How much space do you need around vinyl plank flooring?

Author: Hank Legros  |  Last update: Monday, October 6, 2025

Your vinyl planks will be placed parallel to the focal wall or the longest wall in the room. Measure out the length and width of the room, and divide the width of the room by the width of the planks. Plan for ¼” gap along the walls to allow for expansion.

How much gap to leave for vinyl plank flooring?

If the floor is less than 50 ft in length or width, leave at least a ¼-inch expansion gap around the entire perimeter. If the floor is between 50–85-ft, increase the expansion gap to ½-inch around the entire perimeter.

What is an acceptable gap in vinyl plank flooring?

The pass level for ASTM F 2199 is such that shrinkage of up to 0.024” / linear foot is considered a “pass”. This equates to a maximum allowable gap of 0.072” for a typical three foot plank, which is more than double the thickness of a credit card.

How far should vinyl planks be from the wall?

As a rule, when laying the first row of planks, ensure you leave a tiny space (about a quarter of an inch) between the planks and the wall. Since most flooring materials, such as vinyl planks, tend to expand and contract as humidity varies, this space or expansion gap will keep the planks from buckling.

How much does vinyl plank flooring expand and contract near?

Both luxury vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring expand and contract when exposed to changes in weather, including temperatures. The expansion and contraction are only fractions of an inch, but this can make a difference.

2 Types Of Vinyl Flooring | Which Is Right For Your Home?

Does vinyl plank flooring need an expansion gap?

However, it varies depending on the vinyl floor and room size. An expansion joint of between 5mm and 10mm is recommended for most vinyl floor coverings. In complicated areas such as door junctions and large rooms, the extension gap can be up to 15mm wide.

How much does it cost to install 1000 sq ft vinyl plank flooring?

The average cost to install 1,000 square feet of vinyl flooring is between $2,000 and $7,000 for standard vinyl planks and between $3,000 and $10,000 for luxury vinyl planks. Adding in labor costs brings the total to between $5,000 and $20,000.

How much space should I leave between flooring and wall?

Generally, a gap of 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch is recommended for hardwood flooring, while laminate flooring typically requires a gap of 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch. It's important to note that the expansion gap should be consistent throughout the room, including around obstacles such as doorways, cabinets, and pipes.

Should I use underlayment for vinyl plank flooring?

If you're laying the LVP over an existing cushion-backed vinyl floor or a below-grade tile floor, you won't need to use an underlayment. However, you'll want to use one in every other application, including covering existing hardwood floors, uncushioned vinyl flooring, and concrete floors.

How to seal edges of vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl plank is very durable, and scratch and water-resistant. It can stand up to the steam and water produced in a bathroom. HOWEVER, it is essential that you seal around the edges of your floating LVP with silicone caulking. You do not want water getting underneath your flooring.

How do you space out vinyl plank flooring?

Use the 2-Inch Rule:

As a general guideline, ensure that the end joints between planks in adjacent rows are staggered by at least 2 inches. This means the starter plank in each new row should be at least 2 inches longer or shorter than the starter plank in the row before it.

What is the best glue for vinyl plank flooring seams?

Epoxy-based adhesives are a two-component adhesive system consisting of a resin and a hardener. When mixed, these components create a chemical reaction that forms an incredibly strong bond, making epoxy adhesives an ideal choice for heavy-duty vinyl plank flooring installations.

What happens if you don't stagger vinyl flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring that hasn't been staggered is more prone to buckling and separation. This happens when vinyl flooring can't bear the weight of heavy furniture items such as couches, pianos, tables, beds, etc.

What is the gap between vinyl flooring and wall?

The recommended size for an expansion gap for luxury vinyl flooring is at least 4mm. However, depending on the specific product and manufacturer's guidelines, a gap of 6mm to 8mm may also be appropriate.

Do you install baseboards before or after vinyl plank flooring?

Baseboards are typically installed prior to the flooring. For instance, baseboards should be installed first before laying carpeting. It allows for the edges to be tucked under and out of view. However, it's much easier and convenient for hardwood and laminate flooring to be laid first before installing the trim.

What is the perimeter floor gap?

An expansion gap is a small space left around the perimeter of the room. For hardwood floors it is recommended that a gap of at least 12mm is left around the entire edge of the room, including all doorways, fireplaces, and around any pipework.

Can you put vinyl plank flooring directly on the subfloor?

If the vinyl flooring product you choose doesn't have an attached underlayment, you can almost always install directly over the subfloor without one.

What happens if you don't put a moisture barrier under vinyl flooring?

When moisture penetrates your flooring, it can cause mold, mildew, and the potential for water damage. A moisture barrier helps control the water vapor's movement to help protect your floors. Therefore, if you're installing floors in an area that sees moisture, even a little, a vapor barrier is needed.

Why does my LVP floor crackle when I walk on it?

When you walk on tile, you are pushing it down into the adhesive, and if the tile is not conformed, you are pushing it into contact with the adhesive which causes the clicking/crackling sound. To fix this, you can usually heat the area for at least a day, and then roll the tile using a 100-pound roller.

What is the rule of 3 flooring?

This rule says you should use three flooring types at maximum throughout the whole home. For example, you might use hardwood in public areas of the house, except the kitchen and bathroom, where you use vinyl linoleum.

How far should vinyl flooring be from wall?

Lay the first row of vinyl plank flooring along the wall, leaving the manufacturer-recommended amount of expansion space between the plank's edge and the wall (usually about 1/4-inch). If the planks are cut, make sure the cut edge is facing the wall.

How far apart should floating floors be spaced?

Tip: Leave a 3/8-inch gap along both walls to allow for expansion of the flooring.

How long does it take to install 500 sq ft of vinyl plank flooring?

How long does it take to install 500 square feet of vinyl plank flooring? It takes a professional crew about half a day to a full day to install 500 square feet of vinyl plank flooring. For a do-it-yourselfer, it may take a day or two to install 500 square feet of vinyl plank flooring.

What is the cheapest flooring option?

One of the leading & most affordable flooring options is vinyl flooring. This flooring is crowned just for its adaptability and cost-effectiveness. It saves you even more money due to the peel-and-stick options available.

Does Home Depot install flooring?

For the flooring installation you've always dreamed of, you can't beat The Home Depot. Our professional flooring contractors are industry experts with the experience to get the job done right.

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