Which Direction to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring? [Answered!!]

Vinyl plank flooring is a terrific alternative if you’re searching for stylish, yet affordable, flooring that’s also simple to keep and clean.

In addition, it isn’t difficult to put in place – provided that you organize your layout meticulously.

If you want to accomplish this, the first question you must address is which direction you should put vinyl plank flooring.

The answer to that question has the potential to completely transform the appearance of your place.

It will also decide the size of the cuts you will need to make in your vinyl planks if any.

No worries if you are unsure of which direction you want your flooring to run in – we are here to assist you!

We’ll walk you through each of the aspects to take into consideration.

We’ll also go over how to achieve the greatest outcomes possible from your installation.

So, if you’re up for it, let’s get this party started!

In which direction should vinyl plank flooring be installed?

Similar to this, it is often recommended that boards be put parallel to the longest wall of the room to maximize visual impact.

Installing vinyl planks in a living room that measures 12 by 18 feet, for example, necessitates running the planks parallel to the 18-foot wall on both sides.

Rooms that are small will appear larger and wider as a result of this technique.

Preparation for Installing Vinyl Flooring

Step 1: Preparation

Prior to installing vinyl plank flooring, it is necessary to do extensive preparation work.

Because the product adheres to whatever is beneath it, if you leave a protruding nail in your flooring, the vinyl will eventually develop a bump.

As a result, you must ensure that the surface on which you will be installing your vinyl plank flooring is absolutely level and free of debris before proceeding.

Following are some steps to take in order to arrive at that blank slate:

Step 2: Demolish the existing flooring

Are you considering replacing your carpet with vinyl?

Or how about a tiled floor?

While some vinyl products allow you to install the material directly on top of existing flooring, others require you to install the material directly on top of the subfloor or underlayment, which can be difficult.

Given the possibility of unevenness in older floors, laying vinyl over the underlayment is often recommended.

As a result, the first stage in the installation process is to remove the old flooring.

In order to remove tiles using a scraping tool, for example, apply pressure horizontally rather than downward. You will be less likely to dent your subfloor in this manner.

Step 3: Make Sure Your Subfloor Is Level

In a jiffy, you can put together a design that complements your room.

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Look over your subfloor to see how it is holding up. If it’s level and undamaged, it’s safe to move on with it.

However, if a surface is in poor condition, it may be necessary to replace it.

Drilling holes in plywood underlayment and screwing them in is rather simple (the screw heads should be below the surface of the wood).

If you are installing underlayment over an existing subfloor, make certain that the surface is level before proceeding.

Caulking can be used to fill in holes and even divots formed by screws and nails.

Take care to ensure that your caulking job is straight and even.

Step 4: Ensure that the floor is clean

To avoid bumps in your vinyl plank flooring caused by dust, debris, and wood chips, make sure that you properly sweep the area before proceeding to the next phase of the process.

To begin, sweep the floor with a broom, then get out a vacuum with a hose attachment to collect any remaining particles.

After you’ve cleaned the subfloor, take care not to track in any more dust or grime.

In fact, if you’re working on the project over a number of days, you might want to take a break after leveling the subfloor and begin cleaning the next day.

Step 5: Take Stock and Make a Plan

You may have already done this when ordering your planks of vinyl flooring, but it is important to do it in order to ensure that the flooring is correctly installed.

Then you’ll need to select how you’re going to arrange your tiles.

If you choose, you can arrange the breaks in a staggered fashion (similar to how bricks are stacked).

In many cases, you will have to cut some of the boards in order for them to fit into the space.

According to the traditional adage, you should always measure twice (or more) before cutting.

Leaving the cutting until later in the installation process will allow you to see exactly where the parts will go in the final product.

The boards should be cut by scoring them on either side using a box cutter, then folding and pulling the pieces apart from each other.

When it comes to setting down vinyl floors, what are the different options?

To make your decision a bit easier, have a look at the several alternatives available to you.

If at all feasible, carry a case of the planks you selected home and spread them out on the floor to get a sense of the overall effect.

You could be shocked by how much you think about a direction or pattern that you haven’t

given much thought to up until now.

