How to Install Luxury Vinyl Tile: Step-by-Step DIY Guide

If you’re looking for a quick, affordable way to upgrade your floors and give your home a sleek, modern look, installing Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is the way to go. When I first heard about it, I thought there was no way I could install it myself. But after diving into a DIY LVT project in my own living room, I’m here to tell you—you can absolutely do this. It’s easier than you think, and the results? Well, let’s just say I felt like a pro when I saw that final look.

Whether you’re a DIY veteran or this is your first time tackling a flooring project, I’ll walk you through the steps I followed, along with the lessons I learned along the way.

Why Choose Luxury Vinyl Tile?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why LVT is such a great option. I’ve worked with a few different flooring materials over the years, but LVT has become one of my favorites. Here’s why:

1. Durability: Luxury Vinyl Tile is built to last. I installed it in my high-traffic living room, and months later, it still looks as good as new. It’s also resistant to scratches and water, which makes it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or homes with kids and pets.
2. Easy Installation: You don’t need to be a professional to install LVT. It’s designed with DIYers in mind, and many types are “click-lock,” meaning they snap together without glue or nails. When I did mine, I was amazed at how quickly it all came together.
3. Cost-Effective: Compared to hardwood or ceramic tile, LVT is a much more affordable option, but it still gives you that high-end look. I wanted the appearance of wood floors without the hefty price tag, and LVT delivered.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you jump in, make sure you have everything you need. I can’t stress this enough—nothing is more frustrating than being mid-project and realizing you’re missing a key tool.

Here’s what I used:

• Luxury Vinyl Tile (make sure you buy 10% more than you think you’ll need for mistakes and cutting!)
• Utility knife (for cutting the tiles)
• Tape measure
• Carpenter’s square (for straight cuts)
• Rubber mallet (for securing the tiles in place)
• Spacers (to leave room for expansion)
• Level (to check for floor evenness)
• Floor roller (optional but helpful for pressing the tiles down evenly)

Once you’ve got all that, you’re ready to go!

Step 2: Prep Your Floor (This is Crucial)

I learned the hard way that prepping the floor is half the battle when it comes to a smooth installation. You want to make sure the surface is as clean, dry, and even as possible. Here’s how I prepped mine:

1. Clear the Room: Move all furniture out of the space. Trust me, you don’t want to be working around heavy objects. It’s easier to do it all at once rather than moving things back and forth.
2. Clean the Subfloor: Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. LVT needs a smooth surface to sit on, so any bumps or dirt can cause the tiles to not sit properly.
3. Check for Leveling: Use a level to check the floor. If there are any dips or bumps, you’ll want to address those before laying down the tiles. For my project, I found a couple of uneven spots, so I used a self-leveling compound to smooth them out. It added an extra step, but it was worth it to avoid problems down the line.
4. Remove Baseboards: This is optional, but I always remove the baseboards before starting a flooring project. It just gives a cleaner look at the end. If you don’t want to take them off, you can add quarter-round molding after installation to cover any gaps.

Step 3: Plan Your Layout

Now that your floor is ready, it’s time to plan your layout. This might seem like an unnecessary step, but trust me—planning ahead saves you from making mistakes later on.

• Dry Fit Your Tiles: Lay out a few tiles (without sticking them down) to get an idea of how they’ll look. I did this across the middle of the room to see how the pattern would flow. Make sure you stagger the tiles so you don’t have seams lining up in the same spot.
• Start in the Middle: I started my installation in the middle of the room and worked my way out to the edges. This way, any cuts I had to make for the edges would be even, rather than having awkwardly small pieces on one side of the room.
• Leave Room for Expansion: Make sure to leave a small gap (around 1/4 inch) between the tiles and the walls. LVT expands and contracts with temperature changes, so this gap is important to avoid buckling. I used spacers to keep everything aligned.

Step 4: Install the Tiles

Here’s the fun part! Installing LVT is honestly so satisfying once you get into the rhythm. Here’s how I did it:

1. Cut the Tiles to Fit: For areas where you need to make cuts (like around door frames or at the edges of the room), use a utility knife and a carpenter’s square. Just score the tile with your knife, then snap it. It’s surprisingly easy—way easier than cutting hardwood or ceramic tile.
2. Click the Tiles Together: If you’re using a click-lock system, the tiles will snap together without any adhesive. I started with two tiles, clicked them into place, and gently tapped them with a rubber mallet to make sure they were secure. Once I got the hang of it, the process went really fast. Just click, tap, and move on!
3. Keep Things Tight: As you lay each row, make sure the seams are tight and there are no gaps. I used my mallet to lightly tap each tile into place and kept an eye on alignment as I went.
4. Cutting Around Obstacles: For areas around door frames, vents, or other obstacles, I measured carefully and used my utility knife to trim the tiles to fit. This part was a little tricky, but with patience and a steady hand, it all came together nicely.

Step 5: Finish the Edges

Once the tiles are all laid down, you’ll want to finish the edges for a clean, professional look.

1. Install the Baseboards: If you removed your baseboards, now’s the time to put them back. This will cover the expansion gap and give the floor a polished look. I used a nail gun to reattach mine, and it made the whole project feel complete.
2. Add Transition Strips: If your LVT is meeting another type of flooring (like carpet or tile), you’ll need transition strips to bridge the gap. These are easy to install and come in matching colors. I used one at the doorway between my living room and hallway, and it gave the whole room a finished, seamless appearance.

Step 6: Enjoy Your New Floor!

After everything was in place, I stood back and admired my work. The transformation was incredible! Not only did the luxury vinyl tile look amazing, but it also felt great underfoot—soft and warm, unlike cold ceramic tile.

Plus, I didn’t break the bank, and I got the satisfaction of knowing I did it myself. If you’re looking for a DIY project that gives you maximum impact with minimal stress, installing LVT is absolutely the way to go. I promise, once you see the results, you’ll be hooked on DIY flooring projects just like I was.