Cost to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring
Installing vinyl plank flooring involves preparing the subfloor, clicking planks together, cutting them to fit, and reinstalling baseboards. It is a straightforward DIY option for replacing worn flooring or updating a room, but a clean, level surface, tight seams, and space for expansion need attention.
Common reasons homeowners do this job
- Replacing worn flooring
- Updating a room’s appearance
- Replacing damaged flooring
- Switching to vinyl plank flooring as part of a room renovation
DIY or call a pro?
Consider a professional if you are unsure how to level the subfloor, determine underlayment needs, or fit planks around obstacles. Removing baseboards with a pry bar calls for care to avoid damaging walls or electrical wiring behind them; hire help if you are unsure about that step. Wear safety glasses when cutting planks.
Frequently asked questions
- Is click-together vinyl plank flooring a reasonable DIY job?
- Yes, this is a straightforward DIY project if you are comfortable preparing the subfloor and cutting planks to fit. Check your comfort with the tools before deciding: a pry bar for baseboards, a straightedge and utility knife for cuts, and a tapping block for tight seams. Get professional help with any step you are unsure about.
- What makes a vinyl plank flooring installation cost more?
- The price scales with the area being covered, the materials selected, and the labor time involved. Hauling away old flooring can also raise the total when removal is part of the job. For a small area, a minimum or trip charge may affect the price.
- Do I need underlayment beneath vinyl planks?
- Check the flooring manufacturer’s requirements and identify your subfloor type before buying underlayment. It is needed only if required by the manufacturer, so treat each vinyl plank installation on its own requirements. Measure the room as well to calculate how much flooring to buy.
- Should vinyl planks fit tightly against the wall?
- Leave a gap at each wall. The layout needs an expansion gap at the wall, maintained with spacers. Tight seams between planks are a separate requirement; they are unrelated to fitting the flooring snugly against the wall. Baseboards and molding cover the expansion gap.
Have a different situation?
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