips and probably some staples that were used to keep down the carpet pad in place. This creates a regular pattern instead of the random, staggered pattern that you are after. It will take some time for the planks to become acclimated to the humidity and temperature of the room. Adjacent end joints tend to weaken each other, increasing the likelihood of a gap forming in one or both of them. The planks require time to adjust to the humidity and temperature of the room. I want them random. You can use the offcut from the third row to start the fifth row. 01. Using this calculation, you will also determine the correct size of the planks in the first and last rowsthese need to be the same size for a proper staggering pattern. I started hanging wallpaper and painting at 14 and learned enough on the job to be the general contractor on two homes we built for our family and did much of the finish plumbing, electrical, painting, and trim work myself., Is nobody accounting for the full half inch of space needed for the planks to breathe when measuring the width of the room? Next, compare the resultant figure from the calculation in step one above with the minimum stagger spacing for your laminate planks. Keep an Eye on how the Rows Align. Divide the length of the room by the width of the planks, making sure to leave a 14-inch gap on either side of the floor to allow for expansion and contraction. This is necessary to activate the adhesive and provide maximum . Step 1: To begin with the installation and stagger the vinyl planks, the first thing you need to do is to cut the top 1-inch adhesive strip from the first board. However, inspect the first item in every new row. Before laying your first row - be sure to measure the width of the room in planks. Begin by attaching the cut out to the adjoining plant until it locks into place. Use the offcut from the second row to begin the fourth row and the one from the third row to begin the fifth row. Not only is this but going to help with how stable the surface is, it is also going to make it easier to maintain. long by 93.5in wide. Step 1: Score the First Row of Planks. Allow your vinyl flooring to acclimatize by leaving it out in the room where you intend to install it for a few days after it has been delivered. When you get to the end of the second row, you can cut the plank to fit. Take the first board out of the stack and place it on the table. more authentic look to the installation. Lay at least one more full-width plank in this second row. The boards in staggered flooring appear to flow from one row to the next. 4. Tips To Install Vinyl Planks Around A Toilet, How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring Under My Vanity, How To Turn On An Electric Shower In A Bathroom, How To Manage A Shower Head For Bathrooms, Do You Put Vinyl Plank Flooring Under Vanity With Legs? Divide the rooms width by the width of the planks to determine the number of planks needed to cover the entire floor. 12. That makes 6 inches the most common minimum spacing for 2- and 3-inch hardwood boards, but laminate planks are typically wider than this. If the flooring comes up easily, you'll need to reduce the . 5. Take the planks out of their boxes and mix them. Drop By My House is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Contact us now so that we can start brainstorming! Vinyl plank flooring is flexible enough that it can usually be bent enough to fit around door frames and other protrusions. To that end, we may be compensated with a small commission through affiliations with our endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to install vinyl plank flooring? This randomizes the layout without creating a step pattern. . The key to staggering your vinyl plank flooring is all in your first piece. After every row, continue this procedure, keeping in mind that the first boards are two to three inches longer or shorter than the other initial boards. If you have to cut the planks, utilize a straight edge and a utility knife to score them before snapping them if you require to cut planks. It is also sometimes referred to as vinyl plank flooring, vinyl tiles, or peel and stick tiles. Vinyl sheet flooring is nearly 100 percent waterproof, making it a great floor covering for kitchens and bathroomsa claim few other floorings can boast. Continue with this pattern until you fill-up the entire room with the vinyl plank flooring. Do not compromise on this as that can lead to unwanted repairs in the future. You should be following this step precisely as it will help to give the floor a . With this in mind, you will want to ask, do you have to stagger vinyl plank flooring? The straight tile pattern is not the best for extremely narrow kitchens. Youre ready to proceed if you are confident that your wall is straight. Vinyl planks come in the same size, which can make it challenging to stagger the pieces. 8. Mix up the planks from the various packages. Add Joint Spacers. Your email address will not be published. Vinyl planks are a type of laminate flooring that has recently gained popularity. The uniformity of the planks makes it more difficult to create a truly random stagger pattern, which is one with no discernible spacing patterns between the end joints. Lower the second plank to snap the planks together. Rack the floor correctly, which means to stagger the end joints randomly and with enough space between them to prevent the end joints from separating. Step 2: Cut the final plank in the first row. Depending on the width of the room and the width of planks being . The floors snap together with the tongue and grooves. How to Deep Clean Vinyl Floors? This is why you are going to enjoy having the staggered planks set up from one end to the other. When you reach the end of the second row, you can cut the plank to make it fit the remaining space. Allow a gap of approximately 1/8 inch around the perimeter of the room. Received 15 Likes on 13 Posts. In addition to finding out the number of planks you will need and the size of the first and last row planks, it is also essential to establish the minimum spacing between the end-points of the planks. