SPC vinyl is a pure product of innovation, this technology allows the combination of natural stone powder with a PVC base to create a high-quality material. The “Stone Product Composite” is part of the large family of so-called rigid type floor coverings. It is both solid and durable while being quite affordable in terms of budget. SPC vinyl flooring comes in different variations, colors and textures and adapts perfectly to the style of your interior.
Unlike other types of vinyl, SPC vinyl flooring reacts little or not at all to cold and heat. This is mainly because this flooring is composed of stone. It resists water better than other types of flooring, so it can be installed anywhere, including kitchens and bathrooms. However, it must be acknowledged that installing SPC vinyl flooring is quite complicated. Therefore, it should be avoided if you are not a DIY enthusiast.
Installing SPC vinyl flooring? What equipment is necessary
For a proper installation, you need a few tools:
- A measuring tape
- A utility knife
- A circular saw or flooring cutter
- A rubber mallet
- Spacers
- A ruler
- A pencil
Before proceeding with the installation, measure your room to calculate the amount of flooring needed. To do this, multiply the length by the width of your room. Add to this the area of all cabinets. Then add 5 to 10% of the total surface area to account for potential losses during cutting. Also remember that it’s better to keep the few remaining boards in case of need.
What are the steps to install SPC vinyl flooring?
You need to master several techniques and take into account certain details to successfully install this type of flooring. In this article, we offer you a complete guide with everything you need to know about SPC vinyl flooring.
Prepare the work site before installing SPC vinyl flooring
Obviously, as with any other type of flooring, for a perfect result, the surface must be perfectly flat and without irregularities. Take the time needed to prepare this phase before thinking about the actual installation.
Vinyl flooring is not afraid of water, so you can install it in all rooms and on all floors of the house. You can install it in the kitchen as well as in the bathroom. Note that before installing the flooring, you must complete any work involving water or moisture.
The temperature
SPC vinyl flooring must be placed in a temperature-controlled environment. During installation, the ambient temperature must be above 5°C. Temperature conversions will only be allowed when the installation is complete. Once you have finished the installation, the flooring will withstand temperatures between -60°C and 60°C without any problem.
Check the product
When you buy your SPC vinyl flooring, make sure all boxes contain the correct product. Also, you need to handle your SPC vinyl flooring carefully and keep it intact until the time of installation. During installation, it would also be ideal to always lay your flooring in daylight to best observe mini-imperfections and rectify them.
Inspect the boards
Also inspect all boards for visible defects before and during installation. The objective is to avoid installing defective boards. We advise you to use several boxes and mix the boards to obtain better results in terms of appearance.
Preparation for installing SPC vinyl flooring
To successfully install SPC vinyl flooring, you need a minimum of organization. Start by deciding the direction in which the floors will be installed. Ideally, this type of flooring should be parallel to the longest wall and perpendicular to the joists. Or you can simply choose to install your planks parallel to the main light source in the room.
Don’t hesitate to use an appropriate compound to fill both cracks and holes in the subfloor as needed. Also, the surface must be structurally sound, clean, and dry. Note that the floor should be at a level of 4.7 mm per 3 feet radius and the maximum deflection should not exceed 1.1 mm.
Precautions to take before installation
Also ensure to leave a 6 mm gap between the walls and other obstacles. Obstacles can include: pipes, stairs, pillars, and others. Use moldings to cover these spaces once you have completed the installation. When measuring to install around pipes, also remember to drill holes 12 mm larger than the pipes.
Whenever possible, avoid placing SPC joints above the subfloor. Not to mention that you should not install the flooring over expansion joints. Also, remember not to install SPC vinyl floors under kitchen cabinets and islands. Be sure to remove thresholds, baseboards, and existing flooring before installing the SPC vinyl flooring. Note that if your surface is already smooth and solid, you can skip this step.
Reduce door moldings for a more optimal finish. This will also prevent the SPC vinyl from moving without pinching it. After completing these preparations, remember to vacuum the installation area to remove debris and dust.
Cutting the planks
First of all, know that to cut a plank, you need to place it face up. Using a knife and a ruler, cut it by pressing firmly several times along the same line. Then, place one hand near the cut and push firmly with your other hand to lift the other half of the plank. The plank should naturally split at the cut mark.
Installing the first row
Once you have fully prepared and cleaned the subfloor, start laying the planks from left to right for the first row. To do this, place the first plank so that the grooved edge is facing you. Then place the plank 6 mm from the left wall. For a better result, use spacers between the wall and the planks in question.
For the installation of the second plank in the first row, place the plank by fitting it with the first end and gently tap with a rubber mallet to lock them together securely. Unless there’s an error, these should be the same size. So, make sure both are perfectly aligned. And continue in the same method towards the wall on your right.
For the installation of the last plank in the first row, be sure to measure the required length to leave a 6 mm gap for expansion between the plank and the wall on the right. Installation of SPC vinyl flooring for other rows
Installing the second row
To start the second row, use the remaining cut plank from the last place in the first row. Provided that the piece measures at least 30 cm, otherwise, you can always cut a new plank to start this row. Also, always ensure that the joints are spaced at least 18 cm apart. Whenever possible, use the remaining planks from the ends of rows to start the next ones.
Continue this step by clicking all the long sides of the new plank and that of the previous row. Do this by placing the plank firmly at the short end of the previous plank in the same row at a 30° angle. Set down the plank and then gently tap with the rubber mallet to secure it well. These should be the same size if they are laid correctly. After laying two or three rows, check the straightness using a string line. Note that if the planks are not straight, you need to readjust them to fit properly accordingly.
Laying the last row
For the last row, place a plank directly on top of the last row. Continue by placing another plank on top, touching the side of the blade against the last wall. Then, draw a line along the edge of this piece marking the first plank and cut it using this line to get the required plank width. Then, make sure to insert this plank well against the last wall. Remember that the last row must have a minimum width of 5 cm. Remove the spacers afterwards.
Finalizing the installation of SPC vinyl flooring
To finish, replace the moldings leaving a slight clearance between the moldings and the SPC vinyl. Too complicated for you? No worries, seek advice from experienced flooring professionals who will intervene as soon as you wish for your flooring work.
