What Luxury Vinyl Plank Size Is Ideal For A Certain Room Size?

Installing luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is one of the easiest projects that requires minimal thought. That’s because no matter which wood-look style or color you choose, it will look absolutely fabulous in your refreshed space! Making the decision between glue-down and floating LVP is easy, too, when factoring in what type of subfloor you have and how large the room is, in which glue-down is best suited for generously-sized spaces. 

But, before the installation process begins, there are two factors that need careful consideration. Choosing the right size plank and layout direction is key to an aesthetically pleasing install since it will greatly impact the overall look and feel. That’s why it’s important to understand the entire room and how it affects your choices. While the decision is ultimately up to you, the homeowner or designer, we’ve got some tips to consider for selecting the best size and position of the plank tile for your space.

Consider the Plank Size

Luxury vinyl plank flooring comes in a variety of sizes. Most planks range from 6 to 7 3/4 inches wide, with lengths typically between 36 and 48 inches. In contrast, real wood planks are often at least 6 inches wide and can span up to 8 to 12 feet in length, which is why many luxury vinyl planks are designed to mimic the proportions of authentic hardwood.

Your design style and room size play a key role in selecting plank dimensions. Wider luxury vinyl planks—typically 6 to 8 inches—create a more contemporary look and are ideal for larger or more open rooms. Smaller planks in big spaces can feel too busy or fragmented. Narrower planks, on the other hand, evoke a more traditional style and work better in compact areas.

Using narrow 3- to 5-inch planks can help visually expand a tight or narrow space, making it feel larger than it is. Conversely, wide planks in a small room can make the space feel cramped. Choosing the right plank width is essential—too wide in a narrow area or too narrow in a large one can make the entire room feel visually unbalanced.

Austrell Luxury Vinyl Planks

There’s definitely some planning involved before you can install your LVP and make any cuts, but you can also err on the side of caution and complete this step before you even purchase your planks. Measure your room and either write out the dimensions on graph paper or use a 3-dimensional program to help you see your installation better. This allows you to test out different sizes and move the planks around. You don’t want to end up with a row with pieces that are too narrow on one side or too short at the beginning or end. 

Consider the Front Door

When installing luxury vinyl plank flooring in your entryway, remember to consider the front door first. Installing your vinyl planks perpendicular to the door and straight to the back of the home allows for a better flow with traffic and more attractive vinyl tile flooring. But, if your entryway quickly turns into a wall or your main space, then you might want to consider some of the tips below like lighting and dimensions.

Consider the Light Source

For rooms with loads of natural light, you’ll want to consider installing your LVP in the same direction as your main light source. The reason being that if you place your floors perpendicular to your large windows, then the light will emphasize any variations in the height of the planks and cast a shadow across the boards and their individual joints.

Taking natural light into consideration also allows you to possibly highlight some of the colors or textural grains added to your vinyl planks. However, don’t let lighting be the only deciding factor for installation direction, as some rooms are just too narrow or have other space restraints. 

Mezcla Luxury Vinyl Planks

Consider the Shape of the Room

Narrow spaces, such as hallways or U-shaped or L-shaped kitchens, should have flooring installed the entire length of the room to make them feel larger and wider. This means that the LVP flooring should run parallel to the longest wall. However, if there are angled rooms, you may also want to consider a diagonal install, which is discussed further below.

Consider Features of the Room

Like a front door or angled wall, sometimes a feature of the room will dictate the direction of the layout. For instance, if you have steps that'll obviously be installed in a horizontal pattern, then you'll want to maintain that horizontal shape throughout high-traffic areas, such as the main and upper floors. 

Consider a Diagonal Layout

Putting your vinyl plank floors on a diagonal or using a pattern like herringbone adds dimension, depth, and interest to your overall design. While it’s an incredibly beautiful choice, just remember that it does cost more money. You should account for approximately 15% extra in materials as opposed to the regular 10% extra needed for cuts and waste. Additionally, more complicated layouts should require a professional to complete the install, so it may not be your best bet if a DIY install was the only option in the budget. 

Loton Luxury Vinyl Planks

Personal Preference

Installing luxury vinyl tile or planks in your home or business is an easy, cost-effective decision, and the results will have everyone fooled into thinking you’ve got real hardwood. Luckily, your new luxury vinyl plank flooring can be installed in any room and don’t require much maintenance at all. 

But, especially if this is your first go-around at laying hardwood, it’s no wonder you’re wondering what size planks and layout you should choose. Alongside the aesthetics, it's vital to select a thicker wear layer to ensure durability and longevity, as well as choose the plank size and layout that suit your space and personal style. But, with a solid subfloor and knowledgeable installer, the direction of your planks really won’t affect the quality or performance. While it can make a room appear bigger, smaller, calmer, or busier, the size and layout ultimately come down to your personal preference. If you’re still unsure, then consider consulting a professional.

If you're interested in finding where to buy luxury vinyl flooring near you for your next home flooring project, contact us today via our online chat or find an MSI-authorized dealer near you and visit an MSI showroom to see samples in person.

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