If you’re thinking about luxury vinyl plank flooring for your next home renovation project, you may wonder which direction to lay the planks. The installation is versatile and can be done in several ways, but the most common question we hear is which way to go in a small bathroom.
On the one hand, some people think that laying them perpendicular to the door will create the illusion of a larger space. Others believe that laying them parallel to the door will make the room feel cozier.
So, which is it?
Well, it depends on everyone’s’ personal preference and what you want your small bathroom to look like. In this article, I will make you go through different options and give you tips on making the decision yourself!
Important
Though it’s not such a big thing to choose the direction, it can be crucial when it comes to smaller spaces. As there are many patterns and types, it’s important to make a wise decision. So, go through the whole article and follow the tips I have given below before making any decision.
Does It Matter Which Way You Lay Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Usually, the way you lay vinyl plank flooring depends on personal preferences. It doesn’t hamper anything. But sometimes, how you lay the vinyl plank floor can affect the room size, making it feel smaller or larger.
So, if you have a small bathroom, you need to be more careful while choosing the direction of vinyl plank flooring.
Here I am giving you some things to consider when you are not being able to decide which direction to go:
The Shape of the Room
The room shape is crucial in deciding the direction of vinyl plank flooring. If your bathroom is long and narrow, you should lay the planks parallel to the longest wall. It will make your bathroom look bigger and more spacious. On the other hand, if your bathroom is square-shaped, you can go in any direction.
The Furniture in the Room
Furniture also plays an important role while deciding which way to lay vinyl plank flooring in small rooms. Suppose you have a lot of furniture in your bathroom.
In that case, it’s better to lay the planks perpendicular to the largest piece of furniture. For example, if you have a large vanity or tub, laying planks perpendicular to it will break up the space and avoid making everything look too matchy-matchy.
The Lighting in the Room
Lighting is another significant factor determining which direction you should lay vinyl plank flooring. If your bathroom has large windows, you should lay the planks parallel to the window so that more light can come in and make the room look bigger.
On the other hand, if no natural light comes into your bathroom, laying the planks perpendicular to an artificial light source will help brighten up the space.
Personal Preference
Personal choices are the most important when deciding on a particular direction to lay vinyl plank flooring. You should choose the option that looks best and makes you feel comfortable. After all, it’s your bathroom, and you will be the one using it every day!
NB: Though this video is not for installing vinyl plank in the bathroom, you will still get some ideas that will help you to take the right decision.
Take Your Time
Finally, don’t do anything in a hurry. There is no need to rush into a decision. Take your time, look at all the factors, and then choose what you are happy with.
Some Patterns to Try with Vinyl Planks
Vinyl planks are available in a variety of colors and styles. You can find them in wood, stone, or tile designs. You can also find them in different shapes and sizes. So, the question is, which one should you choose for your small bathroom?
Here are some patterns that you can try with vinyl planks:
- Herringbone: This is a classic pattern that looks great in any space. It is created by placing planks at a 45-degree angle to each other. This look is great if the room has angled walls.
- Chevron: This is similar to the herringbone pattern. The only difference is that the planks are placed at a 60-degree angle and look like a diagonal layout.
- Parquet: This is another classic pattern that looks great in any space. It is created by placing planks in a geometric pattern.
- Brick: This is a popular pattern for small bathrooms. It is created by placing planks side by side.
- Stack: This simple and clean pattern is created by stacking the planks on top of each other.
These are just some patterns you can try with vinyl plank flooring. So, now that you know about these patterns, you can decide which one would be best for your small bathroom. If you need more help, you can always consult a professional installer.
So, Which Direction to Lay Vinyl Plank Flooring in Small Bathroom?
There are two ways to lay vinyl plank flooring in your bathroom – length and widthwise. Let’s see how each of them will impact the look of your bathroom:
If you want to make your small bathroom look bigger, then it would be better to lay the vinyl planks parallel to the longest wall. This way, the eye will travel along the room’s length, making it appear larger than its actual size. But this method is unsuitable for all bathrooms as it might make some rooms look odd. So, before making any decision, take measurements and check which method would be more suitable for your bathroom.
If you want to make your small bathroom look cozy, install vinyl plank floors widthwise. In this method, the vinyl planks are installed perpendicular to the longest wall. It will make the room appear shorter and wider, giving it a cozy feeling. But again, before making any decision, take measurements and check which method would be more suitable for your bathroom.
When it comes to small bathrooms, the best way to lay your vinyl plank flooring is by running them parallel to the longest wall. It helps to make your bathroom look bigger and more spacious.
Also, suppose you have a window in your bathroom. In that case, laying the vinyl planks parallel to the window will maximize the amount of light coming into the room, which is a good thing.
Another important consideration is the pattern of vinyl plank flooring. If you want to make your small bathroom look bigger, it’s better to go for a simple and elegant design. Avoid using too color variations or busy patterns as they can make the space appear smaller.
When deciding the direction of vinyl plank flooring in your small bathroom there is no right or wrong answer. It totally depends on personal preferences, and what look you are trying to achieve.
So, take your time, research, and then decide which way you want to lay your vinyl plank flooring. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where Do You Start Laying Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Start laying the flooring along one corner of a wall; the left wall would be the best, working towards the door in the same direction. Measure and mark the width of the first plank using a pencil and a straight edge.
Starting at the top of the room, use a utility knife to score along the length of the plank. You have to follow this process for each plank until you reach the end of the row.
Q: Is It Better to Float or Glue Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Floating vinyl plank flooring is a great option if you want to install vinyl plank floors quickly and easily. You just need to lay down a moisture barrier and then click the planks together. Glue-down vinyl plank flooring will provide a more permanent installation.
Still, it’s important to ensure that the main floor surface is completely clean and free of dust or debris before you begin.
Floating is generally considered the best installation method for vinyl plank flooring. Glue can be used in some cases, but it is not recommended for most situations. If you’re installing luxury vinyl tiles in a small bathroom, it’s best to float the flooring.
This installation method is quick and easy, allowing you to avoid any potential problems with the tiles underneath. Make sure the surface is level before you begin so the planks will lay flat.
Q: Can You Install Vinyl Plank Flooring Over Ceramic Tiles?
Vinyl plank flooring is easy to install and a great choice. You can install vinyl plank flooring over tile, but there are some things you need to consider before you do.
First of all, ensure that the tiles are in good condition. If they’re not, replacing them before installing the vinyl plank flooring is best. You also need to ensure the surface is level so that the luxury vinyl tile can be installed correctly.
Don’t forget to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any special preparation that may be required.
Q: How Do You Stagger Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Stagger vinyl flooring by at least six inches or by the length of one plank, whichever is longer. To do this, you’ll need to cut some planks in half.
At At the end of a row, cut the final plank, so it’s the same width as the first plank in that row. It will help create a staggered look. You can also use a jigsaw to create interesting patterns on your floor.
Q: Can You Install Vinyl Plank Flooring Over Concrete?
You can install Vinyl flooring over most surfaces, including concrete slabs. If your concrete surface is uneven, you may need to level it first with a self-leveling compound. In that case, you can use a self-leveling concrete primer first. It will help smooth out any bumps or imperfections on the surface so that the vinyl plank flooring can be installed properly.
Wrap Up
Vinyl plank flooring is popular for many homeowners due to its versatility and easy installation. However, when installing vinyl plank flooring in a small bathroom, some care must be taken to avoid making the space appear smaller than it is.
I hope these tips will help you decide how to lay vinyl plank flooring in your small bathroom. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to comment below. Thanks for reading!
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