Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is a fantastic choice for homeowners who want a durable, water-resistant, and stylish floor without breaking the bank. But like any flooring product, it’s important to install it properly to avoid common issues—like warping or buckling—that can appear down the road.
At Choice Flooring, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners get great results with LVP, and we’re here to help you do the same. Follow this guide to install your LVP flooring correctly the first time, and enjoy a smooth, professional-looking floor for years to come.
What You’ll Need:
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LVP planks
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Underlayment (if required)
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Spacers
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Tape measure
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Utility knife or vinyl plank cutter
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Straight edge or T-square
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Rubber mallet
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Pull bar and tapping block
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Level
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Moisture barrier (if installing over concrete)
Step-by-Step: How to Install LVP Flooring the Right Way
1. Acclimate the Flooring (Don’t Skip This!)
Before you install anything, bring the unopened boxes of LVP into the room where they’ll be installed and let them sit flat for 48–72 hours. This allows the planks to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity—helping prevent warping later.
Pro Tip: Keep the room between 65°F–85°F and maintain consistent humidity if possible.
2. Prep the Subfloor
LVP can go over most types of subfloors—concrete, plywood, or even existing vinyl or tile. But the surface must be:
Clean: No dust, debris, or glue residue
Flat: No dips or high spots greater than 1/8" over 6 feet
Dry: Moisture in the subfloor can cause buckling. Use a moisture meter if installing over concrete.
If needed, apply a moisture barrier before laying the planks.
3. Plan Your Layout
Lay out a few rows before you begin. This helps you:
Avoid narrow slivers of plank along the walls
Stagger your seams (at least 6" apart) for a natural look and better strength
Choose the direction of the planks it's usually parallel to the longest wall or the way natural light enters the room
4. Leave Expansion Gaps
This is critical. LVP expands and contracts with temperature changes. Leave a 1/4" gap between the planks and all walls or fixed objects (islands, pipes, etc.). Use spacers during installation.
Failing to leave a gap is a major reason why LVP buckles or lifts later.
5. Start Installing
Start in a corner of the room, working left to right. Use a tapping block and rubber mallet to lock the planks together without damaging the edges.
Tips:
Always stagger the seams from row to row.
Cut planks using a utility knife and straight edge—just score and snap!
Use a pull bar to install the final row or tight spaces.
Remove spacers only after the entire floor is installed.
6. Final Touches
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Reinstall baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover the expansion gap but don’t nail through the flooring!
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If your floor floats (most LVP does), never glue or nail it down because this can cause buckling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Skipping Acclimation – Leads to expansion or contraction after install.
🚫 No Moisture Barrier – Especially over concrete, this can warp your planks.
🚫 Not Leveling the Floor – High/low spots make the planks shift or click loose.
🚫 Forgetting Expansion Gaps – This one causes almost every case of buckling we’ve seen.
🚫 Installing Under Heavy Furniture Without Pads – Furniture without gliders or pads can trap the floor and prevent movement.
Need Help or Have Questions?
DIY is totally doable—but we’re here if you need expert help. Whether it’s a tricky floor layout or product recommendations, Choice Flooring is just a phone call away. We also offer professional installation services if you’d rather leave it to the pros.
Contact us today to get started on your LVP flooring project—the right way!
Mon-Fri: 8am - 4pm
Sat: 8am - 2pm (PHX ONLY)
Gilbert | (480) 556-1233
Phoenix | (623) 248-3029