The primary criterion for building a solid stagger is that all boards overlap by at least 6 inches. "Piece of cake," you thought to yourself as you admired your work. For row two, score and snap the first plank in half. 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. Press the tool firmly on the plank so that the tool will not shift. Depending on how wide the planks are, you can increase the minimum to 8 or 10 inches.. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Vinyl planks are typically 2 to 3 inches wide, so the 6 inches spacing rule would apply. To avoid these, use your cutoff planks to begin every other row. ft. This allows you to leave a space between the floating. Lay additional full-width planks to your first and second rows. Cold Lamination Film. Use a tapping block and a rubber mallet to help secure the planks in place. To install this floor, you do not need to be a professional, but you must understand the staggering technique, which generates an eye-catching pattern and a stable floor. However, you do not want to have the floor bearing erroneous patterns or one that gives amateurish vibes. The wrapping paper shields the adhesive strips from damage and keeps the strips from collecting dust and debris while you are working. The purpose of this is to help the planks adapt to the new place. 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. Thats all there is to staggering vinyl floor planking. As a result of this pattern, the floors aesthetics are diminished, and it will be obvious that the floor was not professionally installed. Hence the question: How do I stagger vinyl plank flooring?. When you get to the last piece in a row you'll have to cut the vinyl plank to fit. Place the first plank with the tongue side towards the wall, being sure to allow 1/8" for. When measuring and cutting, place the planks on top of the packaging paper. Staggering your floor simply involves putting your planks in irregular lengths for each row and cutting some of the planks you will install on the other rows. Divide 1.667 by 2, which equals 0.833. You should avoid having a sliver of a strip on your final plank. Natural wood varies in tone so I dont bother ensuring box run dyes are similar if I truly want a natural look, just make sure to mix it up a bit like dont do three dark then three light sort of idea. Staggering the end joints helps to avoid the creation of lines that run perpendicular to the direction of the floor, which is aesthetically pleasing. Cut a small piece of wood from the first plank to allow the last piece in the row to be longer than 6 inches if the last plank in the row is less than 6 inches. This will stagger the seams between the adjacent rows in a random way. 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. One such common blunder to watch out for is the step pattern. Failure to properly acclimatize the planks to the surrounding environment may result in warping or buckling of the planks after they have been installed. 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. Using a block or other flat object, press the vinyl tape against the subfloor to ensure a secure bond. Why have you decided to look up how to stagger vinyl plank flooring? If you are transitioning from one type of flooring to another, such as from vinyl plank to carpet, you will need to use a transition strip. Snipping off these thin strips prevents the plank from sloping toward the wall and gives the floor a smooth, even surface. . Then, measure the width of the room divided by the width of the planks. Be careful not to create an H-joint. Although it is acceptable to make the gap even wider . Calculate the width of the final row. Install the second plank by holding it at an angle and inserting its tongue edge into the first plank's groove edge. 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. Well, you had just laid the first row of flooring in your basement remodel. Cut planks that are All the Same Length. This results in a neat, staggering pattern that also offers added structural stability. This permits the wood to expand and contract in response to changes in humidity. Use the leftover piece to begin the next row, in doing that the seams will naturally be staggered. You may have to remove the present flooring if youre remodeling a room, so plan ahead of time. 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. But instead of using the offcut to start the third row and creating a step pattern, set it aside for later. Do you cut the tongue off the first row of laminate? Racking the floor to create a random stagger pattern serves two purposes: one that is aesthetic and the other, structural. Use a saw and carefully trim the planks to size. 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. 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. This strip will cover the gap between the two types of flooring and help to create a seamless transition. Start by measuring the length of the room divided by the length of luxury vinyl planks. Yes, vinyl plank floors must be staggered to prevent buckling in the floor over time. 7. Advertisement. In practice, a minimum spacing of 6 inches is sufficient for laminate planks measuring 5 inches in width. This tends to go hand-in-hand with the idea of a staggered design being more long-lasting. Use a tape measure to determine the width and length of the room where you want to install the vinyl planks. This will help ensure that the planks are straight and that the staggering is even. 10. As you work, check to make sure that the planks are straight and that the staggering looks even. This ensures that the shades and patterns of the planks are mixed together, and look consistent once theyre done. If you divide the room width by the width of your plank and have a remainder (4 in your example), add it to the width of your plank (5 in your example) then, divide THAT number in half (5+4=9, divided by 2 = 4.5 inches. The tack strips will be easy to remove with a pry bar, but the staples will require the use of pliers to pull up. This will help ensure that the floor is secure and that the planks do not come apart over time. Once all of the planks are in place, use a roller or another object to roll over the floor and ensure that the planks are securely attached. Figure Out The Spacing Rules For Vinyl Plank Flooring. Use the cutoff plank from the end of row two to begin row four. Failure to acclimatize the boards to their new surroundings after installation may cause warping or buckling. Yes, you have to stagger vinyl plank flooring. Keep the tongue side intact because you will need it for installation. Use these planks for the other side of the room when you need shorter pieces as you near the wall. Glue the first full plank from the right side to towards the door. 