You pick up your phone to hit Google with “How to stagger vinyl plank flooring?” Wondering how you landed here? Let me guess. You jumped into your overalls, turned on some classical DIY disco music from your all-time favorite rock band, and picked up vinyl planks to lay the flooring.
After placing the final piece, you stood up excited to appreciate your craftsmanship, but to your surprise, the floor didn’t turn out how you expected it to be. The seams are too evenly aligned, which goes hard on the eyes, forcing you to look for the correct vinyl plank layout patterns.
Luckily, we are here to help you. We have written this guide to assist you in staggering vinyl plank flooring. There is no denying that this process can be a little tricky. However, following the proper steps can make it relatively easy.
Let’s get started.
How To Stagger Vinyl Plank Flooring Step By Step?
Here are some effective steps to get a staggered vinyl flooring pattern.
Step 1: Prepare the Room
If you’re wondering how to stagger vinyl plank flooring, the first step is to prepare the room. It is necessary to empty the space by removing all furniture. You should also remove any existing floor and thoroughly clean the subfloor to prep it to lay the perfect staggering floor. Ensure the room is clean, dry, and free from debris.
Step 2: Calculate The Number Of Planks You Need
Get a tape measure to evaluate the width and length of the room where you want to position vinyl planks. To calculate the number of planks needed for the room, divide the room’s width by the width of the planks. This calculation will give you the right size of vinyl planks in the first and last rows.
Remember, they must be the same size for an aesthetic staggering floor pattern. However, the last-row planks might be smaller than the first-row ones. In such a situation, trim the first-row planks to the size of the last ones.
Step 3: Understand What Are H-Joints And Step Patterns
Before you start laying your vinyl plank flooring, it is crucial to understand the “H-Joint” and “Step Pattern,” as they are common mistakes that can mess up the entire floor. The H-Joint occurs when the first-row planks align with the third-row planks. Simply put, vinyl planks end at the same point in every other row, forming an H pattern. Not only does it steal the aesthetics of the floor by creating an unnatural look, but it also depicts that the flooring has not been professionally done.
Moreover, it also increases the risk of planks loosening and disassembling in the future as a weak spot is created due to an H-joint. As a result, you will have to do the job again in the future.
The “step pattern” or “lightning problem” is another mistake many rookies make while installing vinyl plank flooring. This typically happens when the third row repeats the spacing of the first and second rows, creating a regular pattern instead of a random staggered one. This also results in an unattractive appearance.
A simple way to prevent these mistakes while installing a staggered vinyl flooring pattern is to always place the cutoff planks first in every row. This way, the seams will fall randomly as every plank’s size will be different.
Now, you may wonder, what if I run out of cutoff planks after a few rows? Well, we have a secret solution for that as well. All you need to do is observe the first two rows to cut the next row’s first plank. This way, the seams won’t be too close together, giving you flawless staggering vinyl plank flooring.
Step 4: Asses The Number Of Planks You Need
Measure the width and length of the room where you want staggering vinyl flooring with a tape measure. Divide the room’s width by the plank’s width to calculate the floorboards needed to cover the entire floor.
Moreover, remember, if you want a perfect staggered flooring pattern, it is essential to have the right and same size of planks in the first and last rows, which you will get through this calculation. If any row’s planks size turns out to be smaller or bigger than the other one, you could mismanage your entire flooring. For instance, if the last row’s planks size is smaller than the first row, you will have to cut the size of the first-row planks.
Step 5: Know The Spacing Rules
Want to know the main secret behind how to stagger vinyl plank flooring flawlessly? Space the planks correctly. There is no denying that you are nearly halfway there in exceptionally racking vinyl planks by doing this.
Although it depends on the plank’s size, there is typically six inches of space between the end-joint of adjacent rows. The standard vinyl planks are two-three inches wide, making the six-inch spacing rule perfectly applicable, but if the planks are wider, there is no harm in increasing the spacing up to ten inches. However, increasing it to more than that would not be a good idea as this poses a threat to creating an H-joint.
Step 6: Calculate The Right Staggering Space
It is necessary to determine the size of the first and last rows of planks to ensure minimum spacing between the plank’s endpoints. This is important so that you get a natural look at your floor. All you need to do is get a tape measure to determine the room’s length and divide it by the length of a full plank. The optimal stagger spacing is 6 inches. If the number is greater, start the first row by placing a full plank. However, if the number is smaller, start the first row by cutting 1/3 of the plank.
Step 7: Shuffle The Planks
After you remove all the planks from their boxes, shuffle them to ensure you get the perfect staggering flooring. If you fail to do so, you’ll have an even floor with the same colored planks. This will suppress originality and give an unattractive look. Therefore, shuffling the floorboards gives the ideal staggering floor, giving an organic appearance. In addition to that, after unboxing the floorboards, leave them for 48 hours before installation. This process lets planks adjust according to the room’s humidity and temperature. As a result, the planks’ acclimation ensures that their locking system is not compromised and that they are uniformly conditioned.
