Flooring Installation Guide: Click Vinyl Flooring

Here is another useful flooring installation guide from +UK Flooring Supplier

Today we are looking at the installation of Click Vinyl Flooring.
Its is important to get all flooring installations right first time.. even more important to get a solid wood floor correct - as problems they cause are usually big ones!
Some of the tips and hints found within could save thousands in repairs or re-installation work.

These instructions can be used for most click together vinyl flooring such as Quickstep Livyn, BerryAlloc Dreamclick, Berryfloor Pureloc, Moduleo clic, Polyflor Camero, etc 

Click Vinyl Flooring

Installation Guide

Tools and Fixings

Soft Brush+Shovel
Tape measure
Chalk Line + chalk
Power Tools- drill/jigsaw
Hand saw
Rubber mallet
Tapping block
Utility knife
Straight edge (minimum 1m)
Safety&Care
Safety glasses
Fixings

Coloured Sealant +applicator

Pre-installation procedures

• The building should be closed in with all outside doors and windows in place. All concrete, masonry, framing embers, drywall, paint and other "wet" work should be thoroughly dry. The wall coverings should be in place and the painting completed. Basements and crawl/void spaces must be appropriately dry and well ventilated.
• We recommend that you always use materials from a single batch for each installation as we cannot guarantee a match between batches.
• Click Vinyl flooring must be installed on a foil backed underlayl.
• Open one box fully and check to ensure it is the correct product. If there are any product queries or concerns at this stage DO NOT open any further boxes and contact your supplier within the specified time period above.
• Acclimatise your product for minimum of 48 hours, preferably 72 hours
• Under-floor heating must be switched off for 48 hours before and after laying (the maximum permitted surface temperature is 27°C/80°F)

Sub-floor Preparation

• Good preparation is essential for a trouble-free installation. 
• Click Vinyl flooring can be laid on to concrete, timber, stone and many other subfloors, which have been suitably prepared. 
• The use of an underlay will make the installation of Click Vinyl flooring easier and provides additional comfort and sound insulation. The underlay smooths out irregularities within the sub floor, such as grout joints on ceramic tiles, as well as improving the sound absorption of the floor covering.
• Click vinyl flooring is not suitable for external installation or unheated locations.

CLEAN

• Scrape, broom clean, and smooth. Free of wax, paint, oil, sealers, adhesives, curing agents and other debris.  

LEVEL/FLAT

• Site conditions must comply with the relevant national regulations. British standards states that the subfloor must be no greater than +/- 3mm over a 3 metres span. Sand high areas or joints. Level  low spots with layers of floor grade marine plywood for wooded sub floors or a cement based floor levelling compound for concrete sub floors.

Note: Uneven sub floors can result in popping, hollow spots and premature failure of the floor.

Installation

WE RECOMMEND THAT A PROFESSIONAL FLOORING INSTALLER BE CONTRACTED TO INSTALL YOUR NEW FLOORING

On completion of the Pre-Installation and Sub floor preparation tasks the following steps should be followed for installation.

• Under cut the bottom of door frames, wardrobes, etc. to allow for the click vinyl flooring to fit under it, plus always leave a full 5mm(minimum) expansion gap around the full perimeter of the floor.
• Open 4 or 5 packs and “shuffle” the boards to ensure an even distribution of colour and character.
• The industry standard of 5% waste shall apply for defects and cutting.
• If you discover a defective piece DO NOT LAY IT. You are the final judge of acceptable quality.
• Ideally boards should be laid ‘end on’ to the incoming daylight. The first board should be laid male joint to the wall allowing for a minimum expansion gap of 5mm between the wall and the first board, then continue with the 5mm expansion gap around the full perimeter of the room.

DO NOT butt up against any fixed construction such as wall, door frames, pipes, partitions etc.

Installation Tips

• Floor should be installed from several cartons at the same time to ensure good color and shade mixture.

• When possible, preselect and set aside boards that blend best with all floor mounted moldings used to ensure a uniform final appearance. Install these boards adjoining the moldings.

