Spanish Oak SFC-123

Installation

Installation

Please note: This is only a guide and we always recommend that you use professional installers for our products as incorrect installation or preparation of the subfloor would void warranty. Installation should be in accordance with Australian Standards – AS 1884 – 2012 Floor Coverings – Resilient Sheet and Tiles – Installation Practices.

PRIOR TO LAYING

• Prior to installation the flooring should be removed out of the boxes and stacked in piles not greater than 5 boxes high 24 hours before installation and acclimatized within a set temperature between 65°(18°c) and 85°f (28°c). (Do not attempt to install this flooring outside of the recommended temperature unless you are a skilled installer, as correct measures need to be taken to prevent issues arising in the floor such as buckling.)

SUBFLOOR PREPARATION

• Engineered Click Lock Flooring can float over existing hard level surfaces such as timber, concrete, existing vinyl and even ceramic tiles. (It is important to note that all substrates need to be level before laying the Engineered Click Lock flooring otherwise you can encounter imperfections in the floor that maybe present during and after the installation.)
• Any uneven surfaces will need to be leveled with leveling compounds or other material suitable for the application, please talk to a professional for the best advice for your subfloor.

INSTALLATION TOOLS

• Stanley Knife
• Straight Edge
• Tape Measure
• Marking Pencil
• Hammer and tapping block
• Chalk Line
• Pull Bar (Optional but Advantageous)
• Table Saw, Jig Saw & Miter Saw (Optional)
• Safety Glasses
• Dust Mask
• Safety Gloves

STEP 1: FLOATING INSTALLATION

• Start installing parallel to the longest straightest wall, normally an exterior wall. Install the flooring pieces left to right. The groove side of the plank should be facing away from the starting wall.
• Using spacers, leave a minimum gap of 5mm – 12mm for expansion between the flooring and walls (The space you leave will depend on the distance of the length and width of the floor. You

may need to leave more gap depending on the overall span as well as using expansion joints for long distances.)

STEP 2: LAYING THE FIRST ROW

• After laying the first plank, lay the second plank in position and tap it toward the first plank to lock the ends of the boards together. Be sure to use a tapping block so you don’t damage the boards with the hammer. Continue laying the boards this way until you reach the other wall.

STEP 3: LAYING THE SECOND ROW

• To start the second row, install the first plank, ensure the plank is at least 8 inches longer or shorter than the first board in the previous row. There should be a minimum of 8-inch stagger between any one joint and the nearest joints in adjacent rows. Planks used to start or end a row should be at least 6 inches long.
• Next, install the second plank in the second row by inserting the tongue side into the groove first, then pressing the board down, locking it into the previous row. Then tap the board on its end with a tapping block and hammer to lock it into the previous board.

STEP 4: CONTINUE INSTALLING

• Continue installing rows, working left to right and adding additional planks in each row while maintaining a minimum 8-inch stagger between adjacent row joints.

STEP 5: CUTTING END OF ROW BOARDS

• The last board in each row should be cut to fit while still maintaining a 5mm – 12mm expansion gap at the wall. Here’s how:

1. Flip the board over (placing the groove to your left.)
2. Measure the board by the gap in the row.
3. Mark and cut the board using a Stanley knife or saw.
4. Then flip the board back over and it will be ready to be tapped into place.
5. You may use the remaining piece to start the next row assuming it is a minimum of 6 inches long.

STEP 6: INSTALLING AROUND OBJECTS

• Use a hole saw drill bit to make perfect cuts for pipes.
• Use a jamb saw to cut the door frame for a cleaner finish.
• Use a jig saw or Stanley knife for cutting pieces around irregular shapes.

AFTER INSTALLATION / FLOOR CARE & MAINTENANCE

• Sweep up all rubbish and debris that are on the floor using a soft bristle broom.
• Any spare material left over should be stored away for future replacement if required.
• Install trims or existing skirting to cover the expansion gaps and transition strips where required.
• When moving furniture back on the flooring make sure to properly protect the flooring.
• Use felt protectors on furniture legs.
• Avoid rubber and petroleum-based products such as tires, casters, floor mats or asphalt sealers as these may contain chemicals that can permanently stain flooring.
• Clean the floor with a non-abrasive cleaning solution or warm soapy water using a PH neutral detergent as strong cleaner can cause permanent damage to your flooring.
• Wipe up spills immediately with a damp cloth to prevent staining.
• Sweep and vacuum the floor regularly to keep your floors looking beautiful and new for longer.
• Avoid long periods of sun exposure to the flooring by closing blinds and drapes on peek sunlight hours. This can cause colour fading and buckling in your floor due to extreme surface temperatures.