Step 8: Start The Installation Process By Placing The First Board In The First Row
After picking a board, trim its tongue (the small flat edge on the side of the plank). Place the plank in the first row with the tongue side facing the wall and the groove towards the room (the other edge of the plank). Make sure to leave a ¼-inch space between the wall and plank when you install them in the first row.
Moving on, pick the next plank and place its tongue in the first one’s groove. This edge-to-edge plank placing is an effortless, strong-fitting method that ensures strong locking. Similarly, cover the entire row. After placing the first row’s last plank, check if it is under six inches. If so, cut off the first plank to ensure the last one is longer than six inches to give the floor its ultimate structural fitting.
Step 9: Place The Second Row’s Planks
Using the first row’s offcuts, start placing the planks for the second row. Ensure that the first plank of the second row is a minimum of six inches from the closest joint in the first row to get a staggered flooring pattern in the first and second rows. Place the remaining planks in the second row. Cut the row’s last plank accordingly to fit it.
Step 10: Install The Planks In The Third Rows
To install the planks in the third row, never use the offcut, as this will give you a step pattern, blowing off the entire staggering vinyl plank flooring pattern you are trying to achieve. As a result, pick a fresh plank from the stack just like you did in the first row. Cut it into a casual length with a minimum of six-inch spacing from the closest joint. Additionally, avoid creating an H-joint by aligning the last plank with the first row’s last plank, ending at the same point.
Step 11: Continue Installing The Remaining Rows In A Similar Manner
You can use the offcut of the second row to start the fourth row. Further, the offcut of the third row can be used in the fifth row. By the time you’re in the sixth row, pick a fresh plank from the stack and cut it at a random length. The seventh row can be started by using the fourth row’s offcut. Keep doing this process until you cover the entire room with your dream staggering vinyl plank flooring patterns.
Additional Tips On How To Stagger Vinyl Plank Flooring Perfectly
Here are some additional tips to make installing the staggering vinyl plank flooring easy and error-free.
Use A Stagger Template
Consider using a vinyl stagger template if you are new to understanding how to stagger vinyl plank flooring. This tool is made by a piece of flooring cut to a specific size. The stagger template represents the desired stagger distance between the end joints of adjacent rows. The stagger template can be used as a staggering vinyl plank flooring guide to maintain a consistent stagger distance throughout the entire floor, ensuring the planks’ correct positioning.
The stagger template prevents installing long-continuous seams. This not only gives a natural, visually appealing pattern but also enhances the floor’s overall stability. This innovative tool is specifically used when the vinyl planks are of a regular color, texture, or pattern, as the template creates a more random look by breaking the repetition.
Plan The Layout Before Starting
Before starting the installation, plan your staggering vinyl plank flooring layout. This way, you can save time and prevent mistakes during the installation.
Never Use A Dull Knife
Be careful never to use a dull utility knife as it can create spiky edges on the vinyl planks.
Measure and Cut Precisely
The key to achieving flawless flooring is doing accurate measurements and precise cuts. Always use a tape measure, quality utility knife, and straight edge for clean cuts.
Dry Fit Before Installation
Before installing the vinyl planks, lay them without adhesive and lock them to check how the stagger pattern will look. Not only will this save your time and effort, but it will also prevent the planks from damage due to disassembling and re-installation.
Maintain Minimum Lengths
Don’t use a small cutoff at the end of the rows, as this can result in an untidy installation. Always go for a plank in the last row that is six inches or longer to maintain a cleaner appearance.
Always Go For Random Length
Start the first row with a full-length plank and the second with a random plank. This prevents repetitive vinyl plank flooring patterns, giving a natural staggered look.
Offset Each Row
To achieve a random staggered pattern, offset the planks because aligning the end joints of consecutive rows will create an even straight-line appearance.
Go For Diagonal Installation
If you want a unique and exquisite look, consider laying the vinyl planks diagonally across the room. Although this process may be challenging, it gives a stunning result.
Don’t Forget To Prep The Room’s Walls And Floors
You should not only prepare the floor to install a staggering vinyl plank flooring but also remove other boards from the wall so that there is space between the floating vinyl flooring and the walls. Also, cut the door jambs to make flooring installation easy in all parts of the room.
Install Underlayment
Installing water and thermal-proof underlayment is great if you install vinyl planks on concrete. This protects the vinyl planks from moisture, increasing their life. For best results, ask your vinyl plank manufacturer or a flooring expert.
Consult Your Manufacturer
Although vinyl flooring is simple and generic for different types of vinyl planks, it is still good to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for your specific staggering vinyl plank flooring.
Done And Dusted
Vinyl is one of the best solutions if you are looking for a firm flooring choice. Staggering, which is the cherry on top. Not only does it increase the stability and life of the flooring, but it also dazzles up the entire look of the place. All you need to do is lay the planks randomly and ensure the least spacing. Having this knowledge solves your “How to stagger vinyl plank flooring” problem for which you picked up your phone in the first place. So what are you waiting for? Get up and get started on laying the perfect vinyl flooring of your dreams. Good Luck!