• Be attentive to staggering the ends of boards at least 4″–6″ (10–15 cm),  in adjacent rows. This will help ensure a more favorable overall appearance of the floor.

• Do not leave spacers in for more than two hours.

• When installing products of uniform length, begin the rows with starter boards cut to various lengths. Avoid staggering the rows uniformly to prevent stair-stepping. Boards cut from the opposite end of the row may be used for the next starter boards.

• Always allow a minimum 5 mm expansion around all vertical obstructions.

Installation - Step by step

Click is a “floating” floor. Never glue or fix the panels to the surface below. Click system panels can be joined in two ways; either tongue-in-groove or groove-in-tongue.

Step 1

Measure the room carefully to determine the central axis. Begin by laying the first row in the corner of the room on your left hand side as you are looking at the wall. Always work from left to right and with the tongue towards yourself.

Step 2

Check whether the first row of panels needs to be narrowed. If not, the lower groove lip of the first row of panels need to be removed. Use a utility knife to neatly cut off the lower groove lip.

Step 3

First install the recommended underlay in accordance with the instructions, ensuring the shiny side is upper most.

Step 4

Lay the first row in a straight line and click the head ends together. Put the short side of the profile into head end of the previous panel and press the panel downwards. Continue laying the first row until you get to the last piece.

Step 5

For an attractive and natural appearance, we advise you to use the piece left over from row 1 as the first piece in the next row, as long as the remaining piece is at least 1/3 of the total plank length. Do this for all subsequent rows.

Step 6

Fit the second row as you did for the first: start on the left side and slide the groove of the panel under an angle of about 25°over the tongue of the previous row and click the tongue into the groove by laying down the panel while pushing it firmly against the first row.

Step 7

To ensure a firm Click installation, it is recommended that the planks are tapped together along the long edge with a tapping block and a rubber mallet. This will ensure that the Click mechanism is firmly locked during installation, providing a secure joint and avoiding any movement.

Step 8

To fit the last row of panels you will usually need to narrow them. Do this as follows: lay a panel on top of the previous row with the groove towards the wall, lay another panel upside down up to the edge of the wall and mark the panel underneath. Cut the panel to size and fit the last row.

Step 9

For the last piece, measure the lastplank to ensure a tight fit to the wall. Then cut away the marked piece and fit the end panel in the same way as the previous panels. When cutting the panel with a Stanley knife, make sure that you cut through the wear layer before breaking the panel.

Step 10

Door posts and heating pipes also need to be individually fitted. First cut the panel to the right length. Then place the panel next to the object and draw the correct fitting. Next, cut the panel to size. Doorposts can also be sawn to size if necessary to lay the floor beneath them. For cutting around difficult areas such as door posts, heating pipes and other interior furniture; the use of a Jigsaw with the correct plastic cutting blades is suitable and will avoid unsightly cuts at the perimeter of the room.

Congratulations! You have just installed a Click Vinyl floor. Your new floor should have been produced in accordance with the highest standards and will give you years of pleasure in your home. Although Click Vinyl floors are one of the easiest floors to take care of, it is best to follow the recommendations provided here for optimal protection of the factory finish and to keep your floor looking fresh.

Click Vinyl Flooring Installation Guide <<<< Click Here for the presentation<<<<

Cavalio vinyl tiles bring the 'flash' back to any kitchen floor.

Available in over 20 different designs and unlimited combinations.

Real Life installation of Cavalio Conceptline 3033

Installed in Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire, Sk7

All Cavalio products are available form UK Flooring Supplier

Cavalio flooring is manufactured and distributed by the Halstead Group.

THE CONCEPTLINE COLLECTION

For every requirement, for every room; unlimited options.

CONCEPTLINE is a superb choice for housing interiors and light commercial areas. With a 0.3mm wear layer, CONCEPTLINE ensures lasting beauty and offers floors with fascinating finishes; stone effects from some of the most stunning natural stone and slate designs in the world and beautifully grained wood effects ranging from subtle familiar designs to innovative works of art! Both styles deliver the utmost in authentic design and elegance and offer virtually unlimited options for creative floor design through the use of borders, inlays and feature strips.

