With its affordable price and DIY-friendly design, it’s become a go-to option for homeowners looking to give their space a fresh new feel.
But before you break open the boxes and start laying planks, there are a few common mistakes that can turn your project into a headache.
Let’s walk through what to avoid so your floor looks great and lasts for years.
#1 - Skipping Subfloor Preparation
One of the biggest mistakes people make is laying planks over a dirty, uneven, or damp subfloor. Vinyl plank flooring might be forgiving in many ways, but it still needs a solid foundation.
Any bumps, dips, debris, or lingering moisture can cause the planks to shift, click unevenly, or even warp over time.
Pro tip: Sweep thoroughly, check for levelness, patch low spots, and make sure the surface is completely dry before you start.
#2 - Not Acclimating the Planks
Vinyl planks need time to adjust to the environment where they’ll be installed.
Skipping the 24-48 hour acclimation period can lead to problems like expansion, contraction, or buckling after installation.
Let them breathe: Stack the unopened boxes in the room where you plan to install them and let them sit at room temperature for at least a full day or two.
#3 - Ignoring Expansion Gaps
Vinyl flooring expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity.
If you install planks too tightly against the walls or fixed objects, they won’t have room to move. This leads to warping or popping.
Best practice: Leave a ¼ inch expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. Use spacers during installation and cover the gap later with trim or baseboards.
#4 - Installation Over an Unsuitable Surface
Not all existing floors make good subfloors for vinyl planks.
While some surfaces like concrete, plywood, or even existing vinyl might work fine, others like carpet or heavily cushioned flooring can cause movement and instability.
Before you lay anything down: Double-check the manufacturer’s recommendations for approved subfloors. You may need to remove old flooring to get the best result.
#5 - Laying the Planks in the Wrong Direction
The direction you lay your flooring matters more than you might think.
Running the planks parallel to the longest wall or toward the natural light can make a space feel larger and more cohesive.
Take a moment to plan your layout: Use a chalk line or lay out a few planks dry to see what works best visually before committing.
#6 - Failing to Stagger the Seams Properly
A random or repeated pattern in your seams can ruin the look of your floor and compromise its strength.
Planks should be staggered at least 6 inches apart to avoid weak points and create a more natural appearance.
Think like a bricklayer: Avoid obvious patterns, and don’t start every row with the same length plank.
#7 - Not Checking for Locked Joints
Click-lock systems are great, but only if each plank is securely locked in place.
Rushing the job or forcing planks together can leave tiny gaps or raised edges that get worse over time.
Slow down and listen: You should hear or feel each plank click firmly into place. If it’s not locking, remove it and try again rather than forcing it.
#8 - Skipping Manufacturer Instructions
Every brand and product line has its own quirks.
Whether it’s acclimation time, underlayment requirements, or warranty conditions, skipping the manufacturer’s guidelines can lead to costly do-overs.
Save yourself time: Read the instructions that come with your flooring. And follow them closely. You might save hours of work and protect your warranty in the process.
#9 - Not Buying Extra Planks
Many people try to save money by purchasing only the exact square footage they calculated, but this often leads to problems.
Mistakes happen. Planks can get damaged during installation and you’ll usually need to make cuts that will generate wasted flooring.
The rule of thumb: Always buy 10% extra for waste and future repairs. For rooms with odd angles or lots of cuts, consider getting 15% more. This ensures you'll have an extra box or two for future repairs, and the flooring will be the exact coloring.
Conclusion
Vinyl plank flooring can completely transform your space and you don’t need to be a pro to install it.
But taking the time to avoid these common mistakes can make all the difference between a floor that looks “just okay” and one that’s magazine-worthy.
Plan smart. Prep well. And don’t rush.
If you need help calculating how much flooring to buy or want more installation tips, check out our free calculator and guide to measuring square footage to get started with confidence. Here's a printable installation guide to help keep you on track.