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? Level the subfloor to remove any bumps that can push against the joints and separate the laminate planks. 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. When you purchase your vinyl, be sure to store them indoors and let them acclimate for 72 hours before removing them from their packaging. You had your favorite old college sweatshirt on. As I read this I wouldve measured the full width and end up with telegraphed planks from the tight space. Will the joints look randomly placed? There should be a gap of roughly 1/8 inch around the edge of the room to accommodate this. For a standard pattern repeat, first measure the length and width of your room. The rule of thumb is to maintain an 8 stagger when it comes to the setup. Do You Have To Stagger Vinyl Plank Flooring? 3-section vinyl roller. Below, you will see what tools and supplies you will need for this process as well as the typical prices for each item. Design Apartments; Design Styles; Room. A homeowner can easily install a resilient plank floor on the weekend. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Install Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring? Make sure to purchase enough planks to allow for staggering, as well as any cutting that may be necessary to fit around obstacles. This is where staggering comes into action. With an example, I'll explain the whole process. If they look too uniform, youve got an H-joint or Step/Lightning problem which can be solved by following the information below. Vinyl plank flooring is a fashionable and cost-effective option. Mark with a pencil, then remove the plank. This will tell you how many rows of planks youll need to finish the room and how long it will take. Laminate planks that are designed to float have a locking system similar to the tongues and grooves on hardwood boards. If they occur uniformly, you have an H-joint or Step/Lightning issue, which can be resolved by following the instructions below. Yes, you should stagger your vinyl plank flooring. After making the cutouts, first attach the plank to the adjoining plank while holding the cut-out plank upward, at an angle. Shop Stock House Laminate SPC Flooring. You should be following this step precisely as it will help to give the floor a . Begin by trimming off the short tongue edge of the first plank with a knife. Then, install baseboards to hold the flooring down. Lay the plank down, making sure that the end of the plank is at least 6 inches away from the closest joint in the first row. The H problem: When the seams of the first row line up with the seams of the third, this forms an H-joint. Set First Tile. Wide x 60 in. Measure the room and calculate the amount of vinyl planks needed. Vinyl planks produce a faint chemical odor for a few hours or days after installation, called "off-gassing." Staggering the planks will help stabilize the flooring and ensure the wood does not crack due to natural expansion from moisture. 8. Take caution not to build an H-joint in your design. That makes 6 inches the most common minimum spacing for 2- and 3-inch hardwood boards, but laminate planks are typically wider than this. Below you'll find answers to questions I get asked the most about staggering wood flooring. Vinyl plank flooring: $1.30-$4.19 per sq. 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. Thats great. Step 1: Score the First Row of Planks. | Luxury Vinyl Plank 101, What is Laminate Flooring? But a more severe uneven subfloor could make your floating vinyl planks buckle and be noisy. Lower the second plank to snap the planks together. "While you might think of the laminate flooring from decades agoand maybe cringe a bitpeel and stick flooring comes . First, measure the length of the room and divide that by the length of a board. . 2 wide start/end rows?!! Equipment; Preparation; Step 1: Start laying the first row. Measure the distance across the room where you will be laying the plank flooring in. I stack up all the pattern repeats in similar stacks (typically about five, with a few the same patter but reversed. 10. However, inspect the first item in every new row. This arrangement enables you to stagger the first and second rows, as well as the subsequent rows, in the order in which they appear. Fill up any low spots, sand down any high parts, and vacuum to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated. The development of an H pattern is the result of this action. Divide this number by the length of a full plank. This does matter to those who want to keep the floor in pristine condition year-round. Open the windows to allow sufficient ventilation. For the seventh row, use the offcut from the fourth row. This results in the formation of an H pattern. When these lines are visible, they obviate the fact that the floor is composed of identical panels and detract from the illusion that the flooring's hardwood pattern is trying to create. The flooring expands and contracts with temperature changes and needs room to move. This type of stagger will closely tie the floors together. Staggering also helps to add more structure and support to the floor. Ensure that you do all the prep work, including leveling and cleaning the subfloor and planning the layout before engaging in installation. Steps for Staggering Vinyl Plank Flooring. The rows of laminate i will be laying vertical. 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. Vinyl planks are a type of laminate flooring that has recently gained popularity. Then, use a utility knife to trim off the tongue. Feel free to alter the plan to suit your personal preference, but always ensure the boards are staggered between 6 to 12 inches apart. Check that the tongue side has been removed before proceeding, as the groove side will be required during the assembly process. 