Replacing old carpet with vinyl plank flooring is one of the highest-impact home improvements a motivated DIYer can tackle. The result is a cleaner, more modern space, and doing it yourself saves a substantial amount compared to hiring a flooring contractor.
This beginner's guide covers the whole process, from removing old carpet to laying a professional-looking floating floor.
Why Choose Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the most popular DIY flooring choice for good reasons. It is waterproof, which suits kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. It is forgiving of slightly uneven subfloors. It is warm and comfortable underfoot. And the click-lock installation system is genuinely beginner-friendly, requiring no glue or nails.
What You Will Need
Gather a tape measure, utility knife, pull bar, tapping block, rubber mallet, a saw for cutting planks, a pencil, safety glasses, knee pads, and a vacuum. You will also need underlay if it is not pre-attached to your planks, and transition strips for doorways.
Step 1: Remove the Old Carpet
Clear the room. Pull up a corner of the carpet and roll it back, cutting it into manageable strips as you go. Remove the underlay the same way, then pry up the tack strips around the perimeter, wearing thick gloves to protect against the sharp tacks.
Step 2: Prepare the Subfloor
Sweep and vacuum thoroughly. Secure any squeaking boards with screws. Check that the subfloor is level within about three millimetres over a one and a half metre span. Sand down high spots and fill low spots with self-levelling compound. A smooth, level subfloor is essential for a good result.
Step 3: Let the Planks Acclimatise
Leave the flooring in the room for 24 to 48 hours before installing. This lets the planks adjust to the room's temperature and humidity, preventing expansion or contraction problems later.
Step 4: Lay the First Rows
Start along the longest, straightest wall. Leave an expansion gap of about 10 millimetres around all walls and fixed objects, which will be hidden by skirting boards. Click the first row together end to end, then stagger the joints in the second row by starting with a cut plank, which looks better and is structurally stronger.
Step 5: Continue Across the Room
Use the tapping block and mallet to click rows tightly together, and the pull bar to draw planks tight against walls. Measure and cut planks to fit as needed. Check periodically that your rows are staying straight.
Step 6: Finish the Edges
Once the floor is down, fit transition strips at doorways and reinstall or replace skirting boards to cover the expansion gap. The finished result is difficult to distinguish from a professional installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vinyl plank flooring easy to install yourself?
Yes. The click-lock system used by most LVP products requires no glue or nails and is one of the most beginner-friendly flooring types available. Most rooms can be completed in a weekend.
Do I need underlay for vinyl plank flooring?
Some LVP products have underlay pre-attached. If yours does not, a separate underlay improves comfort, sound, and warmth. Check the manufacturer's recommendation.
Can I lay vinyl plank over existing flooring?
Often yes, provided the existing floor is hard, flat, and stable, such as tile or timber. You should not lay it over carpet. Always check the manufacturer's guidance.
Why leave an expansion gap?
Floating floors expand and contract slightly with temperature and humidity. The expansion gap around the edges gives the floor room to move without buckling, and it is hidden by skirting boards.
For another transformative DIY update, read our guide on 10 Kitchen Upgrades That Add the Most Value to Your Home.
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