Where to start - Installing laminate and vinyl plank

In this video I show you how to get started when you are installing laminate or vinyl plank. You will learn where to start your first row and how to center the boards in the hallway when starting in a different room. This video is based off an installation that has multiple rooms to install laminate and vinyl plank into.
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!
Entire Home Plank Installation Video - • SIMPLE to Use Step by ...
Tools and Supplies I recommend in this video and use everyday- www.sothatshowyoudothat.com/t...
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.sothatshowyoudothat.com/
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.sothatshowyoudothat.com/l...

[@jonathanreilly5688]

Joe, your an amazing teacher, polite, to the point, no useless spending five minutes of video carrying boxes or things that don't directly deal with installation, we all know how to take out the garbage, watched several of your videos, yours are by far the best, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us, God bless you and your family and have a wonderful day

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@crishdzs]

I have seen many videos of how to install flooring. And because I do it, is part of my job, i know the way to do it. All those videos were trash ! Yours .. have been the only really good one I have find. Keep up the good work. You really know what you are doing bro.

[@mojomarj]

I have watched all your laminate flooring videos 3x'd and I seriously feel confident on starting my floors finally! Thank you so much for your generous tips and tricks to install flooring. Keep up the great craftsmanship and the informative videos you put out.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you I really appreciate your comment

[@williamwoo1437]

Your explanation is by far the best and clearest on KZbin. Thank you for sharing

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Wow, thank you!

[@raymondsiewert2720]

Don't even bother watching anyone else ! Been installing for 30 years and this man is the real deal . Exactly how l set up layout ! It takes some time but it is worth it ! Great video !

[@jasonseifried7192]

I’m so happy that people still take pride in there work and be a professional. Great video

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you!

[@Dnlwsr90]

I’ve turned to KZbin countless times to get in the head of other contractors to find a different way to do something. Many times it helps but this video wins the number one spot. You got a new subscriber

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you!

[@justlooking4771]

I am studying how to install vinyl plank flooring in my house starting with the room over the garage. (I've already ripped the carpet out, got rid of the popcorn ceiling and re-taped and mudded the seams and repainted the ceiling!) But as soon as I get excited thinking that I've got this flooring issue figured out, I get SUPER intimidated by the math and precise measurements required. My mind sort of panics when it comes to fractions and possibly being "off" by a tiny bit and ruining the whole project. Your videos have been by far the best at explaining everything (I'm a retired Marine and we always called it "break it down potato-head style" haha, meaning "piece by piece") but that's the best way some of us learn!! This is NOT an easy project and also NOT one I want to have to do over, so thank you very much for taking the time to explain everything and (yes....I hate to say it) but THANK YOU for the drawn diagrams! :) Some of us are very visual learners and it puts everything together. Thanks again! -The lady that makes alot of trips to Home Depot in Virginia Beach!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Very glad to help!!

[@wanderingon153]

I viewed this video prior to installing LVP in the entire top floor of my house, including a bathroom, hallway, two bedrooms and a stairway. I was able to do the installation starting from one side of the house and working through to the other, without any issues. Really a time and money saver!

[@chenel1234]

This guy is the best! I had never installed flooring before and watched a lot of his videos, some repeatedly. When I came to a difficult problem when installing the flooring I knew exactly what to do. The floor turned out beautiful. I installed a luxury vinyl plank flooring in a large living- dining area, down a hall and into 2 rooms. I ran the flooring into 3 closets and had 2 transitions to tiled rooms as well. Everything is first class and I have a job that I am proud of. It would not have been possible without these videos. I also joined his Flooring University.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you for sharing brother!

[@kentbrown9088]

I plan on starting my own flooring business soon and this video was really helpful for understanding the 3 main measurements for a floor that continues through different rooms without transitions. Really simple cheat sheet that I plan to incorporate. Thank you!

