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. For an example, let's say your room is 15 long by 20 wide. The length of each run of plank is 12-3. (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? Rob joined the Home Flooring Pros team in 2014 and is a freelance writer, specializing in flooring, remodeling and HVAC systems (read more). (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to install vinyl plank flooring? But a more severe uneven subfloor could make your floating vinyl planks buckle and be noisy. This does matter to those who want to keep the floor in pristine condition year-round. The placement of vinyl plank flooring has to be excellent. Keep in mind that if you are installing a floating floor, this may hide a slightly uneven subfloor. i will be laying vertical. 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. A rule of thumb: For 5-inch wide planks, have a minimum of 6 inches between adjacent row seams. As I read this I wouldve measured the full width and end up with telegraphed planks from the tight space. This layout allows you to stagger the first and second rows and the other rows that will follow. Even lay out all the pieces before snapping them in place. Based on the research done into the installation of vinyl planks, the staggered approach makes sure the planks are easier to take out and will also be easier to maintain if something were to go wrong. [4 Methods], How to Remove Glue From Vinyl Flooring? When the spacing between the first and second row is replicated on the third row, the pattern is formed. The key to a smooth appearance is staggered joints. I bought Greystone Oak Water Resistant laminate flooring boards having 6.34 inches width x 47.72 inches length. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Leaving a distance between the floating vinyl floors and the wall itself will allow you to save money on installation costs. To make more random, you have to waste mote cut pieces. Keep an Eye on how the Rows Align. Lay at least one more full-width plank to this first row. If it is less than the width of a normal plank. This is one of those requirements that will play a role in how things turn out with the new flooring. Be careful not to create an H-joint. The Step or Lightning problem: The same applies to a step-pattern in the flooring. Before getting specific, the general solution is to cut the first plank of the next row at a length 2-3 inches different than any first plank in a row yet as long as it is at least 6 inches. It is also a good idea to have a partner to help with the installation, as the planks can be heavy and awkward to handle on your own. 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. This will help ensure that the planks are straight and that the staggering is even. Ensure that the plank at the end of row one is no less than 6 inches in length. But that's provided you follow basic laminate installation guidelines. This means that the short joint between planks should be at least 6 inches away from the nearest joint in any adjacent row. Another faux pas to look out for is the step pattern. After laying down the first plank, lay the next one and the next one until you cover the entire length of the wall. Take the first board out of the stack and place it on the table. Angle your flooring at about 10-15 degrees for it to fit easily. (Easy Step-By-Step Guide), Types Of Basement Floor Drains (A Complete Guide For You). In this guide, we will show you how to stagger vinyl plank flooring. You can alternate pattern how you like. Her articles and interviews have appeared in "The Wall Street Journal," Salon.com and several other publications, covering topics such as Federal Trade Commission policy and media regulations, blogging, home improvement and New York travel. While this is not the first thing you are going to think about during the installation phase, its still important to consider the aesthetics of this type of setup and how it plays out when everything is said and done. Follow these steps to create a staggered pattern for your new vinyl floor. Remember to do the handy calculation described above. Start with a full, then halves, then 1/4 and 3/4. 6. How to Stagger Vinyl Plank Flooring? When reaching the far end of the room, the plank will need to be cut to fit. Required fields are marked *. For those who are on the fence, you will want to know more about the advantages of staggering vinyl plank flooring at home. If they are, hammer or screw them into place so that they will not interfere with the new planks. You're bound to have some waste at the end of the installation, which is why it's always a good idea to buy 10 percent more flooring than you think you need. 40 Piece Spacers can stack and stagger the spacers to create different thicknesses.They are tapered, just put two together and adjust to any width,following the instructions,a helpful kit for a faster and efficient laminate floor install. 4.When you unbox your vinyl, mix up all of the planks from various boxes. A staggered flooring looks like the planks are just flowing from one row to the next. To do this, start the first row with a full plank, install the row, cut the last plank to length and save the off-cut. For example, it will remind you to use 1/4-inch spacers between boards and walls. Staggering the planks will help stabilize the flooring and ensure the wood does not crack due to natural expansion from moisture. I need a pattern that will minimize my waste on a plank floor. Why Do I Have to Stagger My Wood Floor? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. To start the sixth row, cut up a new plank at a random length. Start the second row with the plank that was leftover from the first row. The tapping block will help prevent damage to the planks, while the rubber mallet will provide enough force to securely attach the planks. All laminate planks have the same length, which may make an irregular pattern sound impossible to achieve. Vinyl planks are typically 2 to 3 inches wide, so the 6 inches spacing rule would apply. It can be installed by one person using standard household tools. Vinyl flooring is strong and stable on its own, but staggering can add to the floors structural strength. You may have to remove the present flooring if youre remodeling a room, so plan ahead of time. 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. Peel and Stick Vinyl Tiles | 12 x 12 Universal Floor and Wall Tile Installation Laying the First Few Rows of Flooring | Tips and Tricks Replacing a Damaged Flooring Plank | Tips and Tricks If you discover that the planks on the last row are set to be smaller than the planks on the previous row, you will have to trim the planks on the first row to match the size of the planks on the last row. Flooring roll comes in fixed widths, so if the roll you want is supplied in widths of 12, you'll need two widths of roll each 15 long to . (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Install Lifeproof Vinyl Plank Flooring? To create an . However, racking a vinyl floor is entirely possible with a bit of planning and forethought. Continue this pattern until your staggered vinyl floor is finished. Lay a piece of vinyl flooring against the door casing. This is due to the planks not moving around, which can create unwanted gaps. Thats great. Repeat steps #2-3 to complete row four. "While you might think of the laminate flooring from decades agoand maybe cringe a bitpeel and stick flooring comes . The rule of thumb that professional flooring installers follow is to stagger the end joint of adjacent rows by a distance equal to 2 or 3 times the width of the plank. 