RIGID WOOD (SPC)

Installation Guide

Updated:  May 08,  2019

Required Tools:

·       Utility Knife

·       Tape Measure

·       Straight Edge

·       1/8” Spacers

·       Shears for cutting

·       Transition moldings and Baseboards

Tip for Measuring:

Measure the length and width to determine the square footage of the room.  Alcoves or offsets should be measured separately.  Purchase at least 10% extra to cover waste, trimming and for future replacement needs.

NOTE:  If you have more than one run number, we recommend you install planks from 4 or 5 different cases from different run numbers together.  This will limit shade variations.  Replacement of material only.  No labor.

CAUTION:  Do not install this SPC over carpet or regular underlayment.  SPC can be installed over an approved underlayment such as Ultra Fold.  This product is not suitable for outdoor use, sunrooms, solariums or saunas.  SPC will warp if subject to excessive heat and will shrink if exposed to excessive cold.  We also highly recommend you do not install in rooms or homes in which the temperature is not controlled.  Exposure to long term direct sunlight can cause expansion damage to your floor.  We strive to maintain strict quality control during the manufacturing process but we recommend checking all planks to ensure uniform appearance.

Before Installation:

Place SPC horizontally in the room where it will be installed.  The room should remain between 65° F (18° C) and 72° F (22° C) 48 hours before installation, and during the installation period.  Do not remove the planks from the box during this acclimation period.

Subfloor Preparation and Installation:

The sub-floor surface must be smooth, dry, clean, and solid.  Any adhesive residue must be removed to ensure proper installation.  The subfloor should be flat within a tolerance of 1/8” (3mm) must be sanded or filled with a floor leveler.  Folds or humps in the sub-floor will prevent SPC from locking properly.  SPC is waterproof but any moisture problem (below 35% or greater than 60%) needs to be corrected prior to installation.

New concrete floors need to cure for a minimum of 60 days.

When installing on cement on the first floor, it is necessary to apply a polyethylene of a thickness of 0.6mm, thus sealing the joins in order to prevent moisture from seeping through, which could create residue on your flooring surface.

Installation:

·        Installation should begin with a corner and proceed from the wall with the tongue facing away from the wall.  Allow a minimum gap of 3/8” (10mm) for product expansion.  Transition moldings or baseboards will cover the gap.

  ·        When laying the first row in a straight line interlock the short ends by inserting the tongue into the grooves at an angle of about 15 to 20 degrees.  Install sequential plank on the short end (5.75”) and be sure to line up evenly.  Place this first row along the chosen wall respecting the minimum gap by using spacers.

  ·        Keep the seams tight between planks.  You will feel and hear the click when locking the planks together to create a tight seam.  There should be no visible gap between planks.  If seams do not appear tight, pull the planks apart immediately and try again.

  ·        When installing our SPC, it is strongly suggested to stagger the rows so that the short edge seams are not in a straight uniform line.

  ·        To start the second row, measure and mark the plank, then using a straight edge and utility knife, score the plank and snap it.

  ·        Interlock the first plank of the second row again at a 15-20 degree angle.  For the next planks, interlock the short side first, leaving it slightly away from the long side and then slide it into the long side in the same manner.  Start the third row with the last plank remaining from the previous row.

  ·        Fitting around irregular objects is very easy with our SPC.  Simply make a pattern out of heavy paper to fit around pipes or irregular objects.  Place the pattern on the plank and trace.  Cut along trace lines using a utility knife or heavy-duty scissors, and lay plank.  Allow for expansion gaps along each wall.  The humidity of a room can vary due to differences between the seasons.  Therefore your SPC floor must be able to expand and contract in all directions.  This expansion can amount to 2mm per meter (1/12 in. per 3.28 ft.), so the greater the surface area, the greater the room for expansion required.  To allow for this variation, an 8-12 mm (5/16 in. -3/8in.) expansion gap is provided at all walls.  A gap must also be provided around pipes or at thresholds or obstacles.  For rooms up to 25 ft. (7.6m) wide and 40 ft. (12.2m) long, allow between 5/16 in. and 3/8 in. (8mm-12mm) for expansion along each wall.  For rooms over 25 ft. (7.6m) wide or over 40 ft. (12.2m) long, an additional expansion joint must be inserted.  Expansion joints are also required in doorways, and between adjoining rooms or areas where adjacent flooring is installed.  Use a T-molding to cover the expansion joint.  Even though the SPC plank was engineered as a floating application, it can also be glued.  

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