How To Install Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring

My shed-shop makeover feels like it’s taking an eternity to get through, but I’m finally making some more progress! Last time I shared an update it was for my brand new concrete accent well. Today, I’m tackling the flooring! I installed some waterproof vinyl plank flooring in my shop! This was my first time installing vinyl planks and I am seriously so floored (#punintended) with how it turned out!

How To Install Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring

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I have been looking for a durable, but aesthetically pleasing flooring option for my shop for a while and after seeing my girl DIY Danie add some new flooring to her shop, I knew I had to add the wood-look to my wood shop!

Check out this before and after!

So, after checking out what was available at my local Home Depot, I decided to opt for some waterproof vinyl plank flooring. It’s perfect for high-traffic areas like my shop and already comes with a pre-installed underlayment, which means I was able to install it directly over my shop floors! 

Want to learn how to install waterproof vinyl plank flooring in your own space? I was able to install this entire floor in just a few afternoons after my full time job. Here’s how I got it done!

What I Used:

Tools
Flooring Installation Kit
Dremel 20-Volt Ultra-Saw Tool Kit
Utility Knife
Knee Pads
Measuring Tape

Materials
Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring
Foam Board Insulation (For Cutting)
Shed Door Threshold

The Steps:

1. I first started the flooring process by sweeping and vacuuming any debris off of the floor. Luckily, my shop floors are already pretty level, but if the floors you are working on are not, you will have to level them before starting.

2. Next, I added ¼” spacers to the back wall of my shop since I was starting my flooring from the back left corner. I also made sure to leave a ¼” on the side walls as well. This will help prevent any issues with expansion.

3. Next step was to cut the tongue side off of my first row of boards. 

4. I then installed my first row of boards by pressing the flush, cut against the spacers. I worked my way from left to right making sure to insert the tongue into the groove and tighten the gaps. I used a tapping block and a special pry bar to help tighten the seams in between each board.

5. When I got to the end of each row, I used my Dremel 20-Volt Ultra-Saw Tool Kit with a wood cutting blade to trim my pieces. Love this cordless saw because I was able to carry it throughout my shop without having to maneuver around cords! It also has a depth adjustment, so I was able to make my cuts accurately and quickly on the floor with a piece of foam insulation on the underside to protect my shop floor.

I then was able to use the leftover cut-off piece to start the next row.

6. When I got to the last row, I had to take some measurements and transfer them to my pieces. I then cut them out using the Dremel Ultra Saw. You can see this in action in my YouTube video!

7. Last step was to install the door threshold. The threshold you choose will depend on the project you are doing. I chose a metal shed door threshold for my project since I was installing the flooring in my shed-shop! I used my Dremel rotary tool and a metal cutting wheel to cut it to size before installing it with caulking and screws.

That’s it! So. Much. Better!

With the larger projects now out of the way in the shed-shop, I can finally focus on creating some custom pieces for my tools and I cannot wait. Make sure to subscribe to my channel to keep following along!

In the meantime, want to save this project for later? Make sure to Pin It!

Happy DIY’ing, friends!