Can You Install Vinyl Flooring Without Removing Baseboards? Yes—Here’s the Expert How-To

Upgrading your home with vinyl plank flooring? You might be wondering: “Do I really need to remove my baseboards first?” As flooring experts, we hear this all the time—and we’re happy to tell you the answer is no, you don’t.

Now, whether or not you should remove them is a different story. You’ll always get a cleaner, well-put together look if you do remove them. Is it strictly necessary though? Absolutely not. The main point to remember is most flooring requires an expansion gap, so as long as you follow that recommendation, you can pretty much do the rest as you see fit. Let’s walk you through why it works, and exactly how to do it step-by-step.

Why Skip Baseboard Removal?

Removing baseboards can be time-consuming and risky. You could damage your walls, chip paint, or end up with more repairs than you planned. This can turn a 3 or 4 day project into one that you can get done the same day. The good news is, vinyl plank flooring is designed to be flexible and forgiving, making it perfect for a no-demo approach.

Instead of removing baseboards, you can:

• Slide planks close to the wall
• Leave a small expansion gap
• Cover it with quarter-round or shoe molding for a seamless look

This saves you time, labor, and stress—while still giving you a decent looking floor.

Step-by-Step: How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring Without Removing Baseboards

1. Prep Your Floor
   Clear the room, vacuum thoroughly, and ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, and level.
2. Plan the Layout
   Measure the room, plan your starting point (usually along the longest wall), and do a dry run of a few planks. Use our online measuring calculator.
3. Undercut Door Casings
   Use a flush-cut saw to trim the bottom of door frames so the vinyl can slide underneath.
4. Leave an Expansion Gap
   Always leave the expansion gap that’s required by the manufacturer. This will allow the floor to shrink and expand without causing issues.
5. Install the Planks
   Click or lay down planks together starting in the left corner, working your way across while staggering the seams.
6. Cut to Fit
   Use a jigsaw or utility knife for cuts near walls or obstacles—keep the expansion gap in mind.
7. Add Quarter-Round Trim
   Finish by installing quarter-round molding to cover the expansion gap. Nail into the baseboard, not the flooring.

Why Choose End Of The Roll Flooring Centres?

At End Of The Roll Flooring Centres, we take the stress out of flooring. We keep vinyl plank flooring always in stock, which means no delays, no back-orders, and no compromises.

Our stores across Canada feature a wide range of luxury vinyl, water-resistant options, and wood-look finishes, all ready to go when you are. Plus, our team of flooring experts is always here to answer questions, share tips, and help you choose the perfect style.

Ready to transform your floors the smart way?

Visit your nearest End Of The Roll Flooring Centre location and see how easy it is to install vinyl flooring—without removing your baseboards.

Our flooring experts are here to guide you, answer questions, and even connect you with trusted installers if needed.