The integrity of your flooring and overall longevity, comes down to proper installation and preparation. A good installation starts with a smooth and even subfloor. The requirements for your subfloor will vary based on your project. For example, plank flooring will require a more even and flat subfloor, additional prep for low spots and protection against moisture, than carpet or sheet vinyl. Make sure to teach the specific installation instruction for your flooring, they will outline the exact environment your flooring requires. 

Subfloor leveling: This is much more important when installing any kind of plank flooring. Low spots in your subfloor can cause your floor to bend too much when walked on, this causes undue stress on your floor joint and can lead to breakage. A smooth, even subfloor is essential to proper installation. Check your installation instructions for exact requirements.

Moisture testing: Moisture issues are more common in concrete subfloors. It is normal for moisture to come up from below your home and seep into your subfloor. Constant contact with moisture can cause your floor to fail overtime. Testing your subfloor’s moisture level will give you the information you need to decide if further moisture protection is required to maintain your floors. Many flooring product today are integrated with water resistant characteristics, but maintaining moisture levels is still important. The majority of plank flooring now requires additional plastic moisture barrier installed over concrete subfloor to maintain your warranty. Always make sure to check for moisture guidelines for specifics on moisture requirements.

Your product installation guidelines will outline your different pattern, installation direction, and staggering options. The guidelines will also indicate how to start your first row and how each roll will fall into place after.

Pay special attention to corners, doorways and other obstacles. These areas will require precision cuts to fit the product properly. 

Expansion Gaps: Typically, a floating floor requires about ¼ inch expansion gap around the whole boarder of your installation, but again, the installation guidelines for your flooring will specific what the required expansion gap is. The expansion gap is there to allow the flooring to expand and contract with changes in temperature. Inadequate expansion gaps may lead to bucking and breakage of your floor joints, leading to the failure of your flooring. 

Floating: A Floating floor does just that. It floats on your subfloor and expands and contracts with changes in temperature. The flooring is clicked together at the joints and can be installed directly over the subfloor or over existing flooring, depending on what kind and how many layers. 

Glue Down: With this option, the planks are glued down directly to the subfloor and do not move. This kind of installation requires the application of recommended adhesive for your product. This will require additional tools, and research on proper application of glue. Check your installation guidelines to see if glueing down your flooring is an option. 

Visible Seams: Creating a seamless transition between planks can come with challenges. It is important that planks are properly aligned to avoid gapping or visible seams. Ensuring the proper tools and application is also essential in executing a proper installation. 

Transitions: Flooring transitions are required in several instances – when different flooring types meet, when two surfaces that are meeting are uneven, in doorways usually over 4 feet, and runs of flooring typically over 100 linear feet. In additional to providing a transition from one flooring type or one flooring level to another, transitions are used to breakup long runs of flooring to help avoid any separation or buckling with the expansion and contraction of the flooring. It is essential that transitions are installed properly. The best way to help your transitions blend in, is to ensure the are installed evenly, and glued or clicked into the transitions track appropriately. Proper installation of transitions will be outlined in your installation guide and is essential to the overall warranty of your floor. Make sure to do your research. 

Some flooring types require acclimation prior to install. Your installation instructions will outline exact acclimation requirements, but there are some general guidelines you can follow if your flooring requires acclimation 

You should also note that most floating flooring requires maintenance. The temperature in your home should stay between 65-85 degrees after installation. This will prevent the flooring from expanding and contracting too much, which can lead to damage of your flooring. 

Utility Knife – in most cases, vinyl plank is typically pretty easy to cut with a utility knife. You can score your cut and then snap the plank.

Tapping Block – this is used to gently tap the vinyl together at the joints. It is important to use carefully to avoid damaging the floor 

Spacers – these are used around the perimeter of your flooring project to ensure proper expansion gap. 

Rubber Mallet – this is use together with the tapping block to join planks together snuggly. 

Knee pads – those not absolutely necessary, knee pads will help make the installation easier as you move across the floor 

Vacuum cleaner – cutting plank and prepping sub-floor can get a bit dusty so having a vacuum handy is a good idea.