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), Step-by-Step Guide To Stagger Vinyl Plank Flooring, Staggered Vinyl Planks Make for a Stable Floor, How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring on Wall? Keep the offcuts and use them to begin the next row of stitches. The wrapping paper shields the adhesive strips from damage and keeps the strips from collecting dust and debris while you are working. ? Step 4: Start laying the third row. Staggering Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent method to spruce up your floors without breaking the budget. Remember to do the handy calculation described above. Measure one-third of this plank and mark a small vertical line with your pencil. For a staggered pattern on your new vinyl floor, follow the procedures outlined in this guide. Then, using a utility knife, trim the tongue from the meat. Follow this step precisely it will ensure a smooth surface. Step 5. [4 Methods], How to Remove Glue From Vinyl Flooring? Yes, vinyl plank floors must be staggered to prevent buckling in the floor over time. If the result is greater than the ideal stagger spacing of 6 inches, you will need to start the first row with a whole plank. Placing the vinyl planks in the room beforehand will make the flooring more durable. Laminate planks that are designed to float have a locking system similar to the tongues and grooves on hardwood boards. If they are, hammer or screw them into place so that they will not interfere with the new planks. As a result, the best option is to go with the staggered approach. Thats all there is to staggering vinyl floor planking. Laminate flooring planks are like puzzle pieces. Begin your second row with the 6-inch or longer remaining part of the previous plank. Use these planks for the other side of the room when you need shorter pieces as you near the wall. Don't install fasteners in the middle of the plank, where they are easier to see. This process is relatively challenging, so you will need to be patient until you get the gist. If you have to remove the existing flooring, youll need some additional tools, such as pliers, a pry bar, a hammer, and possibly a screwdriver to complete the job. The flooring expands and contracts with temperature changes and needs room to move. Using a tape measure, measure the width and length of each wall in the room where you intend to lay the vinyl plank flooring. Organize the boards from each box so that they form a random pattern before you begin installing them. ], How Long Does Pressure Treated Wood Last? I have standard 4 planks. Additional Key Takeaways. Use a tapping block and a rubber mallet to help secure the planks in place. To avoid these, use your cutoff planks to begin every other row. John Raisor is a former carpenter and current creative and copywriter. Divide this number by the length of a full plank. Lay at least one more full-width plank to this first row. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Then, lay the second row and cut the final plank to fit. The offcut from the third row can be used to begin the fifth row if desired. Measure one-third of this plank and mark a small vertical line with your pencil. With a short stagger you have both an appearance problem and a stability problem. Use your utility knife to score a line that runs the whole width of the plank. | Laminate Floor 101, Kitchen Flooring Options Budget Friendly, Durable and Stylish, Living Room Vinyl Flooring Best Options, Brands and Prices. To start the third row, pick up a whole plank and cut it into a random length that allows a minimum spacing of 6 inches from the closest joint. The placement of vinyl plank flooring has to be excellent. In practice, a minimum spacing of 6 inches works well for 5-inch laminate planks. If it is less than 6 inches, cut off enough from the first plank of the row so that the last piece is longer than 6 inches, the minimum needed for structural strength. Replace the utility knife blades on a regular basis. 2. Use a tapping block and a rubber mallet to help secure the planks in place. In order to begin the third row, begin by selecting a full plank and cutting it into pieces of varying lengths that provide a minimum spacing of 6 inches between adjacent joints. They are exceptionally long-lasting and available in a range of designs and colors. To make more random, you have to waste mote cut pieces. Remember to leave a 14-inch gap between the vinyl planks and the walls when you are putting them up. Spills should be cleaned up with simple water as soon as they occur, Read More How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring [Answered!! A much nicer, looking install without skinny pieces. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Home Flooring Pros is a consumer website that specializes in providing professional advice on different types of home flooring. First, measure the length of the room and divide that by the length of a board. You may observe the correct spacing pattern when installing one row of flooring next to another, but if an end-joint in the third row lines up with one in the first row, you've created an H-joint. This indicates the number of rows of planks youll require for room completion. Follow these steps to create a staggered pattern for your new vinyl floor. You can do this with a moisture meter, ensuring that your reading is no more than three-pounds per 1,000 square feet per 24 hours. If your vinyl plank is 36 inches long, measure and . (Tips And Tricks), Can You Tile Over Linoleum? Steps for Staggering Vinyl Plank Flooring. Inquire with your manufacturer about the most effective insulation. It can be installed by one person using standard household tools. Start off by determining the length of the room using a tape measure. 