Tile dimensions: 45.7 x 45.7cm, 30.5 x 61.0cm.

Plank dimensions: 10.2 x 91.4cm, 15.2 x 91.4cm.

Wear Layer: 0.3mm.

THE PROJECTLINE COLLECTION

Individual planning, stunning design and superb durability.

The PROJECTLINE Collection is designed specifically for heavy commerical and residential interiors and is ideal for covering large spaces with flooring that is both durable and extremely stylish. PROJECTLINE offers realistic surface textures with a large range of stone and wood effect finishes and features a heavy-duty 0.55mm wear layer. An array of borders, inlays and feature strips all provide stunning visual options to enhance any room or space and the polyurethane (PU) coated surface treatment assists with ongoing maintenance.

Tile dimensions: 30.5 x 61.0cm, 45.7 x 45.7cm, 45.7 x 91.4cm, 30.5 x 91.4cm.

Plank dimensions: 10.2 x 91.4cm, 15.2 x 91.4cm, 18.4 x 121.9cm, 20.3 x 121.9cm, 30.5 x 91.4cm.

Wear Layer: 0.55mm.

Cavalio is committed to the environment and the sustainability of all its products. Both collections are fully recyclable and feature a low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) rating.

www.ukflooringsupplier.co.uk

Flooring Installation Guide: Solid Wood Flooring

Here is another useful flooring installation guide from UK Flooring Supplier

Today we are looking at the installation of solid wood flooring.
Its is important to get all flooring installations right first time.. even more important to get a solid wood floor correct - as problems they cause are usually big ones!
Some of the tips and hints found within could save thousands in repairs or re-installation work.

Solid Wood Flooring Installation Guide

Tools and Fixings

General

• Soft Brush + Shovel
• Drill bit set
• Tape measure
• Rubber Mallet
• Chalk Line + chalk
• Power Jigsaw / Power saw / Hand saw / Undercut saw
• Power Drill

Safety + Care

• Earplugs and safety glasses
• Recommended solid wood floor cleaner (see maintenance instruction sheet)
• Coloured wood filler / coloured wax (candle wax will suit)

Fixings

• Barbed cleat nails to suit manual / pneumatic secret nailer
• Tongue tight screws - suitable for DIY installation
• Adhesive + applicator

Pre-installation procedures

• The building should be closed in with all outside doors and windows in place. All concrete, masonry, framing embers, drywall, paint and other "wet" work should be thoroughly dry. The wall coverings should be in place and the painting completed. Basements and crawl/void spaces must be appropriately dry and well ventilated.
• Solid wood flooring must be installed on or above DPM level. Do not install in bathrooms or any form of “wet” room, conservatory, or high humidity environment room.
• The sub floor must be checked for moisture content using the appropriate testing method and moisture meter and the appropriate moisture levels must be achieved before installation of the flooring (see page)
• Open one box fully and check to ensure it is the correct product, acceptable colour shade, and correct length specification. If there are any product queries or concerns at this stage DO NOT open any further boxes and contact your supplier within the specified time period above.
• If you are satisfied that the product is correct and suitable for the intended end use environment then remove the protective plastic wrapping only from the boxes and open the edges and ends of the boxes to aid the acclimatisation
• Stack the packs in such a manner to provide at least a 100mm air space under the cartons. The packs should also be stacked on dry battens rather than directly onto the subfloor.
• Acclimatise your product for minimum of 48 hours, preferably 72 hours

Sub-floor Preparation

CLEAN

Scrape, broom clean, and smooth. Free of wax, paint, oil, sealers, adhesives, curing agents and other debris.

Note: Unclean or contaminated sub floors can result in adhesive bonding failure.

