The Right Way To Lay LVP: Layout, Direction, And Pro Tips

As luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring continues to rise in popularity, it’s no surprise that homeowners, designers, and DIYers alike are turning to this stylish and practical option for their flooring projects. Known for its striking resemblance to natural wood, LVP comes in a wide variety of realistic designs, rich colors, and authentic textures, making it a top choice for nearly any room in the home.

But it’s not just about looks. One of the biggest advantages of luxury vinyl flooring is its ease of installation, particularly for homeowners undertaking DIY home upgrades. Whether you’re aiming for a classic straight layout or want to get creative with herringbone or diagonal patterns, LVP gives you the freedom to explore different installation directions without the complexity of traditional hardwood.

Once you’ve selected your favorite style and finish, there’s one more important design choice to make: which direction should you lay your vinyl planks? While there’s no single “right” answer, the direction of your planks can have a big impact on the overall feel of the space. Keep reading for expert tips and layout ideas to help you make the most of your new luxury vinyl floors.

LVP Direction Considerations

You probably can’t wait to get your new floors installed, and we completely understand your excitement! But, prior to picking out the new pattern for your luxury vinyl flooring, you should analyze the space to see if any of the following considerations could dictate the direction of your layout. 

Lauren Flaxen Luxury Vinyl Plank

Shape of the Room

The room’s shape is definitely something to consider since you’ll want to run the vinyl plank flooring parallel with the longest wall of the room. This will make small rooms feel both bigger and wider. For narrow spaces like hallways or long kitchens, running the LVP the length of the room will elongate the space instead of chopping it up with short plank pieces that will be more difficult to install in a pattern. If there are angled walls, then a diagonal layout may be the best visually interesting pattern option. 

Flow of the Light

Flooring is typically installed in the same direction as your leading source of natural light, and the same goes for luxury vinyl. If you have large windows in a living room or an entryway that allows a flood of natural light, then run your planks in the same direction. However, following the light isn’t always best, especially if you have a narrow space or major angles. Remember that your installation isn’t limited to just horizontal and vertical directions. Patterns like diagonal and herringbone will look amazing, too. 

Cyrus Austell Grove Luxury Vinyl Planks

Position of the Stairs

When staircases are part of the design plan, some adjustments might be necessary to make sure the adjacent rooms look good together. Since stairs need a horizontal run, it’s often best to keep going in the same direction from one floor to the next to maintain a consistent look. 

Prescott Fauna Luxury Vinyl Planks

Other Features

Additional influences in deciding on layout and pattern could also come from other features of the room or your particular flooring. You may want to add emphasis to a feature wall or large piece of furniture by running the floor perpendicular to your favorite feature so that the eye is drawn directly to it. However, you may want to highlight the color or grain of your planks by placing them in a specific direction, such as with the light, to better bring out the beauty in your vinyl floors. 

Personal Preference

Sometimes you just have to go with your gut instinct, which could go against design norms. Both the direction and tile pattern can greatly impact the overall vibe of any room without affecting your flooring’s quality or performance. After all, it is your space, so choose something that makes sense and makes you happy. When in doubt, run your idea by a qualified installer to get their professional opinion.

Mezcla Luxury Vinyl Plank

LVP Patterns to Try

While there are several luxury vinyl flooring patterns to choose from, offset, diagonal, and herringbone are some of the most popular options. Offset, or running bond, is the most common universal plank tile pattern, where the pattern is staggered or offset by half of the plank’s width. Diagonal is another popular pattern because it adds dimension to a space, as the offset pattern is placed at a 45-degree angle. Herringbone, named after its resemblance to fish scales from the herring fish, is a classic pattern that adds a touch of sophistication to any room. The zigzag pattern, which meets at perfectly straight edges, shouldn’t be confused with a chevron pattern, which is a zigzag pattern that meets at an angle.

No matter which pattern you choose, start by laying your planks in the left-hand corner with a 1/4-inch gap between the baseboard and the vinyl tile. Also, know that making cuts to create your pattern is simple using only a box cutter.

Briar Haven Luxury Vinyl Plank

LVP Flooring Benefits

Both homeowners and landlords can reap the many luxury vinyl plank benefits they come with. This more affordable flooring option can realistically mimic the look of real hardwood and many types of natural stone without the hefty price tags. Additionally, with advancements in technology, they now resemble the real thing, featuring natural-looking textures and designs that rival genuine hardwood. Also, many vinyl choices are actually manufactured from 100% recycled materials, so it makes for an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers. 

LVP is extremely durable, as it’s resistant to stains, scratches, water, and moisture. This means it can be installed in any room of the house. Simple vinyl flooring care and maintenance, such as daily sweeping or a weekly damp mop, is all that’s needed to keep it clean. Adding padding underneath the floors will provide extra cushion for those with little kids or older family members, as well as improve sound absorption. Additionally, installing radiant heating underneath is an excellent way to keep the floors warmer in the winter. 

Which Direction Will You Choose?

When it comes to your new luxury vinyl plank flooring, you want to be confident in the final results and the overall feel of your room. It’s okay to take your time before settling on a specific pattern or design, and remember that consulting a professional for their opinion can provide reassurance or new ideas, helping you feel more confident in your choice. In the end, the most important thing is that you’ll be happy with your gorgeous planks and enjoy their many benefits for years to come!

What’s not to love about low-maintenance vinyl flooring? As lovely as they are, they won’t clean themselves. To keep your Luxury Vinyl tiles and Planks looking their best through the years, follow these handy Luxury Vinyl care and maintenance tips. For more detailed information on vinyl flooring, including installation costs for Luxury Vinyl Flooring, visit our website for our entire line of luxury vinyl planks.

Are you ready to get your DIY project started? First, find the perfect Luxury Vinyl Tile and Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring by reviewing MSI’s expansive Luxury Vinyl Flooring Collection.Of course we're always happy to offer personalized help. Chat with us online or visit an MSI showroom or an MSI authorized dealer near you.

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