LVT Outlet
How to Install LVT Flooring.
Installing LVT flooring and SPC click flooring is one of the most rewarding DIY jobs you can do. No adhesive, no specialist tools and no fitter required — just click, lay and enjoy. Follow our step-by-step LVT flooring installation guide and you'll have beautiful new floors in no time.
What You Will Need
Before you start installing your LVT flooring or SPC click flooring, make sure you have the following tools and materials to hand. Most of these are standard DIY items you may already own.
Tools
What you'll need
Tape measure, pencil, utility knife or fine-toothed saw, rubber mallet, pull bar, tapping block and spacers.
Materials
Good to have
Your LVT flooring or SPC flooring planks, a moisture barrier if required, and finishing trims or beading for edges and doorways.
Safety
Stay safe
Safety glasses when cutting, knee pads for comfort during installation, and gloves when handling tools and trims.
Before You Begin
Getting your subfloor and room ready before you start laying your LVT flooring or SPC flooring is the most important part of the installation process. A little preparation goes a long way.
Acclimatise your flooring — leave your LVT flooring or SPC flooring boxes in the room for at least 48 hours before installation so the planks can adjust to the room temperature.
Check your subfloor — your subfloor must be clean, dry and level. Any lumps, dips or debris greater than 3mm per metre must be addressed before laying your vinyl flooring.
Check moisture levels — if laying on concrete, check moisture levels with a damp meter. Excess moisture can affect your LVT flooring over time.
Remove existing flooring — remove any existing carpet, laminate or other flooring before laying your new LVT or SPC click flooring. Old adhesive residue should be scraped clean.
Underlay — most of our LVT flooring and SPC flooring comes with integrated IXPE underlay so no separate underlay is required. Check your product specification to confirm.
Underfloor heating — if you have underfloor heating, ensure it has been off for at least 24 hours before installation and do not turn it back on for 24 hours after laying.
Step-by-Step LVT Flooring Installation
Follow these steps to install your LVT click flooring or SPC flooring correctly. Take your time — a careful installation will give you a floor that lasts for decades.
Plan Your Layout
Before laying a single plank, plan your layout carefully. Measure the room and work out how many rows of LVT flooring you need. Aim to start and finish with planks of equal width — if the last row would be less than 50mm wide, trim the first row down to compensate. Lay planks lengthways in the direction of the longest wall or the main light source for the best visual result.
Place Your Spacers
Place 8–10mm spacers around the perimeter of the room before you begin. This expansion gap is essential — it allows your LVT flooring or SPC flooring to expand and contract naturally with changes in temperature and humidity. Without this gap your floor may buckle over time. The gap will be covered by skirting boards or beading once installation is complete.
Lay the First Row
Start in the left-hand corner of the room with the tongue side of the plank facing the wall. Lay planks end to end along the first row, clicking the short ends together at a slight angle and pressing down to lock. Use a pull bar and rubber mallet to ensure each joint is tight. Cut the last plank in the row to fit, leaving the correct expansion gap against the wall.
Continue Laying Rows
Connect each new plank to the previous row by angling it against the long edge of the already-laid plank and pressing down to click into place. Use a tapping block