Prepare for Installing:
Step 1 Prepare for Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring
Step 2 Carefully Remove Baseboards and Thresholds
Step 3 Measure the Length and Width of the Room
Step 4 Start in a Corner with Your Precut Width
Step 5 How to Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring
Step 6 Install the Second Row
Step 7 Continue the Vinyl Plank Installation
Step 8 How to Install Vinyl Around Doorways
Step 9 Cleaning Vinyl Plank Flooring
NSTALLATION
As vinyl flooring is designed to mimic a natural appearance, it is normal to have slight variations from plank to plank. When installing, it is recommended to open several boxes at a time to mix and evenly distribute planks to balance out color variations.
First Row
Start in a corner of the longest and straightest wall by placing the first plank with the tongue side facing the wall. Use spacers along each wall to maintain an expansion space of 8-12mm (3/8*-1/2*) between the wall and the flooring.
Subsequent Rows
To start your second row, rotate the cut-off piece from the previous row 180° so that it is back to its original orientation. Tilt and push its side tongue into the side groove of the very first plank. When lowered, the plank will click into place. Using a tapping block and rubber mallet, lightly tap the long side of the new plank to lock it with the planks of the first row. The planks should lay flat to the floor.
Attach the second plank of the new row first on the long side. Tilt and push plank into place, making sure edges are lined up. Lower plank to the floor. Using a tapping block and rubber mallet, lightly tap the long side of the new plank to lock it into place. Next, lightly tap down on the top of the end joints with a rubber mallet to lock them together. Continue laying remaining planks in this manner.
Last Row
To fit the last row, lay a plank on top of the previous row with its the tongue to the wall. Lay a ruler across the plank so that it is lined up with the side of the planks of the previous row and draw a line across the new plank with a pencil. Don’t forget to allow room for spacers.
Cut the plank with a utility knife and attach into position. Door frames and heating vents also require expansion room.
First, cut the plank to the correct length. Then, place the cut plank next to its actual position and use a ruler to measure the areas to be cut out and mark them. Cut out the marked points allowing the necessary expansion distance on each side. You can trim for door frames by turning a plank upside down and using a handsaw to cut away the necessary height so that planks slide easily under the frames. Remove the spacers once the floor is completely installed.
ACCLIMATION
To achieve the best results, acclimation is recommended for vinyl flooring products. It is advised that vinyl products be allowed 2 days at room temperature (20 C) to acclimatize.
Thereafter, maintaining room temperature and a humidity level of 35%-55% is important to ensure long lasting vinyl floors.
If the subfloor is uneven, the Vinyl flooring may have gaps that wear it down quicker and lead to damage over time. Laying your Vinyl on an ill-prepared surface can also cause the flooring to shift or even buckle, leading to an unsafe, unsightly finish.
Important
- Grandeur Flooring requires that vinyl flooring products must be installed by an authorized professional. Failure to do so will void the product warranty for your vinyl flooring.
- It is the Installer/Homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the jobsite, environment, sub-floor conditions and climatization meet all of Grandeur Flooring’s requirements.
- Prior to installation, flooring should be inspected, if you feel in anyway the product is not to standard STOP installation and immediately contact your retailer.
- Prior to installation, installer or homeowner must carefully check planks for any defects. Any plank that has been installed will be deemed acceptable.
After Installation - For 3 days after installation, it is advised to maintain floor surface temperatures at a minimum of 15ºC, with a minimum room temperature of 18ºC and relative humidity levels at a maximum of 75%.
- During the winter months – when your central heaters are running; we recommend using a central humidifier to minimize shrinkage which occurs under low humidity conditions.
- During non-heating seasons – summer, fall, spring. We recommend turning on the air conditioner, or dehumidifier, periodically heater as necessary. NOTE: This spacing must also be maintained between the floor and all vertical surfaces, including cabinets, posts, partitions, door jambs and door tracks. You will also need to 2 use transition strips in doorways and between rooms. Failure to do so may cause buckling or gapping.
- To attach your second plank, lower and lock the end tongue of the second plank into the end groove of the first plank. Line up edges carefully to ensure a close and tight fit. Using a rubber mallet, lightly tap the top of the end joints where the first and second planks lock together. The planks should lay flat to the floor.
- Warning: Failure to properly line up the end joint and attempting to force it in while out of alignment could result in permanent damage to the end joint.
- Repeat this procedure for each subsequent plank in the first row. Continue connecting the first row until you reach the last full plank. Fit the last plank by rotating the plank 180° with the pattern side upward and placing it beside the first row of planks with its end up against the far wall. Line a ruler up across the end of the last full plank and across this new plank. Draw a line across the new plank with a pencil, score with a utility knife and snap off.
- Rotate the plank 180° so that it is back to its original orientation. Lower and lock its end tongue into the end groove of the last full plank. Lightly tap the top of the end joints with a rubber mallet until the planks are flat on the floor.
- You will begin the next row with the off-cut piece from the previous row to stagger the pattern. Pieces should be a minimum of 200mm long and joint offset should be at least 400 mm. Cut pieces should be no less than 152.4mm in length and 76.2mm in width. Adjust layout for a balanced look.