The Complete Luxury Vinyl Flooring Installation Guide
Read entire installation instruction sheet prior to beginning installation. Improper installation of the flooring or deficiencies related to site conditions may result in failure of the installation and will void your warranty. Always reference Manufacturer’s current installation recommendations.
Owner/installer assumes all responsibility for final inspection and acceptance of product prior to installation. Installation guidelines are available in additional languages upon request.
Please read these instructions carefully before you begin installation. All information refers to the British Standard BS 8203:2001 +A1:2009.
General Information
Your new flooring is produced utilising a revolutionary locking system for installing floors without using glue. This locking system is unique because you can install the planks in two different ways:
Method A:
Position the plank to be installed at an angle of 20 to 30° to the plank already installed. Insert the tongue into the groove and move the plank gently up and down while exerting forward pressure. The planks will automatically click into place.
See diagram 1A -1B -1C.
Method B:
Using an alternate installation method to tap the planks into each other without lifting. For this method you must use a tapping block. The planks should not be joined with a single tap. To avoid damaging the planks you must tap them together gradually.
See diagram 2A - 2B.
Jobsite Requirements
1. Calculate the room size prior to installation. Add 5-10% to total flooring quantity needed to cover floor surface for cutting waste.
2. Determine the direction the floor will be installed. It is recommended that the flooring be installed parallel to the longest outside wall or parallel to the main light source for optimal appearance.
3. Installations greater than 22 lineal meters in any direction will require the use of transition moldings. Use of transition moldings in doorways is recommended.
4. 5mm expansion space is required at all walls and vertical obstructions (cabinets, doors, fireplaces, etc.). Expansion space will be covered with base or quarter round/shoe moldings that are affixed to the wall. Never affix moldings to the floor. Door jambs or casings should be undercut to allow for required expansion space.
5. Ensure that subfloors are dry prior to onset of installation and that a moisture barrier is installed between the ground and subfloor. Concrete should be cured and tested for moisture. It is the responsibility of the installer to determine if the concrete is dry enough for installation. Manufacturer is not responsible for moisture related site conditions, or damages to flooring or surrounding structures resulting from moisture. To provide additional protection against moisture, we suggest the use of a 6-mil poly film or equivalent vapor retarder with a perm rating of 1 or less between the subfloor and the flooring. In all circumstances the manufacturer of the ancillary item must be consulted for product compatibility before use.
6. Acclimate flooring for a minimum of 12 hours prior to installation in the area where it is to be installed. Room temperature and relative humidity must be consistent with normal, year- round living conditions for at least one week prior to installation. Temperature must be maintained between 65-85 degrees F (18-29 degrees C) with relative humidity range between 35- 65%, before, during and a minimum of two weeks after installation. SPC should NEVER be installed outdoors, or in an area which does not have consistent year-round temperature and humidity controls suitable for normal living conditions.
7. Substrate must be clean and free of dirt, debris, or any contaminates; structurally sound; and level to within 5mm over a 3 metre radius.
8. Carefully examine each piece of flooring for visible defects prior to installation. Ensure there is sufficient natural or artificial lighting for thorough inspection of the flooring with regard to finish, colour, texture, and sheen. Do not install any piece of flooring that may be considered questionable in appearance or quality. Installer assumes all responsibility for acceptance of flooring installed with visible or manufacturing defects.
9. Work from 2-3 cartons at a time to insure the best representation of pattern, colour, and design. Check cartons to ensure that the item number and lot number are the same for all material to be installed. Manufacturer is not responsible for colour or sheen variation when material from multiple lots is installed.
10. When installing SPC with attached pad, no additional underlayment should be used. Underlayment for use with SPC products without pad attached must be specifically designated for use with SPC. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
Tools Required
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
- Chalk Line
- Circular or Hand Saw
- Mitre Saw
- Utility Knife
- Rubber Mallet
- Expansion Spacers
- Use of a small bristle brush for cleaning debris left from milling the locking joints will ensure a tight fit of the pieces.
Subfloor Information
Acceptable Subfloors
Interior grade 12 mm plywood or particleboard; 19 mm OSB; existing hardwood floor (sound and well bonded); concrete; existing ceramic tile (well bonded); existing resilient/vinyl flooring (well bonded).