LEVEL/FLAT

British standards states that the subfloor must be no greater than +/- 3mm over a 3 metres span. Sand high areas or joints. Level  low spots with layers of floor grade marine plywood for wooded sub floors or a cement based floor levelling compound for concrete sub floors.

Floorboard stabalisation is also usually required when installing solid wood flooring. Use a minimum of 6mm floorgrade plywood nailed every 100mm with 20mm ring nails.

Note: Uneven sub floors can result in popping, squeaking, hollow spots and premature failure of the floor.

Note: Laminated resin/bitumen moisture barrier paper acts as a moisture retarder and is recommended to be used when installing the solid wood flooring over an existing wooden suspended sub floor or when installing directly onto existing joists.

Note: Failure to protect the floor from excess moisture from below can result in the floor cupping, expanding and bridging. Shrinking due to an excessively dry sub floor can result in gapping and splitting of the boards.

WE RECOMMEND THAT A PROFESSIONAL FLOORING INSTALLER BE CONTRACTED AND THAT THE

INSTALLATION IS BY NAILING OR FULL STICK DOWN METHOD WITH A SUITABLE SPECIALIST WOOD

FLOORING ADHESIVE.

On completion of the Pre-Installation and Sub floor preparation tasks the following steps should be followed for installation.

1. Under cut the bottom of door frames, wardrobes, etc. to allow for the floor board to fit under it, plus always leave a full 15mm(minimum) expansion gap around the full perimeter of

the floor.

2. Open 4 or 5 packs and “shuffle” the boards to ensure an even distribution of colour and character.

3. The industry standard of 5% waste shall apply for defects and cutting.

4. If you discover a defective piece DO NOT LAY IT. You are the final judge of acceptable quality. 5. Ideally boards should be laid ‘end on’ to the incoming daylight. The first board should be laid groove to the wall allowing for a minimum expansion gap of 15mm between the wall and the first board, then continue with the 15mm expansion gap around the full perimeter of the room.

DO NOT butt up against any fixed construction such as wall, door frames, pipes, partitions etc.

Nail Down Installations

It is recommended to use a professional flooring nailer for this product, this is called a Porta-nailer or Secret nailer.

Direct to joist - The joists or battens should be sound rigid and level with moisture content no greater than 12-14% at the time of fixing the solid floor. Where the solid flooring is to be fixed to ground floor joists, adequate under-floor ventilation and appropriate protection against damp

must be provided.

Battens fixed to a concrete/screed base - the conditions described above should be met; i.e. the

base must be dry. The battens should be not less than 36mm wide for a fixed floor and of sufficient depth to accommodate the length of the flooring fixings. End to end joists between battens should be staggered throughout the floor area to avoid creating a line of

weakness. Battens are usually laid at 300 – 400mm centres and fixed with either screws, clips or appropriate adhesive to the sub-floor.

Stick Down Installations

You must use a professionally formulated specialist wood flooring adhesive that is either alcohol or polyurethane based, always ensuring the manufacturers guidelines are strictly followed on application. Both trowel and glue batten systems are acceptable.

DO NOT add adhesive to the tongue and groove system of the solid wood flooring. This will restrict the movement of the solid wood and makes the joints very brittle.  

Always try keep glue off the surface area of the boards and do not let any surplus adhesive dry on the finished flooring as this is very difficult to remove and may require sanding.

Installation - step by step

Step 1

First row, measure out your expansion spacing and lay down the boards with the groove towards the wall and insert the spacers. You may need to cut the first row to match the wall contours to ensure the solid wood floor goes down straight even if the walls are not. When you are satisfied with the alignment, fix the first row  to the subfloor at the appropriate intervals.

Note: when using the 'stick down' method use a rapid setting flexible adhesive to adhere the first couple of rows.

Step 2

Start the second row with a short board (about 20-25cm long) to stagger your joints. Staggering should be random to prevent any 'stair-stepping'

Note: when using adhesive the first 2-3 rows must be allowed to set. This will give a firm base to tap against when installing the main floor area. If clamps are to be used then again you must let the adhesive set before attaching the clamps or they will lift the floor.

