Are You STRUGGLING Getting Planks Together | Here's 5 Tips That'll HELP

Installing Vinyl Plank or Laminate flooring can be very easy to install if you can keep the plank from moving and keep it straight. If you don't do this then you can have an absolute miserable time getting planks together and keep them from coming apart.
I share several tips in this video that will give you the tools and knowledge you need to overcome these problems. Once you learn these easy tips, you can have a successful installation without the frustration.
Here are the links to tools I use. If you use these links I do get a commission and my family and I thank you very much for your support!
My favorite Vinyl Plank - www.sothatshow...
Entire Home Plank Installation Video - • SIMPLE to Use Step by ...
Tools and Supplies I recommend in this video and use everyday- www.sothatshow...
iRobot Roomba S9+ Bundle - amzn.to/3lxrZas
iRobot Braava Jet M6 - amzn.to/3agLamH
iRobot Handheld Vacuum H1 - (coming soon)
Bissell Crosswave - amzn.to/3ME3ep8
my website - www.sothatshow...
This is where you will find all the tools I mentioned in the video
my facebook page - / sothatshowyoudothat
While you are there hit the like button!
Laminate University - www.sothatshow...

[@rickchase]

Thanks!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thank you Rick!! I really appreciate this my friend!

[@alicanbe1]

Just a straight up guy that you could trust with your money or your kids, reminds me of the mugs I grew up with in Chicago back in the 50's. Of course your name is Joe. Appreciate you and your channel.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thank you so much!

[@Curtee420]

im glad i found you. the fact that you pray at the end is amazing. ive been going through some stuff lately and GOD has been with mr through every step and has eveb carrihied me a ton. i started to do this project becsuse when i prayed i was steered in this direction to take ny nind off of what was happening. god bless sir and i cant wait to watch the rest of your videos.

[@hots4jc]

We started to install our floor. Had some problems. Stopped what we were doing, watched your videos, started over and now it looks great with a lot less frustration. Thanks especially for the prayers!

[@bigsidable]

My first pull bar was in the fire in Santa Rosa in 2017. I found it in the remains. Havnt done flooring in 5 years. So on this flooring job. I brought a new one. And it’s just to thick. So I got my burnt rusted bar. Sanded it clean it. And it work like a charm.

[@shatice8879]

I am starting a spare bedroom in a few minutes, I watched your videos last night til midnight...I can do this! Bless ya for sharing!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You got this!

[@SamuelSlade-tr7by]

Over 10years on the tools and this was the best video on installing planks I have ever seen

[@Anth_71]

Fam, your videos saved me hours of headache and a heap of cash as well. Bless you & yours!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thank you so much!!

[@nickfazzio5277]

Joe, huge help. I wish I would have watched this video about screwing some scraps down before I taped 25 spacers around the walls, and now I have a gap at the second door jamb because I couldn’t figure out to cut the lip and glue it there, and my final row of planks that come right to my front door is about a 1 inch strip. Man I feel like I blew my first plank job. Thanks for sticking your faith into your videos and dedicating so much of your time to helping others with these videos!!!

[@mixmyclips]

Best video I've seen dealing with the little issues that are the truth of LVP. So many others just show how easy it is without a reality check!

[@tommyis13]

Been watching your videos for a while, started with a bedroom, then another then I felt confident enough to take on the rest of the house, did an foyer entry, kitchen, dining room, living room, hallway, laundry room and a small bathroom that all flows into each other, looks great.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Great job! I am glad I could help!!

[@anastasiaralye9531]

Thank you so much! I’ve been struggling with this flooring for almost a week. Your tips are wonderful!

[@momymamapf]

Hi Joe, thank you for the helpful tips and above all, your prayers and blessings in Jesus name! I’m going to be installing laminate flooring soon for the first time and your encouragement is really appreciated! I’ll watch more of your videos before I get started on my project! Thanks again and God bless you and yours always!

[@klc1975]

Joe, thanks so much for that. I've been wrestling with a (12 x 24 size) LVT floor for the last three days and after watching this and screwing the edges down, I'm finally getting it together. The spacers are a joke, and the screws around the edge work great! Thanks again.

