Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring has become a favorite for homeowners who want the look of hardwood or stone without the high cost and maintenance. It’s stylish, durable, and water-resistant, making it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or living areas. But if you’re new to DIY projects, you might be wondering exactly how to put down LVT flooring. Don’t worry—we’ll walk through it step by step so you can confidently tackle your project.
Why Choose LVT Flooring?
Before diving into installation, it helps to know why LVT is such a popular choice:
- Durability: Resistant to scratches, dents, and everyday wear.
- Water resistance: Ideal for moisture-prone areas.
- Design variety: Available in wood, tile, and stone looks.
- Easy installation: Many LVT products come with click-lock systems.
According to Floor Covering News, LVT accounts for over 40% of all residential flooring sales, showing just how trusted and loved it is by homeowners.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Gather everything before you begin. For most LVT flooring installations, you’ll need:
- LVT planks or tiles
- Utility knife
- Tape measure
- Chalk line or straight edge
- Spacers
- Rubber mallet
- Floor roller (optional but recommended)
- Underlayment (if required by your product)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Put Down LVT Flooring
Step 1: Prepare the Subfloor
- Make sure the subfloor (wood, concrete, or existing tile) is clean, dry, and level.
- Remove old flooring, nails, or debris.
- Fill in cracks or dips with leveling compound for a smooth surface.
Step 2: Acclimate the LVT
- Leave the unopened boxes of LVT in the room for at least 48 hours.
- This allows the flooring to adjust to room temperature and humidity.
Step 3: Plan Your Layout
- Measure the room and mark a straight starting line with a chalk line.
- Dry-lay a few planks to see how the pattern will look.
- Make sure the final row will not be too narrow—trim the first row if needed.
Step 4: Start Installing
- Place spacers between the flooring and walls to allow for expansion.
- Lay the first row of planks along your chalk line.
- For click-lock LVT, angle and snap each piece into place. For glue-down LVT, spread adhesive according to manufacturer instructions and press tiles firmly.
Step 5: Cut to Fit
- Use a utility knife to score and snap planks for end cuts.
- For tricky corners or around door frames, make careful measurements before cutting.
Step 6: Continue Row by Row
- Stagger seams for a natural look (like real wood).
- Tap planks into place gently with a rubber mallet if needed.
- Keep checking alignment as you move across the room.
Step 7: Finish the Edges
- Once the floor is complete, remove spacers.
- Install baseboards or quarter-round trim to cover expansion gaps.
- If glue-down, roll the floor with a floor roller to ensure strong adhesion.
Extra Tips for a Flawless Finish
- Check moisture levels: Especially on concrete subfloors—moisture can damage LVT if not handled properly.
- Work in good lighting: It’s easier to spot alignment issues early.
- Mix planks from different boxes: This avoids repeating patterns and gives a more natural look.
- Don’t rush: Careful measuring and cutting save time on fixes later.
Final Takeaway
Learning how to put down LVT flooring is easier than it might seem. With the right tools, preparation, and a bit of patience, you can transform your space with a stylish, durable floor that looks professionally installed.
So the next time you want to upgrade your home, remember: you don’t need to be a pro to lay down beautiful LVT floors—you just need a good plan and a steady hand.