So, you’re sick of looking at your old floors. Maybe they’ve got scratches, maybe they’ve seen one too many spills, or maybe they just don’t fit the look you want anymore. You know you want something durable, waterproof, and easy to clean, and you’ve heard that luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) is the way to go.
You’re on the right track.
LVP gives you that rich hardwood look without the stress. No worrying about water damage. No constant refinishing. Just great-looking floors that can handle whatever life throws at them.
Now, the real question: Can you install it yourself?
Yes. A thousand times, yes. If you can measure, cut a straight line, and snap pieces together, you can lay down LVP. And I’m going to walk you through exactly how to do it.
First Things First: What You’ll Need
Before you start ripping up old floors, let’s make sure you’ve got everything handy.
🔹 A few basic tools: 
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife (a fresh blade makes a world of difference)
- Tapping block & rubber mallet
- Spacers (¼-inch)
- Pencil or chalk line
- Speed square (for marking cuts)
🔹 And, of course, your flooring:
- Waterproof vinyl planks (Check out our LVP collection)
- Underlayment (if your planks don’t have a built-in pad)
- Transition strips (if you’re connecting to another type of flooring)
Let’s Talk Prep: Don’t Skip This Part
I know you’re excited to start laying planks, but a little prep goes a long way. If your subfloor isn’t clean and level, your install won’t turn out as smooth as it should.
Here’s what to check for:
✔ Dirt & debris? Sweep or vacuum.
✔ Uneven spots? Fill dips with a leveling compound.
✔ Loose boards or tiles? Secure them down.
If you’re installing over concrete, you’ll want to make sure it’s completely dry before laying anything down.
💡 Pro Tip: If your floor isn’t perfectly flat, don’t panic. LVP is pretty forgiving. Just make sure there aren’t any major bumps.
Step 1: Let Your Planks Adjust to the Room
Don’t skip this. Seriously.
Luxury vinyl expands and contracts based on temperature, so if you install it right out of the box, it could shift later. Let the planks sit in the room for at least 48 hours before installing them. Keep the room at a normal temperature (around 65-75°F).
Step 2: Plan Your Layout (Trust Me, It’s Worth It)
I get it—you want to start clicking planks together. But a few minutes of planning will save you from a frustrating mess later.
Here’s what you need to think about:
✔ Which direction should the planks go? Usually, you want to run them parallel to the longest wall in the room. It just looks better.
✔ Stagger the seams so they don’t line up row after row.
✔ Don’t end up with a tiny plank. If your last row would be super skinny, trim your first row a bit to even things out.
Step 3: Time to Lay Your Floors
Alright, here’s where the fun starts.
Click-and-Lock Installation (The Easiest Method)
1️⃣ Start in the left corner of the room. Lay your first plank with the tongue side facing the wall.
2️⃣ Use spacers along the edges to leave a ¼-inch gap—this lets the floor expand and contract naturally.
3️⃣ Click the next plank into place. Angle it in, push it down, and snap! That’s it.
4️⃣ Use a tapping block & mallet if needed. If a plank doesn’t click in easily, a gentle tap will do the trick.
5️⃣ Keep going, staggering the seams. Just like a brick pattern—this keeps everything looking natural.
💡 Pro Tip: When you get to doorways, undercut the door frame so the planks can slide underneath. It’s way easier than trying to cut around them.
Cutting Planks: The Easy Way
- Straight cuts? Score the plank with a utility knife, then snap it.
- Notches for doorways? A jigsaw or oscillating tool works best.
If you mess up a cut, don’t stress. You’ll get the hang of it after a few tries.
Step 4: The Finishing Touches That Make It Look Professional
- Take out the spacers and install your baseboards or quarter-round molding.
- Add transition strips where the vinyl meets another type of flooring.
- If you installed in a bathroom or kitchen, seal the edges with waterproof caulk. It’s an extra layer of protection.
And that’s it. You just installed a brand-new floor.
Common Questions DIYers Ask Me
How long does this take?
Most rooms take about 4-6 hours once you get going.
Do I need an underlayment?
Some LVP comes with an attached pad, so check your planks. If not, adding a thin underlayment can help with sound reduction.
Can I install over tile or hardwood?
Yep! Just make sure the surface is clean and level.
What’s the best way to clean LVP after installation?
Sweep and mop with warm water and a mild cleaner. Skip the wax—it’s not needed.
Final Thoughts: You Just Leveled Up Your Home
You did it. You went from thinking “I don’t know if I can do this” to laying down your own waterproof vinyl floors like a pro.
And the best part? Your floors are built to last. You won’t have to worry about scratches, spills, or water damage. Just enjoy your space.
If you still need help choosing the right flooring, we’ve got you covered. At Discount Floors 2U, we’ve helped thousands of DIYers find affordable, high-quality waterproof vinyl flooring that’s easy to install and made to last.
👉 Shop our Waterproof Vinyl Flooring Collection
Got questions? Need expert advice? Reach out to us today.
About the Author: Richard Cavazos