[@LordSehoner]

Man Joe, I sure am glad I found your channel. I've watched several videos and some more than once. I started a laminate wood install today and used so may of your tips. I had some trouble with understanding how to run the first row in a room out of square, but eventually figured it out. The work is slow with one person, and man, the constant getting up and down has me cooked! Thanks again, Joe!

[@bigsidable]

YOUR VIDEO HAS BEEN A GOD SEND. DOING LVP FOR MY ELDER NEIGHBORS. SEALING AT THE BEGINNING ROW. SCREW DOWN THE FIRST TWO ROWS. THE SEAMS ARE SO TIGHT. AND USING A PIECE OF THE PLANK WITH THE BACK SIDE TO TAP IN. THE TAPPING BLOCK DID MORE DAMAGE THEN GOOD. VERY SMART MOVE. MADE THE JOB MUCH EASIER AND FASTER. YOU ARE A BLESSING. THANK YOU SO MUCH. MAY GOD KEEP BLESSING YOU. CAUSE YOUR BLESSING. ARE A BLESSING FOR ME AND OTHERS.

[@stevewallis661]

Thanks for the vid! Me and the wife are Installing this vinyl flooring right now and everything was popping out! We screwed in shims at the sides like you showed and it's all working out now.. my poor wife had to hear me curse and scream for 2 hours until I found your vid! Thanks Joe!

[@personallycatholic]

You rock!!!!!! Thank you!!!! And thank you most for the prayer at the end! It was a much needed blessing and a welcome surprise!!!! Thank you!

[@clydesmithjr.7775]

I’ve done a lot of flooring in my life and I always learn some helpful tips from you! Awesome videos! God bless

[@sylvi73]

I am so glad I saw your video before installing the floor and before buying the commercial laminate flooring kit.

[@wisconsinwoodsman1987]

I am blessed by this video. Thank you.

[@danforster6525]

I've been installing hybrid 5g flooring planks over concrete (with a 5mm rubber mat on top). I found it best to put my body weight on the already installed planks when I'm putting in a new row. With the 5g system you slip the long side on first at a 20 degree angle and work on closing any gaps along the board gently by hand. After that the end piece closes nicely with a 'click' on the previous board. No tools required.

[@justpassingthroughthistime9947]

Thank you! I needed a refresher for my old laminate that I had to replace some boards. I couldn't remember how to do the 2 lipped edges. I got it now. Bless you. Old lady here. I put in about a 1000 ft of laminate 12 years ago. If I do it again ever, I will never get 4 inch plank again! heh

[@billneff9569]

I'm starting to lay laminate in my daughter's living room and continuing into the kitchen. The starting row has a couple of challenges. First is the starting end is a staircase that is at a 30 degree angle to the wall. The second is a long metal baseboard heating vent that takes up most of the starting wall. It has enough flex to keep the planks from staying together. Screwing down the holding blocks should give me the solid base to start with. I wish I had seen this video before starting and wasting 2 days of frustration.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You got this!!

[@txc500]

So, I'm doing my first LVP install as a homeowner. Couple things I didn't do, (even after watching your videos). I didn't screw it down to prevent movement. I found that the floor did move slightly and had to readjust the whole thing. I didn't open all of the boxes. I bought a great deal on clearance flooring and many planks had cracked corners and grooves. Instead of two rooms, now I'll have enough for one. Some deal huh? You sure know what you're doing and you're good enough to share it! My advice to others is to follow your instructions to the letter! Thank you!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thank you my friend!!

[@Amboyblue]

I've watched at least 20 videos and you are the only one that screws the scrap pieces to set the floor. Thank God I found your video. I'm doing 4000 SQ feet of laminate. Thanks again, God bless

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

I am glad you did too!

