If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Additional Key Takeaways. Ask the Home Flooring Pros, What isLVP Flooring? Starting at a corner of the tile and working slowly, peel away the paper backing. Measure the distance across the room where you will be laying the plank flooring in. Our website is supported by advertising. But instead of using the offcut to start the third row and creating a step pattern, set it aside for later. Finally, damp mop the floor to remove residue from the cleaning chemicals. As a result of this pattern, the floors aesthetics are diminished, and it will be obvious that the floor was not professionally installed. Step 2: Take the first board and cut the top 1-inch strip from the board. This sort of happens naturally. Then, cut a random length to start the sixth row, using the offcut from the fourth row to start the seventh row, and so on. NO! But you'll have less waste using this technique than if you simply cut boards randomly to start each row. Step 3: Determine the number of planks you need. Tips To Install Vinyl Planks Around A Toilet, How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring Under My Vanity, How To Turn On An Electric Shower In A Bathroom, How To Manage A Shower Head For Bathrooms, Do You Put Vinyl Plank Flooring Under Vanity With Legs? Place a row of loose planks across the width and down the length of the floor until you have a pattern you like. You do not have to be a pro to install this type of floor, but you need to understand the staggering technique, which creates an eye-catching pattern and a stable floor. If necessary, use a saw or a utility knife to trim any planks that are not fitting properly. To begin your laminate flooring stagger, use a laminate cutter or chop saw to cut 5 or 6 laminate boards to various lengths. The H problem: When the seams of the first row line up with the seams of the third, this forms an H-joint. 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. You basically divide the planks by 1/3rd and it usually works out from a math standpoint. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Install Lifeproof Vinyl Plank Flooring? Divide 1.667 by 2, which equals 0.833. The straight tile pattern is not the best for extremely narrow kitchens. Measure the width of the room where the plank flooring will be installed. You dont want to inhale the particulate that comes from any construction materials. The offcut from the second row should be used to begin the fourth row. Allow a minimum of 48 hours before installing the planks inside your room. Wear protective gear, such as goggles and gloves, to prevent injury. Do you want to stagger vinyl plank flooring? Start the second row with the plank that was leftover from the first row. This will help create a consistent and cohesive look for the floor. When it comes to the pros of staggering vinyl plank flooring, the main benefit has to do with the increased stability under your feet. 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. You will want to keep things simple and continue to follow the rule of thumb where there is an 8 stagger between the planks. See picture: https://ibb.co/bFsfKw5 https://ibb.co/wC7tCNt Room is completely isolated, walls, ceeling, floor is concrete with isolation, on it is under layer for laminate . Do not compromise on this as that can lead to unwanted repairs in the future. This technique helps reduce waste. Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Plank Click Lock Flooring (30.45 sq.ft./ Case) Price $ It is also a good idea to order a few extra planks in case of any mistakes or damage during installation. Shop Stock House Laminate SPC Flooring. Although this may seem to offer less stability, it actually doesn't given the flooring is properly installed. A homeowner can easily install a resilient plank floor on the weekend. This isn't the only way to create a random flooring stagger pattern, though, and it may need modifications when something, such as a cabinet, is in the way. Remember to leave a 14-inch gap between the vinyl planks and the walls when you are putting them up. The planks require time to adjust to the humidity and temperature of the room. Staggering the planks will help stabilize the flooring and ensure the wood does not crack due to natural expansion from moisture. Keep the offcuts and use them to begin the next row of stitches. Using this calculation, you will also determine the correct size of the planks in the first and last rowsthese need to be the same size for a proper staggering pattern. 15. Be aware of any potential dangers when installing vinyl plank flooring. Again this is a floating floor that needs to float as a unit. 6. How would I cut my planks to stagger them in this situation? Place the tongue facing the room center, lying along the chalk line. 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. Angle your flooring at about 10-15 degrees for it to fit easily. If the room is large and you are using a lot of planks, you may need to increase the offset to 8 inches or more to create a more balanced look. Continue in this manner for the remainder of the row, trimming the last plank as needed. . Continue this pattern until your staggered vinyl floor is finished. If required, cut the boards for the first row so that the last row has a minimum half-width plank. When you reach the end of the second row, you can cut the plank to make it fit the remaining space. Im the son of an interior designer and picked up an eye for design as a result. Staggering is all about putting the boards in the right place at the right time. Are you planning to install vinyl flooring? Keep the tongue side intact because you will need it for installation. Magic Vinyl. What staggering method would you use. Adhesive if following glued-down installation. Be sure to leave a space along the wall for expansion. When laying subsequent rows, be sure to match the pattern of the first row as closely as possible. You should slide the groove fastener & tongue together towards the end. Step 3: Start laying the second row. 4.When you unbox your vinyl, mix up all of the planks from various boxes. Vinyl flooring is strong and stable on its own, but staggering can add to the floors structural strength. 