[@Lab1320]

I watched most of your videos before I started my 1900 sq ft project. They are VERY helpful and I had no idea how much was involved. Your video's are a credit to you and your craft. I really appreciate you taking the time and sharing your knowledge and experience. Couldn't have done it without you.Thank you Sir!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you! And thank you for taking the time to leave a comment

[@RedondoBeach2]

I'm fortunate to have found your channel. Your plain spoken but detailed explanations are exactly what I need. Your hands-on practical demonstrations, periodic drawings for bigger picture understanding, tool recommendations/demonstrations, and more, are all value added. Thank you so much.

[@TheTruthHurts732]

This is the first video I've seen where the installer centered the floor. This is how you install flooring.

[@brianallen6463]

Man your videos are awesome. As a new floor guy 6 months on the job this is going to help me alot. My boss does all your little tricks but is terrible at explaining and teaching how. I'm about to get my skill level up now. Thanks!

[@chriskillen2524]

Thanks man, your videos have been very helpful for my home improvement projects while I'm laid off during this coronavirus stuff. Much appreciated!!

[@gregbreault8921]

This is the best video I've seen on how to start laminate/LVP flooring.

[@4um360]

The way you handled that layout is amazing. You are a true craftsman. Thank you for sharing with us. Ps, I’ve watched two more of your videos.

[@Grainexpress]

Thanks Joe!!! I am doing my big basement and I learned sooo much because of all the info you provided. God Bless!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Glad to help and God bless you

[@cam00001]

And....I'm doing a bathroom about 5' X 6' but that was AWESOME! Very cool to see how you'd measure a house for all of that Flooring. Thanks a LOT.

[@cardinalrobbins9453]

You make me feel very confident that I can install my own flooring. Granted, it's only a small, rectangular office, but it will give me a sense of pride to do this myself. I am so grateful to you for this knowledge, Joe. Stay blessed! -- Ms. Cardinal

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

You can do it!

[@yohansiobahn2430]

Setting GRID! That's awesome Joe!!! I work in land surveying, and when we layout Grid for multimillion dollar projects, this is why. Straight reference to a Grid is the only way to do this type of complex work. Awesome man, awesome!

[@Goglamosh]

Your videos have been incredibly valuable. Thanks for your effort and insight!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you so much!!

[@jeremycasey7197]

Man, your tips in this video and a couple others of yours were so helpful, I had to drop you a thank you tip! Keep putting out great content!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you so much!!

[@markupfield9651]

This a very comprehensive explanation of setting out. I love the way that you explain very carefully every step and then show on the video. I found this very useful and informative and I thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelyoung9135]

This is one of the most useful videos I've seen on any topic for starting a project. Thanks for taking the time, this and the rest of your videos is going to make installing my floor across fours rooms so much easier.

[@OscarGarcia-tq9ks]

Thank you Joe, this was the most helpful video of its kind that I've seen so far. Very practical, the 10 board thing is genius!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you glad to help

[@claudedaniels5415]

Thank the Lord I found your videos. I just installed in library with run soon to go into a bedroom and bathroom. Your a Master and saved me some headaches for sure. I’m so tickled with the turn out. And wife is just floored 🤣how it turned out. Thanks so much👍✍️

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

I'm glad it worked out for you and it's always good for the wife to be happy

[@gregmccoy8595]

Joel is THE MAN!! Following his videos I was able to do an incredible job on our laminate floor in our kitchen, living room, and hallway. Can’t believe how well it turned out. Thanks Joel!!!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you very much!!

[@misterx8592]

Absolutely the BEST tutorial and teacher on KZbin for installing Vinyl Plank. God bless you my friend!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you!

[@richardburguillos3118]

Your videos are great. Very nicely explained. I’m about to start an complete upstairs reflooring with Bamboo. I wanted to use the hallway and go into each room and try and avoid transitions.

