SPC vinyl flooring has grabbed the attention of users due to its mind-blowing features such as extraordinary durability, aesthetic value, and scratch and water resistance. But installing this floor requires some tools as well as precise knowledge. Therefore, in this article, Vinyl Flooring Dubai has uncovered the complete procedure for installing SPC Click vinyl flooring. For DIY enthusiasts, we have made SPC flooring installation easy and reliable with smooth and fast click-lock techniques. Furthermore, we have also enlisted essential materials that you will need for your DIY floor installation project.
SPC Click Vinyl Flooring Installation: A Perfect Guide
SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) vinyl flooring has two basic techniques for installation: click-lock and loose-lay flooring. In this article, we’re going to discuss the step-by-step installation of this flooring with the former method (click-lock method). Vinyl-made SPC flooring is fabricated with limestone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and plasticizers with variable thickness options. This flooring option is highly preferable for damp, shady places due to its amazing mold, moisture, and scratch resistance. Like other vinyl floorings, this is also designed with multiple robust layers—core, top, and decorative.
Essential Stuff Required To Install
- Measuring Tape
- Utility Knife
- Chalk Line or Pencil
- Straight Edge
- Protective Equipment
- Circular Saw
- Pry Bar
- Rubber Mallet
- Spacers
- Adhesive Materials
- Underlayment
- Transition Strips
Step 1: Choose The Flooring Layout
Before starting the installation process, you should analyze the flooring layout and laying pattern to avoid any inconvenience during installation. Start laying planks on any straight and dominant wall and move towards the rest of the areas. Most of the floor areas are not even for smooth plank laying, you need to place the first row in a parallel way to a straight front wall for a decent look.
Step 2: Remove Obstacles From Surrounding
Another important step that can’t be avoided before installation is removing obstacles from the surroundings. Use a pry bar to take off the moldings from the window and door edges. These moldings usually affect the look of the floor. The base shoe moldings, baseboards, and case moldings are the most common obstacles that should be removed. However, you can use the undercut saw to cut permanently fixed moldings.
Step 3: Subfloor Preparation
In this vital step, you need to prepare the subfloor surface by leveling it for a smooth and perfect installation. Without subfloor preparation, the SPC planks will not be firmly or evenly attached to the floor surface. If the floor surface has dents and spots, you should fix them by applying the leveling material. For concrete subfloors, use the patcher to fill the dents or spots. However, if you have a plan to fix vinyl-made SPC planks on the wooden subfloor, you can choose any high-quality leveling compound.
Step 4: Acclimatize The SPC Flooring Material
The process of flooring acclimatization has a significant impact on maintenance and durability. For acclimatizing, place the flooring material on the desired floor area 24-36 hours before starting the installation process. This extra time will allow the flooring material to adjust its temperature and humidity to environmental conditions. Furthermore, make sure that your surrounding temperature and humidity don’t fluctuate because it can cause cracking of the vinyl planks or tiles.
Step 5: Fix The First Row Of Vinyl Planks
After considering all the prerequisites, we will now start laying the first row of vinyl-made SPC planks. Install the first line of planks along the front dominant wall from the centered area and add cut-down planks on each side as per size requirements. Moreover, you should also leave a space of at least ¼ inch on each side of the line for the expansion of planks.
Step 6: Cut The Planks As Per Size
This process of cutting SPC planks requires precise skills and the right instruments for accurate results. The installer should have the expertise to cut the planks with a utility knife per specific size requirements. However, before cutting the planks, you should take precise measurements using a measuring tape. Then mark the lines on the plank surface with a pencil or marker for exact cutting. Rub the knife to the marked line with mild force, and then fold the SPC tile on the backside to break.
Step 7: Interlock The SPC Vinyl Planks
To interlock the SPC vinyl planks, we need to fix them using the edge-to-edge or end-to-end method. This process is also known as the floating method because adjacent rows of planks are installed at the same angle to produce an expansion gap on each side. For perfect interlocking, use the rubber mallet or hammer to evenly press the planks on the subfloor surface. Always avoid using a metallic hammer because it can crack or damage the planks.
Step 8: Cut Planks For Protrusions
During the installation of flooring, multiple protrusions or obstacles emerge, such as door frames, door ducts, side corners, or pillars. You need to cut these planks with a sharp knife or circular saw per their size and shape requirements. After the initial cutting, try to fix the plank at the desired angle with a rubber mallet. Fixing the irregular-sized planks around protrusions is the most technical and time-consuming step.
Step 9: Place The Final Planks
In this step, we will complete the installation procedure by placing the rest of the planks in the final rows. Take accurate measurements of the rows with a metal measuring tape and adjust them per plank size. Like the first row, make sure that you have left the suspension gap on each side of the rows. For the final row plank installation, use a straight-edged and sharp utility knife to precisely cut the planks for parallel fixing with the wall.
Step 10: Reinstall The Trims Or Moldings
After completing the installation process, you should now reinstall all the baseboards or trim moldings. For their fixation, use metallic nails or screws with a hammer or screwdriver, respectively. To avoid surface damage, you can also attach them around protrusions with heavy-duty adhesive materials.
Final Thought!
It can be said that the installation of SPC Click vinyl flooring is a somewhat easy process for DIY enthusiasts. Dubai Vinyl Flooring has demonstrated an entire installation procedure in 10 simple and effective steps. By following these valuable steps, you can also install these vinyl-made SPC planks in a very short time and on an optimized budget. Good luck with your floor installation project!
