review of & tips for using lifeproof vinyl plank flooring

The Home Depot and HGTV invited me to a fabulous day of DIY lessons hosted by HGTV’s Chip Wade. The idea was to teach us how to do basic things like install flooring, paint correctly and design a room. We started with DIY hardwood floor installation using Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring. 

Have you ever installed floors? This was a first for me and I can’t wait to show you how shockingly easy it is! You will be convinced you can install your own floors, too! If I can do it, believe me, you can! I am not DIY hardwired! Get ready, cause you got this guys!

overview of vinyl hardwood flooring

Basically this is vinyl flooring that looks just like hardwood floors do, but far more cost effective. They are highly durable and easy to install yourself. So if you have a closet or bedroom that needs a makeover, my experience using Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring should convince you to do it!

material used

This post features Lifeproof Vinyl Planking Floors product.

After seeing them in person I can attest to quality and gorgeous array of colors. My favorite color is Sterling Oak!

diy hardwood floor tools you’ll need

1. Tapping Block
2. Hammer
3. Utility Knife

installation tips

1. Do not use pieces smaller than 8′. They will not secure to each other as well. So keep them longer than that for best connection.
2. When installing, sit your little fanny on the “finished side.” When you sit on the part you’ve already installed you will be more comfortable and have a better angle to secure each piece as you go.
3. When you buy the material, the friendly people at The Home Depot will give you a quick demo of how to lay the pieces and knock them together. It’s super easy. It took me less than five minutes to get my groove. You won’t have a hard time – just ask them for a quick demo in store and you’ll be off to the races!
4. To give the flooring a “finished” look, leave 1/4″ space between the last flooring piece and the wall. This will allow the flooring to expand and contract as humidity and weather changes. I would add a half round (basically a border) where each wall meets the floor to make it look finished and professional.

common vinyl hardwood flooring questions

1. No, you do not need to have giant muscles to install DIY hardwood floor. With the right tools it’s easy. I didn’t tire after 20 minutes at all. So you can take breaks if you need to.
2. The quality is very impressive. You shouldn’t hesitate to do this for a closet or bedroom. The color options are amazing, too.
3. How do you size? Think through whether you want all planks the same width. There are packages you can buy with varying widths, but also with the same width.
4. Do you have to cut the planks? No. It’s crazy how easily you create a place to basically break it in two parts. Again, The Home Depot employees will show you. It’s easy, peasy.
5. You can vary the width or not. But no matter what you’re doing, you need to vary the length to give it a proper look.
6. Do NOT use painter’s tape on finished hardwood floors! It will totally rip the finish off. Just don’t do it – like, ever.
7. Is it pet friendly? Wrong question to ask. Instead, ask “What plank flooring holds up best to kids and dogs?” None of us live in a bubble or have friends or pets in a bubble. And my advice in life in general is live. Perfection is never attainable so enjoy yourself and let marks tell your story!

get tools you need!

This post features Lifeproof Vinyl Planking Floors product.

get tools you need!