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. After a few rows, you should get the hang of it. Car Window Tint . Plan each row in advance as you proceed to lay the laminate. If you want vinyl flooring to seem properly spaced, you must make sure that the first plank in every third row is at least two to three inches longer or shorter than the first planks in the previous two rows. Use the offcut plank from the first row to start the second row. Be aware of any potential dangers when installing vinyl plank flooring. For a staggered pattern on your new vinyl floor, follow the procedures outlined in this guide. Copyright 1990 - 2023 | Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers, Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Equipment; Preparation; Step 1: Start laying the first row. The vinyl planks have jagged edges because the blade is dull. Short stagger often leads to gaps. Use the cutoff plank from the end of row two to begin row four. If its not straight, draw a chalk line as a guide rather than relying on the wall. From there, just run your flooring normally. Take the first board out of the stack and place it on the table. The thing to keep is that while removing the vinyl plank from the boxed, you need to mix the planks and pick different shaded planks. Don't push the "six inch" rule, that only applies to end cuts near the walls. It is likely to require a number of spacer planks. A dulled blade can create jagged edges on the vinyl planks. Make sure to change your utility knife blade if it becomes dull. Contact us now so that we can start brainstorming! 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. If the planks are wider, you can increase the minimum to 8 or 10 inches. That makes 6 inches the most common minimum spacing for 2- and 3-inch hardwood boards, but laminate planks are typically wider than this. Take a measurement across the room where you will be installing the plank flooring to determine the length of the flooring. Lay this two-thirds plank on the floor as the first plank in the second row. The pattern occurs when the spacing on the first and second row is repeated on the third row. If you do this incorrectly, your floor will appear to have been built by a novice. Including all the installation kit you need to help your lay down laminate flooring or vinyl plank flooring. Cut the first plank in the third row a random length that maintains the proper spacing without creating an H-joint. Figure Out The Spacing Rules For Vinyl Plank Flooring. Youre probably wondering how to stagger vinyl plank flooring for outstanding results if you install it. Step 1: Score the First Row of Planks. Divide the room's width by the width of the planks to determine the number of planks needed to cover the entire floor. This space allows the planks to expand and contract without buckling. Repeat this process until the entire room is covered. This is especially important on the first 2-3 . You can alternate pattern how you like. This arrangement enables you to stagger the first and second rows, as well as the subsequent rows, in the order in which they appear. The simplest way to achieve the best results is to stagger the joints in thirds. It is not necessary to use the offcut to begin staggering the third row because doing so will result in a pattern that is identical to the step pattern that you were attempting to avoid in the first place. Staggering Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent method to spruce up your floors without breaking the budget. In practice, a minimum spacing of 6 inches works well for 5-inch laminate planks. Why Do I Have to Stagger My Wood Floor? I bought Greystone Oak Water Resistant laminate flooring boards having 6.34 inches width x 47.72 inches length. When it comes to installing vinyl flooring, the most typical rookie blunders are the ones that look like this and this. You don't necessarily have to plan ahead for a suitable laminate floor pattern, but you do have to have an eye toward subsequent rows as you cut the first plank in any given row. Add one extra full-width plank to the first row. Lay down each of the parts before snapping them together. That's the general idea. 11. In terms of aesthetics, staggering the end joints avoids creating lines that run perpendicular to the direction of the floor. Score and cut the tongue off the first row of vinyl planks using a utility knife. This can be challenging when installing planks that are all the same length, but if you use the following technique, you'll be able to do it while wasting a minimum of flooring and without having to use a plank flooring layout calculator. This pattern doesnt provide a natural look to your flooring and can unnecessarily attract the viewers eyes. We'll also offer some tips for a professional vinyl plank flooring installation you'll be proud of for many years to come! In this guide, we will show you how to stagger vinyl plank flooring. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. This is because the long grout lines parallel to the walls reduce spaces and make narrow spaces smaller than they are. You can use the offcut from the third row to start the fifth row. [Answered!! Vinyl flooring designs support this strategy. (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? Remove the boards to use the pattern as you lay down the flooring. This space allows for the expansion and contraction of the planks as a result of temperature fluctuations, and it also helps to prevent the boards from buckling. How to Remove Vinyl Flooring 2021 DIY Guide. This strip will cover the gap between the two types of flooring and help to create a seamless transition. 