15 x 6= 90 pieces. [Super Simple Steps], Which Direction to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring? wide, you'd divide 123 by 5.75, which is 21.39. FAQ. You can use the offcut from the third row to start the fifth row. 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. 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. Repeat this for every row as needed. To make more random, you have to waste mote cut pieces. How would I cut my planks to stagger them in this situation? 11. The length of the planks you're installing is a limiting factor when spacing end joints. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring on Stairs? I then select one from each pile as I lay and click the row being careful to look for the same pattern not being beside the one Im clicking in. I need a pattern that will minimize my waste on a plank floor. Retired guy from Southern Manitoba, Canada. Divide the rooms width by the width of the planks to determine the number of planks needed to cover the entire floor. Commercial laminate planks typically measure three or four feet long. Maintenance; DIY; Furniture; About. Just an observation. | Laminate Floor 101, Kitchen Flooring Options Budget Friendly, Durable and Stylish, Living Room Vinyl Flooring Best Options, Brands and Prices. Open the windows to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce the stink. Staggering is all about putting the boards in the right place at the right time. Failure to acclimate the planks to the environment may cause warping or buckling of the planks after installation. 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). Cut the first plank in the third row a random length that maintains the proper spacing without creating an H-joint. To create an . Using this calculation, you will also determine the correct size of . If you are using tiles that have decorative designs and motifs, consider a straight tile pattern. John Raisor is a former carpenter and current creative and copywriter. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Wear protective gear, such as goggles and gloves, to prevent injury. Don't forget to mark the expansion gap for the sides & every row. How to Stagger Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. That will give you a more natural look at the floor. This ensures the planks are spread evenly despite being staggered. Im studying how to get the first n last row correct n the pattern correct. Would the joints occur as randomly placed? This is an excellent way to uplift your floors without breaking the bank. It is difficult enough to remove the vinyl material from the subfloor without having to deal with the adhesive that had been used to hold the vinyl to the subfloor. This indicates the number of rows of planks youll require for room completion. Repeat steps #2-3 to complete row four. Macaron Vinyl. Also, study the installation instructions included with the flooring. Continue with this pattern until you fill-up the entire room with the vinyl plank flooring. (Answered! For professional results, you'll want to plan properly. An H-joint can also create a weak spot on the floor and increases the risk of the planks loosening and coming apart at some point in the future. How to Determin Which Direction Install Vinyl Plank Flooring? We work closely with qualified flooring contractors throughout the USA to provide installation and repair services for home flooring products. Furthermore, staggered strengthens your flooring layout. One Way Vision. Do you have to stagger vinyl plank flooring? Start with a full, then halves, then 1/4 and 3/4. Vinyl is susceptible to temperature change. That makes 6 inches the most common minimum spacing for 2- and 3-inch hardwood boards, but laminate planks are typically wider than this. Required fields are marked *. Keep the offcuts and use them to begin the next row of stitches. Change the utility knife blades frequently. You can use the one end as starters for 5 or 6 rows, and the other end of the boards will be used on the opposite wall to finish your rows (you will probably need to trim these finish boards later). Wear a, One Southern Indiana Chamber of Commercer, A Comprehensive Guide to Hardwood Flooring Installation, Checklist for House Renovation | Prepare Before You Begin, The Best Flooring for a Bathroom | What Makes Good Bathroom Flooring. Get this wrong, and your floor will look like an amateur installed it. We will also break down step-by-step what you will need to do in order to properly stagger your vinyl flooring. In terms of aesthetics, staggering the end joints avoids creating lines that run perpendicular to the direction of the floor. 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. You're still using 1 plank per row. (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? For example, if your room measures 123 in., and your flooring is 5.75 in. The key to a smooth appearance is staggered joints. How much of a headache would that be? The length of each run of plank is 12-3. Contact; No Result . Apply vinyl adhesive to the subfloor and lay the plank into the adhesive. If you are installing vinyl planking over an existing floor, be sure that the subfloor has been properly prepared to ensure that the planks adhere properly and do not easily fall apart during installation. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to install vinyl plank flooring? 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. This is necessary due to the fact that vinyl is sensitive to temperature variations. Lightly score the line a few times. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Installing laminate flooring for beginners, The importance of a flooring stagger pattern, The recommended distance between end joints, Two patterns to avoid: H-Joints and steps, A technique for creating a stagger pattern as you go, National Wood Flooring Association: Installation Guidelines, Wood Floor Business: How to Rack a Wood Floor for Installation, Rempros.com: Standard Laminate Flooring Dimensions. 15 planks horizontal acroos the room. You should slide the groove fastener & tongue together towards the end. As a result, a tidy, staggered pattern is created, which also provides additional structural support. 