[@UDX4570PalmSprings-yh1mv]

OUTSTANDING VIDEO!!!... For severaldays now I've been fightng, trying to.figure out what tool is used to set these vinyl planks from the wall, to the following plank, i just kept thinking "there must be something similar to a carpet kicker that installers use to do this task" welp, you just answered my question" a pull bar is in order!!!. Thank you very much for publishing this video!🇺🇸👋🤠👍🙏

[@bmcraig81]

Joe, Thanks. I just started my floor and am trashing the tapping block and pull bar to buy REAL ones. Good video. Good info. Thank you. -Frustrated in Georgia.

[@timdog81]

Thank God I came across your video, I've done hardwood floors in 2 of the houses I lived in and this 3rd time was driving me insane but after watching your video and screwing down some scrap pieces it finally cooperated with. God bless you for your knowledge and sharing it with us. Thank you

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You bet!

[@thomaswoodman4608]

Thank you for the clear demonstrations that you have presented in this video. Your matter of fact explanations really make it easy to follow you and I don't feel as though I am the cause of the problems I have encountered with my flooring installation. Please keep it up!

[@randycarrillo342]

So cool that you pray for us at end of video.... I'm learning a lot from your videos.....thank you

[@debwyland7621]

Wow, so helpful! I watched many other videos before installing vinyl plank flooring throughout my main floor...now going back to finish & fix gaps. If only I had found your videos before I started! Thanks for all your well-described tips & tricks that make so much sense!!

[@ryanm7865]

Thanks for the help, installing my first vinyl plank floor and this video helped resolve a few of the issues I was having.

[@darylkesler8470]

I use an opposite scrap inserted in tang an bang on it rather than a factory edge..like your method of keeping rows in line.. It will save some broken lock strips. some of this new encore flooring takes a pretty hard smack to lock em..love your tips!

[@Lester409]

Thank you Joe. Your videos have made a huge difference on my first time installation with vinyl plank. Getting rid of the cheap plastic spacers and screwing holding blocks to the floor instead, cheater boards, and flipping the boards backwards to measure next cuts made a huge difference in saving time and having professional results. Well done good and faithful servant.

[@latinqn1533]

I love how you explain the details, thank you.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

YW!

[@garyworley5806]

Just discovered your videos.Needless to say, wish I had found your site before I did my floor. Would have saved me a LOT of grief. Really enjoy your teaching style.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thanks!!

[@kristianc9552]

I noticed that you are using a Lixie, that’s how I know that you’re a professional. Really though, your videos are teaching me a lot. This is my first floor install, and your videos have helped tremendously.

[@enriquerivera9994]

Thank you for the blessing 🙏🏻may GOD bless you and your family !

[@StevenVeldt]

Great tips Joe, I've said it before and I'll say it again that your advice was integral in my 900 sqft, no threshold, luxury vinyl, full main floor installation.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thank you brother!

[@rquinsey1]

Joe, or what I would like to call you Coach. Without a doubt, you are a teacher, mentor, and spiritual leader. You provided me the confidence to tackle my laminate floor project. Your simple suggestions made it easy. Yet, admittedly I would occasionally rewatch your videos if I had a question in my mind, or I needed more coaching. God Bless you for making this channel.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thank you!!

[@rooddoggie]

Joe, this is a great video that I wish I would have seen prior to installing my LVP flooring. It includes so many tips on how to install this flooring efficiently and correctly. Best of all, you get to the point without a bunch of chatty dialogue. I appreciate you, Joe!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thank you!

[@jasonjohnson6216]

Thank you. Best LVT instructions on KZbin

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thanks man!

[@JDiegar]

I got stuck and your video helped me stabilize my foundation and get the planks clicking together. Thank you

[@jaceek2030]

I only wish we'd have Installed our flooring after April 8, so this vid had been made and posted. We installed 700 sq ft of flooring about 9 yrs ago, it was a dream..still looks great. We recently laid 1800 sq ft in the other part of our house. Different brand, and a nightmare to install! Beautiful floor, ugly install. We have 1 more room to go, going to use your tips and hope it helps. Thanks for taking time to share your tips!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You got this!

[@jaceek2030]

@@sothatshowyoudothat Thanks for the vote of confidence and the helpful vids! I sure hope so. I've never seen such a hard floor to install. My hubby and our adult son are pretty handy, have installed several floors. I wish I had REALLY taken to heart the reviews that said the floor was beautiful, held up well, but installation was a nightmare. Ahh well, hindsight is 20/20.