Subfloor Preparation
All subfloors should be inspected prior to installation, and must be smooth, clean, dry, structurally sound, and free of dust, dirt, oil, or any other contaminant. Use a quality Portland cement based levelling compound to fill or smooth any irregularities in a concrete subfloor.
Concrete subfloors must be at least 90 days old and fully cured. Concrete must be free of moisture or high alkalinity, with a minimum of 6-mil poly film moisture barrier between the ground and the concrete. Concrete must be pH neutral prior to installation. Moisture levels in concrete should be tested according to ASTM F2170-2 (standard test method for determining relative humidity in concrete floor slabs using in situ probes) with a moisture content not exceeding 5 pounds per 1000 sf; or ASTM F1869-98 (standard test method for measuring moisture vapor emission rate of concrete subfloor using anhydrous calcium chloride – CM method) with a maximum permissible moisture content of 2.0%. See also BS 8203:2017 Annex B Hygrometer test for dampness of concrete, cementitious and calcium sulphate bases.
Manufacturer does not warrant or guarantee unsatisfactory installations due to the presence of excessive alkali, moisture, or hydrostatic pressure in subfloors.
Concrete should be dry, clean, and level to within 5mm over 3 metre radius. Level low spots with a Portland cement based levelling compound and grind high spots to ensure floor is level.
Wood and composition panels, including plywood, OSB and particle board can be used, provided they are smooth, flat, structurally sound, and free of deflection. Wood subfloors shall have at least 46 cm of well-ventilated space below.
The ground under crawl spaces must be covered with 1.25 mm poly film to reduce moisture vapor transmission. Wood subfloors (plywood, particleboard, OSB) must be dry and structurally sound. Wood subfloors must be double construction or equivalent, with a minimum thickness of 2.54 cm, such as APA rated underlayment grade plywood with a fully sanded face that is free of voids. Nail or screw loose subflooring every 15cm along joists to secure.
Level low spots with a Portland cement based levelling compound, and sand down any high areas to ensure levelness of the substrate. All wood substrates should be prepared according to the latest revision of ASTM F1482 Installation and Preparation of Panel Type Underlayment to Receive Resilient Flooring.
SPC may be installed over some existing floor covering materials.
Existing resilient floor covering must be smooth and consist of a single layer of non-cushioned flooring which is well adhered to the subfloor. Use embossing leveller to smooth the surface and prevent telegraphing on to your new LVT/LVP. Do not install over carpet, perimeter glued resilient flooring, ceramic tile, hardwood flooring or laminate flooring.
Warning: Existing resilient floor coverings and black asphalt adhesive may contain asbestos, asbestos fibre or crystalline silica. Do not sand, scrape or abrade these materials. If removal of existing resilient floor covering is necessary, be certain that all precautions are taken, and proper procedures are followed. For information regarding proper removal procedures, please refer to “Asbestos and man-made mineral fibre materials in buildings: practical guidance. 2000”, DETR publications.
Hardwood flooring must be secure and well bonded to the subfloor. Repair any loose boards or squeaks prior to installation. Ceramic tile must be secure and well bonded to the subfloor. Grout lines should be filled with Portland cement based levelling compound.
SPC flooring may be installed over in-floor hydronic radiant heat using the following guidelines. Complete system must be operational at least one week prior to installation. The system should be turned off 72 hours prior to installation and remain off 72 hours after installation is complete. After this timeframe, gradually return system to normal room temperature setting. Subfloor surface must never exceed 80 degrees F (27 degrees C) throughout the life of the floor. Flooring should never come in direct contact with the heating system. All other standard installation instructions apply.
Sweep or vacuum subfloor to remove any loose dust or dirt particles.
Fitting Instructions
Before starting, first measure the width of the room, and divide the room’s width by the width of the plank. If the last row of planks will be less than 2” (50 mm) wide, you will need to cut the first row of planks in such a way that the first and last rows will have the same approximate width.
You should begin your installation starting in the left-hand corner of the room. Measure the same distance from the wall at several points and snap a chalk line.
