GENERAL INSTALLATION TOOLS
- Moisture Meter
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
- Chalk Line
- Hand Saw or Power Saw
- Utility Knife
- Tapping block
- Crowbar or Pry Bar
- Wood or Plastic Spacers (¼")
- Rubber Mallet
Step One - Establish a Starting Point
1. Remove any existing wall base, shoe molding, quarter round or doorway threshold.
2. If installation is above or at grade, poly-film is recommended but not necessary.
3. Determine the longest, straightest wall to begin installation; this is usually an exterior wall.
4. Measure the total width of the flooring (including the tongue), plus ¼" for expansion. Measure out this distance in at least 2 places from the starting wall and 12" from the corners. Then, snap a chalk line parallel to the starting wall.
Step Two - Lay Out
1. Start with a full plank and align the planks tongue with the working line, cut the last plank to the proper length leaving a ¼" from the end wall. Repeat this step for the second row, making sure to stagger the joints. The minimum end stagger is 6 inches.
Step Three – Rack the Floor
1. Once the first row is in place, continue to lay out the planks. Be sure to blend the planks and stagger the end joints a minimum of 6" apart to ensure a favorable appearance.
Step Four – Installation of Flooring
1. Once enough of the planks have been racked out, begin installing the planks by fitting the short side of the click system into the long side of the click system. Make sure that the click system is engaged evenly; any gapping can compromise the integrity of the installation. If gapping occurs use a tapping block and rubber mallet on the long seams and gently tap down the roll to close gaps. Continue installing planks across the room ending at the far wall.
2. It may be necessary to rip the last row to allow for the minimum ¼" expansion. If the last row is 2" or less click the pieces to the last full uninstalled row and install them together. If needed use a light rubber mallet to make the remaining rows tight to the installed planks.
Step Five - Completing the Job
1. Clean the floor with any high-quality, p/h-neutral vinyl cleaner.
2. Install transition pieces -i.e. – stair nose, reducer, end cap, t-molding and base shoe. Please follow manufacturer's installation guidelines for transitions.
3. Any unused material should be stored in a dry place in case future repairs are needed. We recommend saving at least 2 boxes.
Final Thoughts
Installing SPC flooring does not have to be complicated. With proper subfloor preparation, careful layout planning, correct click-lock installation, and appropriate finishing, SPC flooring can provide a durable and attractive surface for many years.
If you are looking for reliable SPC flooring for residential, commercial, hotel, office, or renovation projects, choosing WILSON can provide more options for sizes, thicknesses, colors, surface designs, packaging, and customized solutions.
