DYI Hybrid Flooring - A Step by Step Guide
, by Sales Kim Duc, 4 min reading time
Prepare surfaces by ensuring they are clean, dry, and well-bonded. Avoid uneven and damp surfaces or direct sunlight exposure. Caution against removing old flooring with asbestos or crystalline silica.
SUITABLE SURFACES
Rough, textured or porous surfaces; well-bonded solid floors; dry, clean, well-cured concrete (cured for at least 60 days prior); wood floors with plywood on top. All surfaces must be clean and dust free. Can be installed over radiant heated floors (do not turn heat above 29° C or 85° F).
UNSUITABLE SURFACES
Rough, uneven surfaces including carpet and underlay. This product is not suitable in rooms that could potentially flood or rooms that have damp concrete or saunas. Do not install this product in areas which are exposed to long term direct sunlight such as sun rooms or solariums.
Warning: do not remove old resilient flooring. These products may contain either asbestos fibers or crystalline silica, which can be harmful to your health.
PREPARATION
The planks should be allowed to acclimatise at room temperature (approx 20°C) for 48 hours prior to installation. Carefully check planks for any defects before installation. Check that all BATCH NUMBERS and ITEM NUMBERS are the same and that you have purchased sufficient material to complete the job. Remove any traces of glue or residue from the previous flooring. New concrete floors (not heated) need to dry out for at least 60 days prior to install. All nail heads must be driven down below the surface. Scrape, plane or fill uneven boards, holes or cracks using floor-leveling compound if sub-floor is uneven – over 1/8 in (3.2 mm) within a span of 4ft (1.2 m). If installing over existing tile, use a level compound to skim coat grout lines. Make sure the floor is smooth, clean, and free of wax, grease, oil or dust and sealed as necessary before laying planks.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Sweep regularly to remove surface grit and dust. Use a damp cloth to wipe up any dirt and avoid using excessive moisture. All spills should be cleaned up immediately. CAUTION: Planks are slippery when wet and may dull or distort the finish. High heels can damage floors. Use protective pads under furniture. Use doormats at entrance ways to protect floor from discoloring. Do not roll objects with unclipped nails to scratch or damage the floor. Do not apply any heavy furniture on top of the SPC product. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Use drapes or blinds to minimize direct sunlight during peak sunlight hours. It’s a good idea to save a few planks in case of accidental damage. Planks can be replaced or repaired by a flooring professional.
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES
Utility knife, spacers, pencil, tape measure, ruler and safety goggles.
INSTALLATION
Step 1:
Start in a corner by placing the first plank with the tongue side facing the wall. Use spacers to create an expansion space of 8-12 mm (5/16 - 3/8 in) between the wall and the flooring.
Step 2:
To attach the second plank, insert the tongue end into the groove of the very first plank at an angle approx. 15-20 degrees. When lowered, the plank will click into place. Line up the edges carefully. The plank should be flat to the floor.
Step 3:
Continue connecting the first row until you reach the last full plank. If the last plank is too long, measure and mark, then use a ruler and utility knife to score and snap the plank. Rotate it 180° again and insert it into the row.. Attach as described above.
Step 4:
Begin the next row with the off cut piece from the previous row to stagger the pattern. Planks should be at least 20 cm (8 in) long.
Step 5:
Insert the long side of the plank into the previous row at an angle approx. 15-20 degrees. When lowered, the plank will click into place. Make sure your gaps are as small as possible. Continue the row. Use off cut to begin a new row just like the previous row.
Continue laying the remaining planks in this manner. .
Step 6:
Make sure that the planks are staggered approx. 20 cm (8 in). The products will be more natural looking with less joints this way.
Step 7:
To fit around pipes, mark the position of the pipe on the plank and drill a hole approx. 16 mm (1/2 in) larger than the diameter of the pipe. Cut the plank across the center of the hole, then lay the plank in 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.
Step 8:
To fit door frames, lay the plank beside the door frame and mark the correct height. Then cut the plank using a handsaw to cut away the necessary height so that the plank slides easily under the frame.