Horizontal

If you are standing at the entrance of a room and want the ends of your flooring to point from left to right, your flooring will be laid horizontally.

Vertical

In the same way, if you stand at the entrance of the room and your planks are vertical, the grain will run from your feet to the wall on the other side of you.

Diagonal

When placing vinyl planks diagonally, most professionals utilize a 40-degree angle as a general rule.

This is the direction many homeowners say is ideal for tying numerous rooms together, making them all feel more spacious, and adding an air of modern mystery to the space.

Herringbone

You may create a herringbone pattern by butting the narrow ends of your boards together to produce a 90-degree angle.

Chevron

This form of zig-zag will necessitate the trimming of the corners of your boards, which should be done at a 45-degree angle in this case.

Things To Consider When Choosing Direction In

Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring

Follow the Light’s lead

When it comes to classic design, flooring is typically built in the direction of the major light source.

If there are large windows or an entryway that lets in a lot of natural light, it is best to place the floors in the same direction as the light is coming from.

Having said that, light is not always the most reliable guidance, especially if you’re working in a small place or have other space constraints.

It’s important to note that horizontal and vertical installation aren’t the only alternatives; vinyl plank and wood floors can look fantastic when laid diagonally as well.

Take into Consideration the Room’s Shape

Using boards to run the length of a space that is narrow, such as a hallway, a corridor, or a long kitchen, will provide visual interest.

Similar to this, it is often recommended that boards be put parallel to the longest wall of the room to maximize visual impact.

Installing vinyl planks in a 12 by the 18-foot living room, for example, requires running the planks parallel to the 18-foot wall on both sides.

Smaller rooms will appear larger and wider as a result of this.

Additional considerations include sloped walls in some rooms, which may make a diagonal layout a little more visually appealing.

Take Note of the Room’s Specifications

Another method for determining the best possible direction for your planks is to follow the direction of the features in your room.

You might, for example, follow the path of the primary or most often used entry to the chamber to find your way.

For example, if you’re replacing the floorboards in the foyer, make sure that the planks are laid in the same direction as the entrance door.

Other considerations, such as the steps performed, should be taken into consideration as well.

Due to the fact that boards are laid horizontally on stairs, it is possible that this will be the most effective option in terms of consistency from the steps to the main floors.

Allow the floor to serve as a guide

The form, color variation, and grain of the flooring may have an impact on the aesthetics, so you may want to keep this in mind while deciding which way to put the flooring.

Depending on how you install the planks, such as in a specific direction according to the light, you may be able to more effectively showcase some of the most beautiful aspects of the floor design.

Also vital is that you refer to your manufacturer’s installation instructions before installing, since the floor type may have a “proper” pattern of installation that must be followed.

Depending on your personal preferences, choose

The direction in which your wood or vinyl plank flooring is installed is usually a matter of personal preference, though.

The way your floors are set out may have a significant impact on the overall atmosphere of a space, making it appear larger, smaller, busier, or more tranquil.

However, at the end of the day, the arrangement has little to no effect on performance or quality of output.

You and your qualified installer should decide on the path that makes the most sense for you both.

Taking Your Time to Think About Your Options

The direction in which your plank flooring is put will have a significant impact on the final appearance and general feel of the room, so it’s worth taking some time to think about it.

If you have any issues or are dealing with a particularly difficult situation, nothing beats seeking help from a professional installer or hiring a local professional to complete the task on your behalf.

The extra time you spend visualizing your layout or consulting with a local professional can assist to ensure that you get beautiful, long-lasting flooring in the long run.

Our Final Thoughts

It can be overwhelming to evaluate all of the many alternatives and factors to take into consideration – but don’t get overwhelmed!

Remember, the impression you desire is the single most essential consideration when determining the direction of your vinyl plank flooring installation. We are all unique, and there is no such thing as a good or incorrect answer!

What appears to be open and airy to some people can appear sterile to others, and vice versa.

Furthermore, what some people consider to be a pleasant and friendly nook may appear to others to be claustrophobic and cluttered.

Make an effort not to be concerned with pleasing others. Everything you say is taken into consideration in this house.

Frequently Ask Questions