5. To prevent the tool from moving, firmly press it on the floor. Our goal is to deliver high-quality information to help homeowners decide which type of flooring to install in their homes. Place 14-inch spacers against the wall before starting your first row of boards. Take caution not to build an H-joint in your design. If the fraction is smaller, cut about twice the spacing amount off the first plank. Continue this pattern until your staggered vinyl floor is finished. There is nothing worse than having to deal with a cracked floor because one of the planks broke down after a few days. Racking a laminate floor is a little more difficult than racking a hardwood floor because laminate planks are all the same length, whereas hardwood boards tend to come in different lengths. Retired guy from Southern Manitoba, Canada. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. For professional results, you'll want to plan properly. Additionally, you will be able to estimate the correct size of the planks in the start and last rows using this calculationboth of these planks must be the same size in order to create a suitable staggered pattern. During installation roll planks and tiles with 100 lb. The sweet melody of a Grateful Dead song drifted from the radio as you blissfully . Another option is to tape a piece of your vinyl flooring to the concrete for 72 hours. As I read this I wouldve measured the full width and end up with telegraphed planks from the tight space. Most vinyl planks are 36 inches long, so measure 24 inches down the plank and mark the measurement with your pencil. Mixing the Planks Up. The pattern occurs when the spacing on the first and second row is repeated on the third row. Generally speaking, it is advised that the gap between the end-joints of neighboring rows be approximately 6 inches, however, this will vary depending on the size of the planks being used. The packaging paper protects the adhesive strips and prevents the strips from collecting dust and dirt as you work. C. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Magic Vinyl. Once the carpet and fasteners have been removed, be sure that none of the nails or screws that were used to secure the flooring are protruding. But instead of using the offcut to start the third row and creating a step pattern, set it aside for later. If you are using tiles that have decorative designs and motifs, consider a straight tile pattern. Finally, damp mop the floor to remove residue from the cleaning chemicals. If you need further assistance installing your vinyl plank flooring, contact Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers. Staggering your planks helps to create a better visual appearance and to prevent seams from lining up, which helps to prevent buckling or telegraphing (visible seams from the surface of the floor). A homeowner can easily install a resilient plank floor on the weekend. The information contained on whatisvinyl.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Install one plank at a time after the first one is down, continuing until you have covered the entire length of the wall with planks. For row two, score and snap the first plank in half. What do you suggest? When starting the next row, avoid having the short ends of the planks line up with the seams on the planks in the adjacent row. To begin your laminate flooring stagger, use a laminate cutter or chop saw to cut 5 or 6 laminate boards to various lengths. When you are thinking about installing vinyl plank flooring, you will want to make sure it is easy to maintain. This pattern doesnt provide a natural look to your flooring and can unnecessarily attract the viewers eyes. Remove the boards to use the pattern as you lay down the flooring. i will be laying vertical. If its not straight, draw a chalk line as a guide rather than relying on the wall. It is also called bricking or walling, if that term is easier to understand. About Us | Advertise | Contact Us | Website T&C's and Privacy Policy. Step 4: Lay Your First Row. Cut two more fresh boards to start the next two rows, but from the fourth row on, start using the offcuts from previous rows. Cleaning vinyl floors is simple if you follow these steps. Bathroom; Bedroom; Kitchen; Living Room; Advice. It is likely to require a number of spacer planks. Thanks, Linda. This technique helps reduce waste. This results in a neat, staggering pattern that also offers added structural stability. Step 2: Planning the Installation. Continue in this manner until the vinyl plank flooring has been installed throughout the entire room, if necessary. Use the cutoff plank from the end of row two to begin row four. Although this may seem to offer less stability, it actually doesn't given the flooring is properly installed. Just got this laminate flooring, started picking it and installing, was looking for same plank from each box to fit shapes, which gave me 3 planks per row, without stagger. Removing your old vinyl or linoleum flooring gives you a chance to either install new flooring . 10. Staggered joints remove vulnerable seam joints while giving the floor a fluid and consistent appearance. 2.3 3. . Then, use a utility knife to trim off the tongue. Before going too precise, the general concept is to cut the initial plank in the next row 2-3 inches longer than the preceding rows first plank as long as it is at least 6 inches long. Press the tool firmly on the plank so that the tool will not shift. If you want to make this operation go more quickly, cut the carpet into shorter strips that will be easier to manage with your utility knife. FAQ. How to Determin Which Direction Install Vinyl Plank Flooring? This assures an even floor color shade rather than installing boards of the same color shade on one end and the other shade on the other. 14. If the boxes contain planks from different runs of the flooring, and likely they are, they might have slight color differences. Both are equally important.