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. (Answered! Pick up the first board from the stack. How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring On Concrete (Step-By-Step Tutorial) Home; Products . This randomizes the layout without creating a step pattern. It can be installed by one person using standard household tools. Below you'll find answers to questions I get asked the most about staggering wood flooring. It will take some time for the planks to become acclimated to the humidity and temperature of the room. You should stagger vinyl plank flooring. You will want to ensure it lasts for a long time. Yes, you have to stagger vinyl plank flooring. Leaving a distance between the floating vinyl floors and the wall itself will allow you to save money on installation costs. This type of joint is immediately noticeable in the finished floor, and it detracts from the flooring pattern almost as much as two end joints next to each other. Should i cut the 1st row and last row 4.5 inches. 5. Vinyl planks are a type of laminate flooring that has recently gained popularity. The number of planks required to cover the entire floor can be calculated by multiplying the width of the room by the width of the planks. Divide the length of the room by the width of the planks, making sure to leave a 14-inch gap on either side of the floor to allow for expansion and contraction. Staggering is all about spacing the planks correctly. Although it is acceptable to make the gap even wider . I prefer having eight or nine repeating patters for bigger rooms but most product manufacturers dont accommodate that kind of discernment. Window Glass Film. Vinyl plank flooring is flexible enough that it can usually be bent enough to fit around door frames and other protrusions. Staggering the end joints helps to avoid the creation of lines that run perpendicular to the direction of the floor, which is aesthetically pleasing. Install the plank so that the tongue-and-groove side is facing the wall. 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. To make more random, you have to waste mote cut pieces. Thats good. If you are using tiles that have decorative designs and motifs, consider a straight tile pattern. Due to the fact that vinyl planks are commonly 2 to 3 inches broad, the 6-inch spacing guideline would be applicable. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The key to staggering your vinyl plank flooring is all in your first piece. Planks are This indicates the number of rows of planks youll require for room completion. First of all, you need to know that you have to form an irregular pattern with the planks. For a standard pattern repeat, first measure the length and width of your room. Get the vinyl plank flooring layout right and your friends wont believe you did it yourself. Due to the nature of the material, you will want to make sure it does not expand rapidly. Failure to acclimate the planks to the environment may cause warping or buckling of the planks after installation. The packaging paper protects the adhesive strips and prevents the strips from collecting dust and dirt as you work. The subfloor should be clean, dry, and level. Staggering vinyl flooring also helps to maintain the structural integrity of the floor, minimizing the likelihood of problems such as plank bowing, separating, or warping. After that, youll need to know how wide the planks are. Another option is to tape a piece of your vinyl flooring to the concrete for 72 hours. This will create a staggered pattern that looks natural. Then, install baseboards to hold the flooring down. This will help ensure that the planks are straight and that the staggering is even. Start off by determining the length of the room using a tape measure. Not only is this but going to help with how stable the surface is, it is also going to make it easier to maintain. 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. This is necessary due to the fact that vinyl is sensitive to temperature variations. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. Do you have to stagger vinyl plank flooring? When the spacing between the first and second row is replicated on the third row, the pattern is formed. I stack up all the pattern repeats in similar stacks (typically about five, with a few the same patter but reversed. Wear protective gear, such as goggles and gloves, to prevent injury. Yes, you should stagger your vinyl plank flooring. Start by laying the first row of planks along the longest straight wall in the room. Since the flooring is going to be handling regular weight, its important for the planks to not shift when someone is walking on top of them. The length of the planks you're installing is a limiting factor when spacing end joints. This ensures an even floor color shade instead of having planks of the same color shade installed on one end and the other shade installed on the other end. FAQ. Staggering is a technique used to learn how to install vinyl plank flooring properly. That makes 6 inches the most common minimum spacing for 2- and 3-inch hardwood boards, but laminate planks are typically wider than this. With an example, I'll explain the whole process. It is long-lasting and durable, making the investment of labor and money worthwhile. The trick to properly laying your wood flooring is to stagger the seams, so they appear random. Cut planks to fit into the room length using the saws,. As you work, check to make sure that the planks are straight and that the staggering looks even. Don't forget to mark the expansion gap for the sides & every row. You should avoid having a sliver of a strip on your final plank. Then- divide this figure by the length of your laminate flooring planks. Rob joined the Home Flooring Pros team in 2014 and is a freelance writer, specializing in flooring, remodeling and HVAC systems (read more). 