Step 3

When using the 'stick-down' method it is advised to 'weight' the floor down whilst installing. This can be acheived by using the unused packs of wood flooring, tools box, sand bags, etc. This will ensure the wood flooring 'beds' itself into the adhesive and to give full transfer of adhesive onto the wood.

'Weighting' is generally not needed when using a mechanical fix such as nails or screws.

Step 4

Nail Down method

Because your nailer/stapler may not fit between the wall and the boards face/top nailing (through the top of the board) is generally required. Dry fit last row into place. Use the mallet and pull bar to fit each board tightly to each other. On the last row mark out your expansion gap and put your spacers in place, you may have to cut the boards to fit to profile to the wall if its out or not straight.

Lay the boards with the tongue or cut edge nearest the wall and tap together so that all the boards are tight. When satisfied with the fit, face/top nail the last row in place. To hide the nail holes use a colour coded filler or coloured wax to hide the holes.

Stick Down method

Before you install the last row when using adhesive, ensure that the main floor area has had enough time to strengthen its bond, most specialist adhesives take approx 30mins to 'grab' properly. Rapid setting flexible adhesive could also used.

Step 5

Remove all weights /  clamps / spacers, fit new skirting boards or cover the expansion gap with scotia. and your solid wood floor is now ready for use.

Installation Tips

Floor should be installed from several cartons at the same time to ensure good color and shade mixture.

• When possible, preselect and set aside boards that blend best with all floor mounted moldings used to ensure a uniform final appearance. Install these boards adjoining the moldings.

• Be attentive to staggering the ends of boards at least 4″–6″ (10–15 cm),  in adjacent rows. This will help ensure a more favorable overall appearance of the floor.

• Large spans exceeding 20′ (6 m) in hardwood flooring width, in areas of high humidity, may require the addition of internal or field expansion. This can be accomplished by using spacers, such as small washers, every 10–20 rows inserted above the tongue. Remove the spacers after several adjoining rows have been fastened.Do not leave spacers in for more than two hours.

• When installing products of uniform length, begin the rows with starter boards cut to various lengths. Avoid staggering the rows uniformly to prevent stair-stepping. Boards cut from the opposite end of the row may be used for the next starter boards.

• Always allow a minimum 3/4″ (19 mm) expansion around all vertical obstructions.

If your slightly confused at this point please go straight to our recommended installers section

Installation - After Care

1. Correct humidity and temperature conditions must be maintained within the environment that the flooring is installed.

2. Mats on both sides of entrance ways, not for decoration.

3. Prevent water being walked or leaked onto the floor at all times especially at entrance ways.

4. Do not install this type of flooring in bathrooms, kitchens or conservatories where leaks or excessive humidity may occur. Consult you supplier who will advise.

5. When cleaning use water sparingly and mop dry after cleaning removing all excess water.

6. Immediately remove stains and spillages.

7. Protect your floor by using good quality felt pads under all furniture.

8. Always follow a professional maintenance program.

Congratulations! You have just installed your first Wood Floor

Solid Wood Installation Guide <<<< Click Here for the presentation<<<<

Clip top door thresholds and expansion gaps

Door thresholds are used to fill the expansion gap left between rooms when fitting laminate or wood flooring.

Laminate Threshold T-Bar

Laminate Threshold Reducer

Expansion gaps must be left around the room and in doorways to allow for movement of the flooring, especially with solid wood flooring. 
A lack of expansion gaps can lead to problems such as in the picture - where the wood has nowhere to move or expand to other than up! In some cases walls have been pushed out and pipes are often broken.

Scotia beading would be used to cover the expansion gap around the room if you choose not to remove skirting boards.


UK Flooring Suppliers' thresholds come complete with a hard wearing top section and a plastic base.
The plastic base should should be fixed in the expansion gap using plugs and screws, the top section should then be tapped in by hand or rubber mallet for some solid oak profiles . Alternatively the laminate threshold strip can be stuck down directly using no nails or liquid nails.