[@tracybrislin]

This is beyond helpful! You are natural born teacher! Thank you for your detailed description, you saved my life here!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

You're welcome and thank you for your comment

[@Marcia-mu6uq]

Joe, thank you for your instructional videos. I am in the process of installing my LVP in a 2nd floor guest bedroom. Your videos are very clear and understandable, and your camera angles are the best. Your coverage of mistakes and how to overcome problems are very important, too. Thank you!!!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Yorkie285]

You really know what you talking about...very impressive..

[@garth635]

Thanks, very informative. A lot of the videos I have run across were mostly commercials showing the DIY person how 'easy' it is. No, it's work.

[@oliversolorzano7153]

Hey Joe, Thanks for the helpful insight. I have been researching for a few days and your channel was the only one I saved and the only comment I have made. Hit me up when in Miami for some back country or open water fishing or diving... Watching your video many times and downloading the tribal knowledge. Thanks man!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

+Oliver Solorzano thanks for that! Check out Laminate University, all my videos are in there and so am I to help you through your project

[@frankbinsley6221]

Very informative. This will be my first install and your cheat sheet makes so much sense. Im not worried about gettig off track now bro. Good job!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thx glad to help

[@nickwesener4175]

Awesome video! I will be installing vinyl planking from the kitchen into my living room and down a long hallway. I’m glad there was a video that is very similar to my upcoming project. You have gave me confidence, now I just have to implement your techniques!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

You got this

[@TheMorreal]

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I was trying to plan ahead with the measurements, but could not quit get it figured out in my mind. Showing how to center the hallway and projecting it down the rest of the floor plan was what I needed. Snapping the lines and prepping is the difficult part. The actually installation will now be easy and fairly smooth running. I owe you a beer or two.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you Mark for posting this I really appreciate you doing now and giving me some feedback

[@eddierogers3463]

I hope you know how brilliant you are! Amazing video! Thank you for posting.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

I don't know about that but thank you very much for your post

[@nickbuol]

Outstanding videos. Made my multi-room install of engineered hardware so much easier to know how to make it "right" without having to re-do things. From basing things off of the center of the longest area (hallway), to putting boards together (10) to get the cheat sheet, to working backwards tips, to putting down some scraps that are screwed in to give a solid foundation to tap tight future rows. All worked out outstandingly for me. Without getting into all of the details, I found the center of the hallway, put together 3 rows to span the "width" of the house as I didn't have great locations elsewhere to create a another measurement for the chalk line. We left these there just for another point of reference during the laying of the flooring. The most satisfying part was when we finished a dining room and large foyer and the boards snapped in PERFECTLY to the ones put down the width of the house. ALL because of your tips and instructions throughout this video series. We still have some edge pieces to go, and a few feet down the L shaped hallway where it meets carpeted bedrooms, a tile bathroom, and 2 closets, but those are all just a little more tedious, but not hard, thanks to you.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you for posting this!

[@bigsidable]

I’m just glad my wood shop teacher and math teacher. Instilled it me how much math would be needed in my life. From division,multiplying,fraction, metrics square root. Use numbers all day long. As I stock investor,Home Improvement Specialist. I was a large format multi color printing press operator. Using the metic and American Standard measurements. Studying Air Craft Maintenance. The number are mint boggling. To the millionths. And it’s still Pi.

[@jonathanjimenez2272]

Hey thanks for this video, I'm a helper It's crazy how little planning some installers have when laying their first row, usually they just snap a line off a wall and go from their and then we end up with a 1in rip across a wall because of the poor starting point.Now I know how to judge and plan a job and what to avoid, I've worked for a variety of install companies, and anyone can do a square room, but usually what I've seen is when the layout gets more complex the quality of work goes down.

[@JleLAUR]

Thank you for instructions and your prayers … we needed both for our flooring project!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

You are so welcome!

[@wunders3837]

What a great resource! Thank you so much for all the time and effort to put these videos together and share with us. There are so many tips and tricks that I’ve picked up. I have a whole house to do and not scared anymore hahaha

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

You got this!

