Rigid Core Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation Guide

NOTE: This guide provides a general overview of the installation process for rigid core vinyl plank flooring. Always refer to the specific installation instructions provided by the manufacturer of the product you are using.

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1. INSTALLER/OWNER RESPONSIBILITY

Inspection: Thoroughly inspect all flooring materials before beginning the installation process. Rigid core vinyl planks are designed to be durable and consistent, but defects should be identified before installation. Warranties do not cover defects that are visible before installation.

Required Tools and Accessories: To ensure a smooth installation process, gather the following tools and accessories:

  • Broom or vacuum
  • Chalk line
  • Tapping block
  • Vinyl flooring cleaner
  • Hand or electric jamb saw
  • Miter saw
  • Moisture meter
  • Safety glasses
  • Straight edge
  • Table saw
  • Tape measure
  • Square
  • Utility knife
  • Pry bar

Caution: Improper use of tools can damage the surface of the flooring. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and exercise care.

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2. JOBSITE CONDITIONS

Acclimation: Store the rigid core vinyl planks in the room where they will be installed for at least 48 hours before beginning the installation. This allows the flooring to acclimate to the room's temperature and humidity levels.

New Construction: In new construction, ensure that all work involving water or moisture (such as plumbing, plaster/drywall, and painting) is completed and thoroughly dried. Heating and air conditioning systems should be operational for at least five days prior to acclimating the vinyl planks, maintaining a consistent room temperature between 60-80°F and a relative humidity range of 35%-65%.

Delivery and Site Conditions: Do not deliver flooring materials to the job site until the above conditions are met. Ensure that the sub-floor and job site conditions are suitable for vinyl plank installation. Vinyl flooring failure resulting from sub-floor, subsurface, or job site deficiencies is the responsibility of the customer.

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3. SUB-FLOOR PREPARATION & RECOMMENDATIONS

Concrete Sub-Floors: New concrete slabs require a minimum of 60 days drying time before covering them with vinyl flooring.

 

Concrete sub-floors must be dry, smooth (level within 3/16” over a 10-foot radius or 1/8” over a 6-foot radius), and free of structural defects. Remove loose, flaky concrete by hand scraping or sanding with 20-grit #3-1/2 open face paper. Grind high spots and fill low spots with a Portland-based leveling compound (minimum 3,000 psi). Ensure the concrete is free of paint, oil, existing adhesives, wax, grease, dirt, and curing compounds.

Wood Sub-Floors: Wood sub-floors should be well-nailed or secured with screws. Use ring shank nails or countersunk screws.

 

The sub-floor must be structurally sound, dry, and free of paint, oil, existing adhesives, wax, grease, dirt, urethane, and varnish. The moisture content should not exceed 13% prior to installation.

 

If the sub-floor is a single layer less than 3/4” thick, add a cross layer for strength and stability (minimum 5/16” thick for a total thickness of 1”).

Sub-Floor Moisture Check: Test for moisture in several locations within the installation area. Acceptable conditions are less than 3 lbs./1000 sq. ft./24 hrs. on a calcium chloride test or less than a reading of 5.0 on a Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter. Wood substrates must have a moisture reading of less than 13%, and the vinyl flooring moisture content should be within 4% of the sub-floor moisture content. Correct any moisture problems before proceeding.

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4. PREPARATION

Remove Moldings and Wall-Base: Remove all moldings and wall-base. Undercut all door casings with a hand or power jamb saw using a scrap piece of flooring as a guide.

Racking the Floor: For a natural appearance, use random length planks or cut planks in random lengths, ensuring a minimum of 6” between end joints on adjacent rows. Blend vinyl from several cartons to ensure a uniform mix of pattern and color.

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5. FLOATING FLOOR INSTALLATION

Underlayment:

  • Ensure the subfloor is flat to 1/8 inch in 10 feet. High areas should be ground down, and low areas filled with a latex-fortified Portland leveling compound.

Underlayment:

  • If the product has an attached underlayment, you must first place a vapor barrier over the subfloor, before installing the flooring. 
  • If the product does not have an attached underlayment, you must first place a 2 in 1 underlayment over the subfloor, before installing the flooring.

Expansion Space:

Maintain an expansion space of at least 3/8 inch around the perimeter and around fixed objects.

Click and Lock System:

  • Getting Started: Use spacers to maintain the expansion space. Install the first row of planks along the longest wall, ensuring the planks are aligned properly.
  • Clicking and Locking: Begin with the first plank in the row. Insert the tongue of the plank into the groove of the adjacent plank at a slight angle, then lower the plank until it clicks into place. Use a tapping block and mallet to ensure a snug fit.
  • Continue Installation: Continue installing planks, ensuring each plank clicks securely into place. Avoid “H” patterns and other discernible patterns in adjacent rows. Stagger the end joints of the planks by a minimum of 6-8” for a better appearance and stability.
  • Final Touches: After installation, remove spacers and reinstall moldings and wall-base. Use a utility knife to trim any excess vinyl along the edges.

Clean as You Go:

  • Clean any debris or dust from the surface of the planks as you go to avoid scratches and ensure a clean finish.
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6. NOTES FOR RADIANT FLOOR INSTALLATION

Radiant Heating Systems: Rigid core vinyl flooring can generally be installed over radiant heating systems. Consult with your radiant flooring dealer to ensure compatibility.

Preparation:

  • Prepare subfloors as per the Floating Installation instructions. For beam and joist floors, ensure fasteners do not damage heating elements.

Precautions

  • Heat the installation site for 5-6 days before board delivery.
  • Maintain consistent ambient humidity and temperature.
  • The radiant floor surface must not exceed 85°F during installation or use.
  • Use multiple thermostats to monitor and control temperatures gradually.