8. The likelihood of an H-joint being formed increases when the gap between the two pieces is greater than 10 inches. Staggered joints are essential for a smooth appearance. 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. Troubleshooting Guide, Honeywell Wi-Fi Thermostat Connection Failure Top 7 Fixes, How to Identify & Get Rid of Snake Holes In Yard, What does Mead Taste Like? 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. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring On Concrete? This sort of happens naturally. Additional Key Takeaways. 8. What do you suggest? 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. Keep the piece of the board on the right side of the board. 3. Make use of the offcut from the fourth row to complete the seventh row. Make as much space as you can spare in the area where you will be laying the DRICORE panels. 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. That's the general idea. This layout allows you to stagger the first and second rows and the other rows that will follow. Staggering Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent method to spruce up your floors without breaking the budget. Its common for mistakes to be made when the flooring is laid and it can cause the planks to shift and/or not remain stable. Additionally, you should plan on trimming the door jambs to make it easier to install the flooring in all areas of the room. Manufacturers often group the same shades and patterns together. Lay the first full plank on the floor, beginning on the right-hand side corner of the room with the visible adhesive tongue facing out toward the room. Also, remember that even as you space out your planks for proper . Contact us now so that we can start brainstorming! The Step or Lightning problem: The same applies to a step-pattern in the flooring. Continue this pattern until your staggered vinyl floor is finished. Fasten the corners and edges with screws or nails, so the plank stays secure as the adhesive dries. For a staggered pattern on your new vinyl floor, follow the procedures outlined in this guide. My planks are 6in. Once youve determined how much space should be left between the end joints of neighboring plank rows, youll have addressed half of the problem of racking vinyl planks in your storage area or warehouse. How to Cut out a Section of Carpet & Put in Laminate, How to Install Self-Adhesive Floor Tiles on Top of Old Tiles, How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring in a Long Narrow Room, Beautiful houseplants that also repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pests. Adhesive if following glued-down installation. Should i cut the 1st row and last row 4.5 inches. Repeat steps #2-3 to complete row three. Since LVT is engineered wood flooring, the pattern . This will help create a consistent and cohesive look for the floor. Next, compare the resultant figure from the calculation in step one above with the minimum stagger spacing for your laminate planks. Cleaning vinyl floors is simple if you follow these steps. 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. To start row 3, cut a full-width plank to the length of the trimmed, ripped piece at the end of row 1. 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. This space allows the planks to expand and contract without buckling. Be sure to leave a space along the wall for expansion. 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. Then slowly fold down the cut-out plank until it locks into place with the adjoining plank. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Because they can range in width from 5 to 12 inches, it is impracticable to follow this rule while installing a floating floor in most situations. The packaging paper protects the adhesive strips and prevents the strips from collecting dust and dirt as you work. A utility knife can also be used in a pinch. Stagger end joints in each row by at least 6" and try to avoid "stair stepping" of joints. 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. Then- divide this figure by the length of your laminate flooring planks. Mix Up All The Vinyl Planks. 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. 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. If you . There is nothing worse than having to deal with a cracked floor because one of the planks broke down after a few days. Without this gap, your floor will buckle. Step 1: Test the moisture content of your concrete subfloor. Another faux pas to look out for is the step pattern. Do not compromise on this as that can lead to unwanted repairs in the future. This can result in unusual joint patterns that are both eye-catching and not in a positive way. That is a general concept. Take the planks out of their boxes and mix them. Some do-it-yourselfers may avoid vinyl sheet flooring because they believe it is too difficult to, Read More How to Install Sheet Vinyl Flooring? [4 Methods]Continue, Vinyl plank flooring is a terrific alternative if youre searching for stylish, yet affordable, flooring thats also simple to keep and clean. 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. Staggered joints eliminate vulnerable seam joints and give the floor a fluid and uniform look. When you reach the edges of the room, you may need to cut the planks to fit around obstacles such as doorways or cabinets. 14. Staggered joints remove vulnerable seam joints while giving the floor a fluid and consistent appearance. Take the first board out of the stack and place it on the table. Not only is this but going to help with how stable the surface is, it is also going to make it easier to maintain. Ask the Home Flooring Pros, What isLVP Flooring? From modern to rustic, there is a style to suit any environment. Next, measure the width of the planks. I bought Greystone Oak Water Resistant laminate flooring boards having 6.34 inches width x 47.72 inches length. This is why you are going to enjoy having the staggered planks set up from one end to the other. Mixing them will avoid having all lighter Chestnut Brown on one side and noticeably darker Chestnut Brown on the other. Adjust the plank to allow a 1/8-inch gap at the top and right side of the plank.