How to Continue Flooring Installation
With your foundation set, the middle rows are about efficiency and rhythm. Work methodically, handle obstacles as they come, and maintain the quality standards you established in the first rows.
Quick Summary
Time needed
1-3 days
Cost
$0
Difficulty
Medium
Finding Your Installation Rhythm
Once the first three rows are perfect, installation becomes repetitive: measure, cut, click, tap, check. Most rooms take 1-3 days depending on size and complexity. Work at a steady pace, take breaks, and don't rush through obstacles.
Pro Tip: Experienced installers can complete 200-300 square feet per day. As a DIYer, expect half that pace - 100-150 sq ft daily. Don't compare yourself to professionals who do this every day.
Row-by-Row Installation Process
Step 1: Maintain Your Stagger Pattern
Each new row should start with the cutoff from the previous row (if it's 12+ inches). This creates natural staggering and minimizes waste.
Stagger Strategy:
- • Save cutoffs 12+ inches to start next rows
- • Minimum 6-inch offset from previous row seams
- • Avoid H-patterns (seams aligning every other row)
- • Random patterns look most natural
- • If cutoff is too short, start with a full plank cut to length
Step 2: Mix Planks From Multiple Boxes
Don't install all planks from one box, then move to the next. Color varies between manufacturing batches. Mixing prevents obvious color banding.
Method: Open 3-4 boxes and pull planks randomly. Lay them out to preview color distribution. Redistribute any clusters of similar tones. This creates natural variation across the floor.
Step 3: Handle Obstacles With Templates
Pipes, vents, and door frames require custom cuts. Making cardboard templates prevents expensive mistakes on actual flooring.
Template Method:
- 1. Cut cardboard to exact plank size
- 2. Position where plank will go
- 3. Trace obstacle outline on cardboard
- 4. Cut template and test fit
- 5. Adjust template until perfect
- 6. Transfer pattern to plank and cut
Step 4: Undercut Door Frames
Never try to cut flooring to fit around door trim. Instead, cut the trim so flooring slides underneath.
Undercutting Process:
- 1. Place scrap flooring next to trim as height guide
- 2. Lay handsaw or jamb saw flat on flooring
- 3. Cut through trim horizontally
- 4. Remove cut section and vacuum debris
- 5. Flooring slides perfectly underneath
Step 5: Use Pull Bar in Tight Spaces
The last plank in each row sits against the wall where you can't use a tapping block. A pull bar hooks the end and pulls the plank tight.
Pull Bar Technique:
- • Hook pull bar over plank end
- • Brace against spacers at wall
- • Strike pull bar with mallet to pull plank tight
- • Verify plank is fully locked before moving on
Step 6: Check Alignment Every 5-6 Rows
Even with perfect first rows, small errors can creep in. Regular checks prevent problems from compounding.
Verification Points: Use a 6-foot straightedge every 5-6 rows. Check both lengthwise and across rows. Any gaps under the straightedge indicate bowing or wandering. Adjust before continuing.
Common Obstacles and Solutions
Heating Vents and Registers
Solution: Remove the register cover. Make a cardboard template of the opening. Transfer to plank and cut with jigsaw. Maintain 1/4-inch gap around opening for airflow. Replace register cover after installation.
Pipes and Radiator Lines
Solution: Measure pipe location precisely. Drill a hole 1/8-inch larger than pipe diameter. Cut a slit from plank edge to hole. Slide plank around pipe. Hide the slit with a pipe collar cover (available at hardware stores).
Built-in Cabinets or Islands
Solution: Install flooring right up to the cabinet base. Use transition strips where needed. If possible, slide flooring underneath if there's clearance - this looks cleaner than trying to cut perfect fits.
Irregular Wall Shapes
Solution: Use a compass or contour gauge to trace the wall shape onto your plank. Cut slowly with a jigsaw following the line. The 1/4-inch gap and baseboard will hide minor imperfections.
Professional Installation Tips
Work in Manageable Sections
Don't try to complete the entire room in one session. Work in 100-150 square foot sections. This prevents fatigue mistakes and lets you maintain quality throughout.
Keep Your Work Area Clean
Sweep or vacuum every few rows. Debris under planks creates bumps and prevents proper locking. Small stones can cause permanent dents in vinyl or laminate surfaces.
Protect Installed Sections
You can walk on installed flooring immediately, but avoid dragging tools or dropping heavy items. The locking system is strong but not indestructible during installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cut flooring around pipes and obstacles?
Make a cardboard template first. Cut cardboard to plank size, position it where the plank will go, and trace the obstacle outline. Cut the template, test fit it, and adjust until perfect. Then transfer the pattern to your actual plank. For round pipes, drill a hole slightly larger than the pipe, then cut a slit from the edge to the hole so you can slide the plank into place.
What's the best way to install flooring under door frames?
Undercut the door trim so flooring slides underneath. Place a scrap piece of flooring next to the trim, lay a handsaw flat on top, and cut through the trim. This creates the perfect gap for flooring to slide under. It looks much cleaner than trying to cut flooring to fit around trim, and it's easier to install.
Ready for the Next Step?
As you approach the far wall, you'll need to cut and fit the challenging last row that requires precision rip cuts.