SIMPLY SURFACES SPC Floors Laminate Installation Guide
- July 12, 2024
- SIMPLY SURFACES
Table of Contents
SIMPLY SURFACES SPC Floors Laminate
Product Specifications:
- Material: SPC (Stone Plastic Composite)
- Thickness: 4.7mm
- Width: Standard plank width
- Length: Standard plank length
- Moisture Barrier: 6 mil polyethylene required for concrete subfloor
Product Usage Instructions
Installation:
- Lay planks left to right for the first row, leaving a 10mm gap from the left wall.
- Use spacers between the wall and plank.
- Measure and cut the final board of the first row to allow a 10mm gap from the right wall.
- Cut boards facing upwards using a sharp utility knife and ruler.
- Begin the second row using the remainder of the cut plank from the first row or cut a new plank if needed.
FAQ
Q: Can I install SPC flooring over expansion joints?
A: No, do not install SPC flooring over expansion joints as it can affect the stability of the floor.
Q: What should I do if my moisture test indicates excessive moisture in the subfloor?
A: Readings greater than 5 lbs/1,000 sq. ft./24 hours are unacceptable for installation. In such cases, address the moisture issue before proceeding with the installation.
PREPARATION
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If required, use a suitable compound to fill in any cracks or holes in the subfloor. Ensure the surface is structurally sound, clean, and dry. Floor must be level to 4.7mm per 3m radius (3/16″ per 10 foot radius). Maximum deflection should be no more than 1.1mm (3/64″).
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Make sure a 10mm (3/8”) space must be left between walls and other obstructions such as pipes, stairs, pillars, kitchen islands, columns etc. Trim mouldings can be used to cover these spaces after installation is complete. When measuring to install around pipes, drill holes 12mm (1/2”) larger than the pipes.
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When possible avoid placing joints of SPC overtop of joints/seams of sub floor. End joints of boards should be staggered at least 18cm (7”) apart. Plan layout such that beginning and end of rows are greater than 30cm
(12”) in length. Also check layout before beginning installation for planned width of final row: this should not be less than 5cm (2”). If so, make adjustments to width of first row so that both first and last will be wider than 5cm (2”). -
Do not install over expansion joints.
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Do not install kitchen cabinets or island directly over SPC flooring. Warranty will be voided if floor is unable to move freely for contraction and expansion during temperature changes.
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Decide on direction floor is to be installed. It is recommended to install planks parallel to main source of light in the room.
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Remove thresholds, baseboards, and the existing flooring if necessary. If the pre-existing floor surface is smooth and solid you may choose to skip this step (please see substrate requirements listed above). Door trim should be undercut for best results, allowing SPC to move without being pinched. After performing these preparations vacuum/sweep installation area to remove debris and dust.
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With a 10mm (3/8”) Space between all sides of walls ( and or all other obstructions like pipes, columns, kitchen islands etc ) and the starting point of planks – we recommend a maximum 100 feet length to be installed without the use of transitions.
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For Installations directly over a concrete sub floor, a 6 mil polyethylene moisture barrier is required. A moisture test must be performed to determine if excessive moisture exists in the sub floor. Readings greater than 5 lbs/1,000 sq. ft./24 hours are unacceptable for installation. If a moisture meter is used, a reading greater than 4.5% is unacceptable for installation.
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Once sub floor is fully cleaned and prepared, begin with laying planks left to right for first row. Place first plank so grooved edge is facing towards you. Place board 10mm 3/8”) from left wall. Use spacers between wall and plank.
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For the second board in the first row, lay the board interlocking with the first end-to-end and tap gently with a rubber mallet to lock firmly together. These should be same height if laid properly. Ensure both are perfectly aligned. Continue in same method towards right hand wall. NOTE?
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If both boards are not same height or are not locked properly together follow the directions at bottom of guide of “TO UNINSTALL”. Remove board(s) and check for debris obstructing the lock and grooves. If the end joints are not properly lined up, trying to force the boards together will permanently damage end joints.
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For final board of first row ensure to measure length required to allow 10mm (3/8”) gap for expansion between plank and right hand wall.
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To cut board place facing upwards. Using a sharp utility knife and ruler, cut pushing firmly several times on the same line. This will not cut through the board, but will cut deeply. Then place one hand close to the cut and push down firmly, and use other hand to lift the other half of the plank. The board should split naturally at the cut mark.
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Beginning the second row, use remainder of cut plank from last piece of first row, provided piece is minimum 30cm (12”). Otherwise cut a new plank to begin this row, ensuring joints are at least 18cm (7”) apart. Use the remainder of cut planks for ends of rows to begin subsequent rows whenever possible
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Click together the long sides of the new plank and the one in the previous row, placing the board tightly to the short end of the previous plank in this row with an angle of 30°. Drop the plank, and tap gently with a rubber mallet to lock firmly together. These should be same height if laid properly. Ensure both are perfectly aligned.
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After installing 2 or 3 rows check the straightness using a string line. If the planks are not running straight, it may be caused by unevenness in the starting wall. The first row may require to be re-trimmed to adjust accordingly.
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For final row, lay a plank of SPC directly on top of last completed row. Place another board on top, touching the tongued side of the plank against the final wall. Trace a line along the edge of this piece marking the first board. Then cut along the edge of this piece to mark the first board. Cut using this line to get required width of board. Insert this cut board against the final wall. The final row should be a minimum of 5cm (2”) in width. Spacers can then be removed.
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When measuring for holes for pipes, use the diameter of the pipe and cut a hole 12mm (1/2”) larger. Holes for pipes: measure the diameter of the pipe and drill a hole that is 1/2” (12mm) larger. Saw off a piece, and install the board around the pipe. Then lay sawed-off piece of board in place. 10. When installation is complete, replace moulding, allowing a slight clearance between moulding and SPC. Attach moulding to walls, not to the flooring. For areas where SPC meets other flooring types use T-molding to cover exposed edges. Do not pinch SPC with moulding, and allow a small space between surfaces.
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TO UNINSTALL Lift an entire row of SPC carefully and gently at an angle. To remove individual boards leave flat on ground and slide them apart. If boards do not separate easily lift the planks at a slight angle when sliding apart.
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