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. You can use the offcut from the third row to start the fifth row. Also known as lightning, a step pattern is draws the eye by being regular and symmetrical, and professionals avoid it. Set the first plank in place on the starting line with the cut side toward the wall, maintaining the expansion gap. 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. Place the first plank with the tongue side. If the subfloor is not level, use a self-leveling compound to smooth out any uneven areas. (Answered! Contact; No Result . long by 93.5in wide. Save the shorter cuts of planking between the sheets of packing paper in the vinyl planking boxes. Install the first row and cut the last board in the row to fit, remembering to maintain a 1/4-inch gap from the wall. Your email address will not be published. The planks require time to adjust to the humidity and temperature of the room. x48 in. Rebecca Mecomber, a former radio broadcaster, has been a professional blogger and writer since 2006. Manage Settings Remember to leave a 14-inch gap between the vinyl planks and the walls when you are putting them up. Keep the tongue side intact because you will need it for installation. It will remind you to do things like use 1/4-inch spacers between planks and walls. Adjust the plank to allow a 1/8-inch gap at the top and right side of the plank. Including all the installation kit you need to help your lay down laminate flooring or vinyl plank flooring. Step 3: Determine the number of planks you need. 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. While it is possible to install vinyl flooring directly on top of tile or sheet vinyl, it is necessary to remove the carpeting before putting vinyl. The tapping block will help prevent damage to the planks, while the rubber mallet will provide enough force to securely attach the planks. Due to the nature of the material, you will want to make sure it does not expand rapidly. The trick to properly laying your wood flooring is to stagger the seams, so they appear random. With a short stagger you have both an appearance problem and a stability problem. Lay the planks on the packaging paper when measuring and cutting. Lay the first plank, appropriately spaced from the wall. Racking the planks also improves the floors aesthetic appeal. Take your planks out of their packages in the room youll be doing the flooring. Dont use the offcut to begin staggering the third row, as this will create a similar pattern, resulting in the step pattern that you are trying to avoid in the first place. Staggering Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent method to spruce up your floors without breaking the budget. What does Staggered Vinyl Flooring Installation Means? With an example, I'll explain the whole process. use with paint or products other than vinyl flooring . "Piece of cake," you thought to yourself as you admired your work. Then, use a utility knife to trim off the tongue. Planks need to be laid width side because of hallway and a kitchen. Both are equally important. Remove the planks from their boxes and mix them up. Also, read the installation material that comes with the flooring. The development of an H pattern is the result of this action. The key to properly staggering vinyl flooring is to ensure that the first plank in every third row is at least two-three inches longer or shorter than the first planks in the two rows. Now, let's answer the most crucial question: How do you stagger laminate flooring? Do you have to stagger vinyl plank flooring? It is also sometimes referred to as vinyl plank flooring, vinyl tiles, or peel and stick tiles. In order to preserve vinyl planks from moisture when they are installed on concrete, it is a good idea to use a water and thermal-proof underlayment to protect the planks. Fill up any low spots, sand down any high parts, and vacuum to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated. If the boxes contain planks from different runs of the flooring, and likely they are, they might have slight color differences. [Super Simple Steps], Which Direction to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring? When installing laminate flooring, allow a 1/4-inch expansion gap around the perimeter to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the flooring. In the case of a first-row plank end joint that corresponds with an end joint in the third-row planks, this is known as an H-joint. 12. 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. If required, cut the boards for the first row so that the last row has a minimum half-width plank. To do that, first drop the 13 from 13.667 leaving you 0.667 inch, then add 1 to get 1.667. Do you have to stagger vinyl plank flooring? Cut the first plank in the third row a random length that maintains the proper spacing without creating an H-joint. If not, cut a plank with an 8-inch offset joint from the first and continue laying the planks. Inquire with your manufacturer about the most effective insulation. If you do this incorrectly, your floor will appear to have been built by a novice. Start the fourth row with the offcut from the second row. Vinyl plank flooring is a fashionable and cost-effective option. Staggering a wooden plank floor makes it look more polished and professionally done. When you reach the end of the second row, you can cut the plank to make it fit the remaining space. French Oak Morada 7.17 in. 13. Store your planks in the room where they will be installed for at least 48 hours before installation. Repeat steps #2-3 to complete row four. L Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Plank Click Lock Flooring (23.88 sq.ft./case) French Oak Delray 7.17 in. Use the cutoff to begin the next row. Feel free to alter the plan to suit your personal preference, but always ensure the boards are staggered between 6 to 12 inches apart. Received 15 Likes on 13 Posts. You decide to start with a piece that is 10" long. Score and cut the tongue off the first row of vinyl planks using a utility knife. This happens often when the planks have not been installed the right way. You should be following this step precisely as it will help to give the floor a . 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. Requiring only basic household tools, these planks are cut with a utility knife and secured together by adhesive strips. Steps for Staggering Vinyl Plank Flooring. This will create a staggered pattern that looks natural. My planks are 6in. Failure to acclimate the planks to the environment may cause warping or buckling of the planks after installation. 8. Follow this step precisely it will ensure a smooth surface.

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