[@ryanlatterell2079]

You're spot on! Great guide Joe! We do mostly tile work, custom bathrooms n kitchens but we do flooring also,hardwood n vynal , today doing about 1200 square of vynal n found your video 2 refresh the brain and u r as I said, spot on 2 what we do Let's get this MONEY !!!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thanks man! Good luck!

[@codyandvictoria]

I've watched these a hundred times in prep for my own DIY install. Hopefully it goes well 🤞

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

You got this!

[@Apio]

How did it go ?

[@zocalo1990]

Doing the same thing

[@hereonmars]

@@Apio my question exactly!

[@lsmithp3]

This video really helped me out. Thank you

[@bassinbillRC5300]

Hi Joel, I visited your other video on How to install the last few rows of laminate flooring. I visited Homo Depot and they did not have a clue what a mini planer was. I called up Lowes and no help there either. Finally went to Ace Hardware here in my home town of Conyers Ga. They had it and I bought it. I adjusted the blade so as to get ribbons of wood coming off the lower surface of the male tang locking piece. I did the same to the end locking piece. I used the clear Gorilla glue and the end result looks great. Thank you for helping out a new guy to laminate installation. I did install several rooms of Homo Depot Allure vinyl flooring.

[@dougfresh1341]

Great video Joe! Concise. Informative. Liked and Subbed.

[@madrockwatchesadventure4501]

Great videos Joe!

[@bigsidable]

What an amazing video and job on floor.

[@swiftyfromthe3138]

Definitely fun to try new projects. Thanks.

[@detroit313vlogs7]

Great job on this vid. Thank you. Really helped.

[@craigsmith4775]

Great advice simple is best and sharing knowledge is a great gift many thanks for passing on will be a big help for me here in the UK.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thetir0]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

yw

[@clintjones2344]

Mr Joe outstanding work and outstanding and video

[@martinezb9]

No one told me math would be involved

[@donnyayers1460]

Man you are so informative. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. I am enjoying all you video's.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Glad you like them!

[@mikep7847]

Brilliant. Having done it before I thought I could do it with minimal planning. Luckily I know the final few rows will be coverered by a fitted wardrobe right along that wall. Just got to rebuild the flat pack that I had to disassemble! Omg. Blimey it's been difficult and only doing a small bedroom!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

You got this

[@JustinLatva]

Good sir, I can't thank you enough! I was totally stuck and the floor was the last thing I needed to finish to complete my renovation. THANKS AGAIN!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yw

[@TruthTeller20242]

Dude your a damn good guy!!!!!! Thanks for all you do Joe!!!!!!!!

[@masondavis7737]

Great tutorial. My floor plan is almost identical, so this was extremely helpful.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

glad to help

[@ricksigmensr.6259]

I used your method and my floor couldn't have turned out better thanks for your tips and your time.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

You're welcome and thank you for posting

[@LarryOohLaLa]

Great Layout Brother I like that ways

[@aliabtahi2313]

real installation points . for perfect centering and perfect installation

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you

[@larrybahr48]

Very good video. I was able to do My house easily after watching this video.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thats great Larry!

[@dmlvsccfamful]

Best advice for professionals and beginners

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you!

[@mitchellhammersley5583]

I like this guy, and I want to buy him a beer.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Lol. Well if you ever see me I'll take you up on that

[@ambershann8395]

Best quote ever: “Could’ve been Friday afternoon! Who knows?!” 😂 You’re videos are so helpful! Thank you.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

You are welcome and thanks for posting!!

[@sheilaemery5058]

Thanks very useful tips thank you so much for your time and video

[@BrianFox]

Super helpful. Great vid.

[@robertkellas779]

Great video. Love the tips.

[@chamy1521]

Having been a GC you did a great job explaining this installation and layout.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you!

