Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-12-16 Origin: Site
Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) flooring is a type of modern composite plank flooring that uses stone and plastic to create a durable and attractive flooring product. This type of flooring combines the best of both worlds, due to its ability to flawlessly imitate wood, tile, or stone while providing the practicality and durability of vinyl. SPC flooring is waterproof and is extremely durable, known for its dent and scratch resistance.
One of the benefits of SPC flooring compared to traditional wood flooring is that they are designed as a simple click-lock installation system, which makes it a great choice for DIYers and pros alike. This installation method is quick and does not require fasteners. The click-lock system allows the planks to lock into place by itself, which makes the installation far more streamlined than other flooring materials. This guide will give you the confidence you need to go at your next project, even if you are a first-timer!
- SPC flooring plank (calculate your entire square footage and add 10 percent for breakage and waste)
- Underlayment (If you want extra sound reduction or moisture protection)
- Floor transition pieces (Needed for transitions into uneven rooms or where other flooring types meet)
- Quarter-round molding/baseboards (to cover gaps left for expansion around the perimeter of the room against the bottom of the walls)
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife or specific composite flooring cutting tool
- Pull bar
- Hammer or rubber mallet
- Tapping block
- Spacers
- Chalk line or laser level (optional)
- Saw (optional)
- Leveling compound (needed for some subfloors depending on the degree of unevenness)
Preparing the subfloor is one of the most critical aspects of any flooring installation. The subfloor needs to be clear of debris, even and dry.
Clean the Subfloor: remove any dust, dirt, or debris. If you're installing the SPC flooring over old flooring, such as vinyl, carpet, or tile, repair any damaged areas that are making the floor uneven. You can do this with the same material as the floor or self-leveling compound, especially for tile.
Check for dampness: SPC flooring is water-resistant, but it's nevertheless a serious issue if you install over a floor that has moisture. You may not be addressing an ongoing issue beyond the flooring itself, as well as the fact that you are trapping in already existing moisture than can cause issues to the structure of the house, as well as the flooring itself. If you’re installing SPC planks over concrete, make sure it is dry. If you're installing in an area that is often exposed to humidity, it is recommended that you use a moisture barrier as an underlayment.
Use a level to check the subfloor for unevenness, if you discover any bumps that you deem will cause gaps or bowing of the SPC planks, use a leveling compound to fix the problem. You want the floor to be as flat as possible prior to installation. Both older and newer houses may have this problem.
SPC planks need to acclimate to the room's temperature and humidity, because fluctuations in both can cause both shifting and warping after the installation is complete, causing the owner to either repair or even rip up the floor and start over in some cases. This is obviously something that you want to avoid, and can easily do so simply by following this step.
Leave your SPC planks in the room where they will be installed. Allow them to adjust to the room temperature. It is recommended that you do this for 2 to 3 days minimum, thus getting your flooring far ahead of installation day is always recommended.
You will also want to check the humidity of the room. Humidity levels are ideally between 35% and 65%. If your humidity level is different, then issues may occur after installation.
Once your subfloor is ready and your planks are acclimated, you are now able to install the flooring. The first row needs to be straight to make sure that each row after is installed in the right position. You may want to use a chalk line or a laser to draw a straight line on the subfloor along the first wall. This will help to ensure that spacing in the first row is even across the wall length, with consideration given for when walls are bowed or uneven.
Place spacers between the wall and the first row of planks leaving at least a ¼ inch gap between the planks and the wall. Placing the flooring directly against the wall may cause serious issues as the materials expand and contract throughout the seasons.
SPC planks are designed with a click-lock system The tongue of the first plank will slide into the groove of the second plank, then angle the plank down for it to click into place. Use firm pressure until you hear a clicking sound. You may need to use a hammer and tapping block or rubber mallet to remove any visible seams and create a strong, tight lock between each plank.
For the last row to fit, you will almost always need to cut off at least some excess length to make it fit to size. Measure the space, draw a mark on the plank and cut it with a utility knife or composite flooring cutter. The cut edge will face the wall. If you cut the wrong side, there will be no tongue or grove to slide into the other pieces of flooring.
For a more natural look that also adds strength, you should stagger the seams between the rows of planks. Seems should not line up for at least 3 rows. Continue adding planks row by row, clicking each plank into the last installed piece.
Finally, when you get to the last row, the planks may not fit into place perfectly. Use a pull bar to pull the final row tightly together. This will draw the planks into place will preventing yourself from damaging the wall.
You need to install transition strips if your newly installed floor comes up against a different type of flooring. Some transition strips are used for slight changes in floor elevation, while others are made for even floors across the two different flooring surfaces.
The perimeter of the room will need baseboards installed/reinstalled. This will cover gaps in between the flooring and the walls. If larger gaps are present after installing the baseboards, get some quarter round molding that can be installed at the bottom of the molding and hide any excess gaps. Not only do they hide ugly gaps, but different styles can add flavor and elegance to a room.
With all that being said, you’re ready to get started on your own project with all of the knowledge you need to hit the ground running!