[@awac4577]

Thank you, Joe, for taking the time to put this video out. Very helpful.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nikkinorth538]

Dude. THANK YOU. We thought we were complete idiots. Your video saved us from starting over a third time!!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You got this!

[@jessicahess9153]

Thanks for helping me gain the courage for my first DIY vinyl plank installation on our home! I'm starting on it tomorrow after work and feel 10x better to do this myself! God bless you and your teachings!

[@rrboyd10]

thanks for the great info... and for praying over the projects!!!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You bet!

[@jamesmelandry3595]

What a wonderful way to end you helpful video, may I also offer you a wish that God blesses you and your families as well, for you have sure been a blessing to me in to many ways to list.

[@igon5176]

I’ve watched a number of you videos; they are great. Thanks. Since then I have installed two laminate and three vinyl plank floors. I use a scrap piece between the plank and tapping block to avoid damaging the plank.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Glad you like them!

[@aaronthompson4652]

Nice channel. The prayers got me. Looking to do my first install soon on our first home purchased. Complete remodel. Looking for all the help tips advice available. 90% I'll be doing myself. I work on pipelines not homes. I've watched atleast 5 videos now. Looks like something else I haven't heard mentioned but I've seen in the videos you make sure you have great lighting! Awesome work. Thanks for the help. I've already learned so much. I feel like things will go so much better for me now.

[@xinlinzhao4189]

Thank you so much for the tips and detailed instructions! This is the only video that helps me understand why my planks don’t go tight together!!!

[@joegarrison1093]

Hello Joe, I doing an install for the Quick Step from Lowes which has been a bear. I have a gap at a doorway going into the hall which I tighten up before i started down the hall and when I was at the end I notice that the gap was back. I wish that i had watched your channel before I started. thanks for the info and please keep up the good work

[@treyjoiner7950]

This guys videos are the very best!!

[@rubendario7019]

Congratulations, very good job and yuo are very good teacher. Thank you.

[@ozzieman4392]

Thank you for all of your great videos.

[@alex161v4]

Dam man, every issue I’ve had you have a tip(s) for. I’ve learned a lot from your videos. Thank you for taking the time to help out. Your super awesome. I’m definitely not a floor guy, but your channel has helped me out. Thank you again 👍😎

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

I appreciate that!

[@markchick2744]

Great video Joe, very helpful.

[@cuz6657]

Thank you, Brother. That was a great explanation.

[@jeffriley2502]

Helpful tips. Little things go along way. Thanks.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Glad to help

[@JohnnyNubs]

YES this is hard no matter what and after just starting 2 rows i have to stop and come really watch ALLLL your tricks, man i wish i had help!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You got this!

[@JohnnyNubs]

@@sothatshowyoudothat Still scared to go back and im a grown man!

[@diytacoma5758]

Awesome videos. I just started my business to install flooring. These are great videos on what to do or how to solve any issues. If I could put multiple like on each video I would. Blessing

[@DiannaAtherton]

Your videos are so helpful. I am purchasing laminate next week to lay my Livingroom, kitchen, dining room. I feel good about it

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You can do it!

[@kmolina5841]

Thank you for your blessing I really need it!

[@ryanlewis4285]

Really Great videos. I lay tonnes of laminate and learnt all i know from these videos. Cannot recommend high enough

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Glad you like them!

[@davidmccormick9022]

Dude you are awesome at what you do I have learned so much from you with this Vinyl plank Install God has put you in my path so thank you and God bless

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thank you brother I appreciate that

[@mikenice2335]

I have 206 boxes to install soon , binge watching all your videos

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You got this!

[@YourAflacGal]

And blessings to you and yours! Thank you! You're an excellent teacher.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thank you!

[@Wmu5]

Strong foundation using scrap screwed to floor is KEY! Great tip Joe thank you! Spacers are useless.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Anytime!