[@lynettestrukamp1381]

You are a wealth of information! Thanks

[@joemartin7017]

Super helpful to me brother! I'm a new handyman doing my first laminate job for an actual customer and this gave me some great ideas to use, I was just gonna start in a corner, cross my fingers and pray lol. Also, you sound just like Hopper from Stanger Things lol.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

I'm glad to help and I appreciate you leaving a comment! I hope your job goes well

[@douglingle1600]

Thanks so much for posting awesome video and more than that for your prayers, God bless you my friend!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

You are so welcome

[@perlatovar4060]

For installing vinyl on a concrete floor do I need padding underneath and what to use when I come across the carpet from the rooms and the vinyl or between the kitchen hard floor and the vinyl floor. This is my first time putting vinyl floors, and you are my mentor. I'm following all your advices.

[@dylanhart4930]

Good video. Guys voice sounds just like Chris Pratt ☺

[@gregs3580]

Thank you much, your video was very helpful.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thanks

[@Anthony-bt2vo]

Thank you opens my eyes on this wow how cool !!!!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

You're welcome

[@garymccray6701]

Joe, I have watched all of your KZbin videos on laying laminate and vinyl plank, several of them many times. I'm kind of a handy guy and have already installed a stone pattern laminate with 4 ft. by 15 inch sections that started in our dining area, went thru the kitchen, around a peninsula, and into the laundry room. That was ten years ago and the floor still looks as good as the day I finished it. I'm getting ready to install my first vinyl plank floor which will cover our living room, family room, foyer and hallway. Your KZbin video series on installing laminate and vinyl plank flooring has been invaluable In preparing myself for the job. I have also watched videos by others. I must tell you that your videos cover the entire process better than any others I save seen. Your attention to detail in your explanations is helpful beyond any other video I've seen. Thank you very much for your fine work. Right now, we're involved in the prep work of removing wood parquet and carpet, and preparing the sub-floor for the vinyl plank. As soon as the new flooring arrives, we'll get started using many of the techniques and tips I have learned from your videos. Thank you. You're the best I've seen on the Web, or anywhere else, for that matter..

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

+Gary McCray thank you very much for the kind words. Glad to help.

[@davedelgiacco2941]

Well done and very informative. Thanks for the content.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

+Dave DelGiacco thank you!

[@bertmeza8673]

Get some, your doing great things joe!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thanks

[@marietesta7076]

Thank you very much, it was very helpful

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

You're welcome and thank you for your comment

[@Freehalllito]

Thanks! You really help us. We are watching all your videos now.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you I'm glad to help

[@philedwards1460]

good video. Helps a lot. liked and subd

[@russaranchuk2361]

God bless you! Wonderful video🙌🏽

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you! You too!

[@shizzledesign]

That flooring is amazing. Very helpful.

[@np0323]

It's pretty clear you take pride in your work and pay attention to small details. Awesome work, thanks for posting.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you Nathan I appreciate your posting this comment

[@ismaelsilva7984]

You isthe best thak you so much and God bless you your jobe

[@sjambor]

Love the series. Loads of tricks I can use. One thing that got me confused is that we call the side with the groove the female end here and the one with the part sticking out (go figure...) male. Anyhow, all the rest made perfect sense to me. Thanks a bunch!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Lol. Thx

[@mustardfj40]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@theoffice9803]

Oh man! It went completely over my head.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

If you have questions let me know. Sometimes you need to just watch the video again.

[@jameswyatt1304]

The 10-board cheat sheet is pure genius; I got burned on the small difference between 6" label and reality; 150mm is 5.9"! Very good installation video on other points as well, but this was key for me.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thx for the comment James!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thx james

[@KingYarun]

you're not saying why are you taking most of those measurements though...

[@josecarcano6445]

Good Video.

[@michaelws6247]

Thank you Joe, 1 step at a time your helping me make my house a lot nicer.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thanks Michael!!!

[@mostafaesho]

Great job, thanks

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yw

[@chris-ky5sb]

Thank you very much great vid 👍