SPC LVT FLOORING INSTALLATION GUIDE

TOOLS FOR INSTALLATION

Ensure you have the following tools ready before starting:

INSTALLATION OPTIONS

FLOATING METHOD

When working with Vinyl SPC, the tiles are joined to each other, not to the subfloor. This method is ideal for the click-fit system and we would recommend installing underlay beforehand. Our SPC luxury vinyl tiles come with a built-in underlay, ensuring waterproof protection and resistance to mildew, mould, rot, and bacteria. Ensure your subfloor is clean and smooth before laying your floor.

PREPARING TO FIT YOUR FLOOR

1. CHECK THE PLANKS

   After your flooring has been delivered, inspect your packs to ensure you're completely happy with everything. Our wood-effect SPC flooring will have variety between planks and batches due to natural variations in the wood. Variations help create colour contrasts and deliver a more natural look.

2. ALLOW ACCLIMATISATION

   Allow the SPC floor to acclimatise in the installation room for 24 - 48 hours. You should keep the packs horizontal with equal weight distribution. Make sure your room temperature is between 20°C - 21°C and ensure there is no exposure to extreme elements. For underfloor heating, you should gradually increase the temperature as per your heating supplier's guidance – this helps get the wood more familiar with the heat.

3. PREPARE THE SUBFLOOR

   Before laying the new floor, remove any existing flooring and ensure you have a clean, dry, and level subfloor. We recommend either a concrete or wooden subfloor. To make sure your subfloor is dry use a moisture meter, especially where concrete is used. Next, you'll need to install a damp-proof membrane to limit any moisture reaching the engineered boards. Secure screws or nails below the surface to avoid piercing the underlay. Make sure to clear the floor of any old adhesive.

4. PLAN THE LAYOUT

   Before you start installing the floor, look through the boards and pick out any with natural grains, knots and colour variation. You can then use these boards as focal points, mixing the planks to achieve the desired look. If you come across some planks you're not happy with, keep them for cutting or use them in hidden spots on your floor. When laying out your planks, think about which direction you want them to go. It's usually best to run them along the longest wall. In square rooms, you can run them in any direction you prefer.

5. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

   Make sure installing your floor is the last thing you do. Another important tip is to work from top to bottom of your room to minimise damage. Avoid screwing heavy furniture directly into the floor. Gluing the floor down with adhesive may be necessary for extra stability. If you have a kitchen island, this can be installed on top of the floor as long as the subfloor is level. Don't screw the island feet directly into the floor, as this may affect the wood's natural contractions.

INSTALLING YOUR FLOOR - FLOATING METHOD

1. MEASURE FINAL ROW WIDTH

   Calculate the width of the final row to ensure proper plank alignment. To determine the width of the final row, divide the total width of the room by the width of a single board. This will enable you to trim the first row of boards, ensuring the final row is at least 60mm wide.

2. INSERT SPACERS

   Insert spacers between the first row and the walls to create an expansion gap of 2mm. If you're using underfloor heating, we recommend a minimum of 5mm.

3. LAY FIRST PLANK

   Lay the first plank in the corner of the longest wall with the tongue side facing the wall. Ensure this row is perfectly straight as it will guide the direction of the entire floor.

4. STAGGER THE PLANKS

   Achieve a balanced and sturdy base by staggering each plank at least 30cm apart. For this, you'll need to trim a plank at the end of each row. Position these trimmed planks so that the cut side faces the outer wall. Continue this pattern by using the remaining portion of the previous plank to stagger the joints from row to row.

5. SECURE THE CONNECTION

   To fully connect the planks, knock gently on the outer end. We don't recommend using a mallet here as that could damage the click connection.

6. CONTINUE INSTALLATION

   Following the completion of the first row, link each plank to the previous row and the adjacent plank. Click each joint into the gap of the plank in front by starting at a high angle and applying gentle pressure. Upon hearing a click, lower it flat on the floor. Repeat this process to ensure all planks are connected tightly without any gaps.

7. FINALIZE INSTALLATION

   The last row may pose a challenge, but you can achieve a snug fit using a pull bar and a rubber mallet.

FINISHING TOUCHES

FITTING AROUND PIPES

To accommodate pipes, mark their positions on the board and drill a hole accordingly. Then, make angled cuts to form a wedge from the edge of the board to the hole. After fitting the board around the pipe, reattach the wedge with glue behind the pipe to create a seamless look.

FITTING AROUND DOOR FRAMES

Start by removing the door from the frame. Align an offcut of flooring with a threshold bar to ensure it fits underneath the architrave. If necessary, trim the bottom of the architrave to the correct height using a handsaw and chisel. Also, consider trimming the bottom of the door before refitting it.

COVERING EXPANSION GAPS

Use matching beading and thresholds to cover expansion gaps and seamlessly blend the new floors with existing walls. Avoid attaching trims directly to the flooring, as it may affect the expansion gaps.

SPARE PLANKS FOR REPAIRS

Keep spare planks or cuttings for potential repairs in the future.

ADDRESSING LARGE EXPANSION GAPS

If the expansion gap is too large and the skirting or moulding doesn't cover it, cut strips from spare floorboards using a handsaw. Glue these strips into place to cover the gap.

FLOORING ACCESSORIES

Don't forget your flooring accessories:

Need Additional Support?

For technical support or additional questions about your Lattia flooring installation, please visit lattia.co.uk or contact our customer service team.