[@Mainbusfail]

I cut a thin channel on the long side of my tapping block that allows the block to not make contact with the tongue and it has made all the difference

[@raymocandler]

I really appreciate your videos. I've been binge watching them over the past week. I'm starting a 1300 sq ft vinyl plank install after work today.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You got this!

[@raymocandler]

@@sothatshowyoudothat I knocked out about 450 ft of it. I think I've got a pretty good system down now. Took a little bit to find my groove. I think I'll get most of the rest done on my day off Thursday. Keep it up with the awesome videos!

[@misterx4757]

Great tips again. Thank you sir. God bless.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Very welcome

[@younghov1785]

Thank you for your time and your info.in a few months I will be doing mines. I like using your channel as a class for beginners. Thanks again

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thank you I appreciate it posting a comment

[@lvtflooringstore7687]

very good explanations, see it all the time when customers not starting right, but keep doing, and then blame floor.

[@EM-oe4rx]

Your video was very helpful, saved me alot of time, thank you

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You're welcome!

[@alephbeta4090]

Note to self: for stubborn planks, Start with the butt joint, lift and tap. Loved this video - thank you for the helpful tips, God bless!

[@thepopo2323]

Awesome video sir, great tips and info i’ve learn some great things here

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Awesome, thank you!

[@wmonro2227]

outstanding, Marry Christmas ..love from Toronto Canada.........

[@Fireitup3222]

I had a few come damaged. Just set them aside and saved them for a part of the wall where is need to cut the plank lengthwise to make it work. Theres always a way to use them.

[@olivia717]

Thank you, Joe, for these videos and for sharing your expertise! You are appreciated! Blessings to you!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You are very welcome

[@raymondsiewert2720]

On a concrete slab, how to you glue down your anchor pieces on your straight run with underlayment down ? You are the only one l trust on KZbin , because l have been a ceramic tile installer and carpenter for 30 years . Grace and Peace brother in Our Lord Jesus Christ .

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Here is a link to a video that describes that exact situationkzbin.info/www/bejne/bJa9eXuJr65qh9E

[@mikespadafora9077]

You have been so helpful!!!! Thank you!

[@mickzenyhughes8291]

Thanks for the tips super simple and easy to follow👍

[@bethfleischmann7583]

Ha! Looks easy when you do it! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You got this!

[@Synchrimedia]

thanks for your helpful videos. I learned a lot.

[@jwoods6326]

Really Appreciate ur installation teachings Needed It

[@louisknickerbocker934]

Bless you as Well!!!

[@DCRACKA]

Just had these installed in our home and we love it!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Glad to hear!

[@joeo7257]

The last tip was the best. If the floor is not flat, you will find out 3 or 4 rows later that gaps opened up.

[@mrgmrg9943]

Thank you for making these videos

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Glad you like them!

[@shakeeshakee9457]

I just wanted to say thank you for all your videos and information you bring to teach us all..you are so knowledgeable and humble..thanks for your tips and informative videos..as always God bless

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You're welcome and I appreciate you posting this

[@Brooklynraised68]

Great tips 👍

[@robertgargollo2543]

God bless you brother!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thank you!

[@colt2312]

Absolutely awesome

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thank you!

[@thomascostello5780]

Bless you my brother in Jesus Christ!! I came into a situation where a room already was 1/2 finished with laminate flooring. I thought 'oh, tongue in groove will be easy, right?' On the 2nd row problems started so I washed up and came to youtube for an inservice where Our Lord led me to you. I'm going to watch all your videos in the next few days while waiting for my tapping block and pull bar to be delivered. Thank you so much!! God Bless you and your family...

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thank you for the blessing!!

[@Jaaaniszv]

Thanx. Your video was very useful.

[@samh7608]

I'm 19 and have been laying laminate floor for 2 years now. I wish I would have seen this video when I started. Those stupid spacers are a scam.

[@MaMa-qh4dy]

EXCELLENT! Thank you for your dedication for making great videos. Much appreciated!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Glad you like them!

[@billylane6602]

Love your videos, you definitely know what your doing. Thanks for all the great advice. And every once in a while you say some really funny shit.