The distance you measure from the wall should be the width of the planks (or the width of the cut plank), plus required expansion space. Expansion spacers should be placed along all walls, and at all vertical obstructions (walls, cabinets, fireplaces, etc.), and remain in place until installation is completed.
Planks should be staggered, with at least 20cm or 25% of the length of the plank between end joint of adjacent planks. No plank less than 15cm should be installed. Stagger planks to avoid installing in a brick like pattern on alternating rows. It is very important that the first row is installed properly.
Begin the first row with a full-length plank. Remove the tongue on both the long and the short sides with a saw, taking care not to damage the face of the plank. The tongue should be removed on all planks in the first row. The first row of planks will be placed with the grooved edge facing outward into the room.
Expansion spacers should be placed along all walls, and at all vertical obstructions (walls, cabinets, fireplaces, etc.) and remain in place until installation is completed.
The following diagrams illustrate the positioning of planks for the remainder of the installation. This may be achieved by utilizing either Method A: Angle/Angle
(diagram 1A-1C) or Method B: Angle/Tap (diagram 2A-2B) methods shown on page 1.
It is very important to follow diagrams 4.1 through 4.16 precisely for a successful installation.
When installing the last row, you may need to use a pull-bar to lock the long side of the planks together. See diagrams 5A – 5B - 5C.
Remember, expansion spacers must be used at all walls and vertical obstructions.
Once installation is completed, remove expansion spacers and cover expansion space with trim. Do not affix trim to the floor, as this will prevent free movement of the floor.
Preventive Care
The easiest way to maintain the optimal look and performance of your floor is to reduce the amount of dirt, grit, and moisture with an effective barrier mat. This should be cleaned regularly. The use of rubber-backed or coco-fibre mats is NOT acceptable, as they are known to stain resilient floors.
Never slide heavy furniture or fittings over an unprotected floor. Severe scratching or damage may occur as a result. The floor should be protected from wheels, casters, or feet of fittings and furniture, avoiding rubber products, which may stain the floor. Use hard plastic or felt pads under heavy furniture to prevent point loads. Non-staining felt pads can also be used, provided they are changed on a regular basis to prevent dirt, debris, and grit build-up. Wide, non-staining casters at least 50 mm in diameter, or floor protectors should be used on rolling furniture, such as office chairs (in UK/Europe, casters must be in accordance with DIN18354 and EN12529)
Cabinets or heavy equipment should never be installed or placed on top of flooring. Furniture should have evenly distributed weight not exceeding 183 kg, with weight of point loads not exceeding 45 kg. Ensure distribution points are not directly positioned over side or end joint on plank.
Furniture polish and window cleaning agents should be applied directly to a cloth to avoid overspray or spillage onto the floor. Contact with some agents, such as
silicone, will make the floor surface extremely slippery, which may result in accidents.
Regular Maintenance
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and loose debris, then clean with pH neutral cleaner specifically formulated for use on resilient floor covering, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and allow to dry.
Always remove excess moisture to prevent slip and fall hazards.
Do not use soap based detergents, caustic, or abrasive cleaners.
Most cleaning agents will not harm the floor; however, all residue of cleaning agents should be removed immediately to avoid discoloration. The following substances may stain or discolour resilient flooring: tar, nail-polish, varnish, some spices, shoe polish, lipstick, solvent-based paints, rubber mats, coco-fibre mats, asphalt, permanent markers, crayons, hair dye.
Additional considerations for floor care:
1. Never use a steam mop on the flooring. Use of steam mops may cause damage to your floor.
2. Always use clean floor care applicators. Use of dirty applicators redistributes the dirt throughout the floor surface.
3. Do not mix cleaning products from different manufacturers – they may not be compatible.
4. Wipe up spills immediately.
5.Take precautions to prevent dark rubber from coming into contact with the floor.
5. Never deviate from the manufacturer’s recommended instructions for use of maintenance products.
6. Use warning signs to advise that cleaning is in progress – damp floors are slippery and may present a slip/fall hazard.
7. Protect against exposure to direct sunlight through use of curtains, blinds or solar film to protect against thermal dimensional changes or discoloration from sunlight.