SPC flooring is suitable for installation around irregular objects. Simply create a template that conforms to the pipes or irregular objects using thick paper, place the template on the flooring planks to trace the outline, and then cut along the outline with a utility knife or heavy-duty scissors before laying the planks.

(I) Expansion Joint Requirements

Because room humidity changes with the seasons, SPC flooring needs to be able to expand and contract in all directions, with an expansion/contraction rate of 2mm per meter (1/12 inch per 3.28 feet). Therefore, the larger the surface area of the floor, the greater the expansion space required;

An expansion joint of 8-12mm (5/16 inch - 3/8 inch) must be left along all walls. Expansion joints are also required around pipes, door thresholds, and obstacles;

For rooms with a width not exceeding 25 feet (7.6m) and a length not exceeding 40 feet (12.2m), an expansion joint of 5/16 inch - 3/8 inch (8mm-12mm) along each wall is sufficient;

For rooms exceeding 25 feet (7.6m) in width or 40 feet (12.2m) in length, additional expansion joints are required; expansion joints are also needed at door frames, between adjacent rooms, or between adjacent flooring installation areas, and these expansion joints should be covered with T-molding.

(II) Installation Principles

SPC flooring uses a floating installation method. Cabinets or fixed objects should not be installed on the floor, and sufficient expansion space must be reserved; the bottom of doorposts needs to be cut to allow the floor to slide freely; wall trim and/or transition strips should not be fixed to the floor or planks. 

(III) Specific Installation Steps

Start installation from left to right, inserting spacers at the ends and edges where the planks contact the wall;

Insert the tongue of the short side of the plank into the groove at an angle and lower it, locking the short side, and continue installation to the end of the first row;

Use the remaining planks from the first row as the starting plank for the second row. The end seams of adjacent rows must be at least 8 inches apart;

For tile-style installation: To ensure aesthetics, the distance between end seams should be 12 inches;

Insert the tongue of the long side of the plank into the groove at an angle and lower it, sliding the plank towards the end of the already installed plank until the tongue just touches the groove;

Important! Use a hammer and tapping block to tap the long side of the plank to ensure a tight fit. Any gaps may affect the locking system;

Use a piece of scrap flooring as a bridging piece to fill the gap between the ends of the planks;

Tap the ends of the planks with a hammer and tapping block to lock the ends of the planks, remove the bridging piece, and continue installing towards the wall until the last plank in the row is installed; be careful when tapping the vinyl edges to avoid damaging the locking structure;

Use a hammer and pull bar to lock the last plank in the row, insert spacers at the end of the row, and continue installation to the last row;

Use a hammer and pull bar to lock the long side of the last row of planks.

(IV) Installation Steps Under Doorposts

Cut the space under the doorpost to allow the plank to slide freely, and tap the long side with a hammer and tapping block to lock the plank;

Use a hammer and pull bar to lock the short side of the plank.