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. In this section we will answer a few of the common questions about staggering vinyl flooring. 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. 10. Allow a 1/8-inch expansion on its right side and secure the plank to the first row of planks by pressing the adhesive strips together. Score, break and install the plank as the first plank in the third row. It is something you are going to appreciate due to how the lines sit on the flooring. 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. wide, you'd divide 123 by 5.75, which is 21.39. Vinyl flooring can be used to create a realistic replica of, Read More What is Vinyl Flooring [Ultimate Guide]Continue, However, even while vinyl flooring can withstand a great deal of abuse, especially in high-traffic areas of a home, it still needs regular maintenance and cleaning to keep it looking its best. Then, lay the second row and cut the final plank to fit. 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. 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. To alleviate the odor, open windows for ventilation. This type of stagger will closely tie the floors together. The goal when creating a flooring stagger pattern is to distribute the ends joints as randomly as possible. Take the first board out of the stack and place it on the table. [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. 1. 3 Conclusion. Even lay out all the pieces before snapping them in place. Will the joints look randomly placed? I have standard 4 planks. How to Stagger Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. It is not just about the looks but also making sure it lasts longer as soon as it is in place. How to Deep Clean Vinyl Floors? 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. Divide the rooms width by the width of the planks to determine the number of planks needed to cover the entire floor. They are also less expensive when compared to other types of flooring. 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. All laminate planks have the same length, which may make an irregular pattern sound impossible to achieve. Cutting down the boards for your first row may be necessary in order to have at least a half-width plank for your last row. Start by measuring the length of the room divided by the length of luxury vinyl planks. Place a T-square or speed square so that its edge rests on the pencil line and the top sits on the plank. This type of stagger will lock the flooring tightly together. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How To Fix Gouges In Hardwood Floors (Step-by-Step Guide), Can You Paint Hardwood Floors? If they look too uniform, youve got an H-joint or Step/Lightning problem which can be solved by following the information below. [Answered!! Step 2: Cut the final plank in the first row. 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. 3-section vinyl roller. About Us | Advertise | Contact Us | Website T&C's and Privacy Policy. Change the utility knife blades frequently. ), Carpet shears, also known as carpet snips. 2. The rule of thumb is to maintain an 8 stagger when it comes to the setup. 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. Generally, it is recommended that the space between the end-joint of adjacent rows be about 6 inches, but this will depend on the size of the 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. 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. The primary criterion for building a solid stagger is that all boards overlap by at least 6 inches. After every row, continue this procedure, keeping in mind that the first boards are two to three inches longer or shorter than the other initial boards. If you have to remove the existing flooring, youll need some additional tools, such as pliers, a pry bar, a hammer, and possibly a screwdriver to complete the job. For the seventh row, use the offcut from the fourth row. 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. The different lengths of each cutoff should allow the seams to fall in random order. Straight lines dont do this as well as the staggered setup. They are exceptionally long-lasting and available in a range of designs and colors. That is, it would take 21.39 planks to complete the floor. The staggered design is a way to make sure there is an increased sense of stability and it becomes easier to walk around. To prevent the tool from moving, firmly press it on the floor. Place the first plank with the tongue side. ], How to Install Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring [Step-by-Step Guide], How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring [Answered!! Take caution not to build an H-joint in your design. The purpose of this is to help the planks adapt to the new place. If after a few rows you run out of cutoffs, eye the previous two rows and cut the next rows first plank so that the seams wont be too close together. Continue in this manner until the vinyl plank flooring has been installed throughout the entire room, if necessary. 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). Be sure to stagger the seams so they don't line up. 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. Lay a piece of vinyl flooring against the door casing. | Laminate Floor 101, Kitchen Flooring Options Budget Friendly, Durable and Stylish, Living Room Vinyl Flooring Best Options, Brands and Prices.