Why Installers Like SPC
SPC rigid core flooring clicks together, floats over most subfloors and resists water — a half-day job for an average room. Done right it lasts decades; done wrong you get hollow spots and gapping. Here is the correct sequence.
1. Subfloor Preparation
- Concrete must be level within 3mm per 2m and dry
- Over tiles: check loose tiles, fill grout valleys
- Vacuum completely — grit under planks is the top cause of squeaks
2. Acclimation & Layout Planning
Unpack and let planks adapt 24-48 hours in the room. Plan the first row along the longest visible wall, mixing plank codes for natural variation.
3. Click-Lock Laying
- Place spacers for a 5-8mm perimeter expansion gap
- Lay the first row tongue-to-wall, cut the last plank to finish
- Click subsequent rows at the angle specified for the lock system — never force a flat snap on angle-lock planks
- Stagger end joints at least 30cm to lock the floor structurally
4. Finishing
Remove spacers, install skirting or quarter-round, and transition strips at doorways between rooms and material changes.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- No or wrong-side expansion gaps (buckling in summer)
- Laying over damp concrete (moisture = edge swelling)
- Identical end-joint patterns every row (weak structure, visible pattern)
- Skipping plank acclimation
- Dragging furniture over fresh joints — lift, don’t slide
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Can SPC flooring be installed over existing tiles?
Usually yes — SPC click flooring floats over level tile surfaces. Fill deep grout lines or low spots first to avoid telegraphing.
Does SPC flooring need underlayment?
Many SPC products include an attached IXPE pad. For sound-critical projects an additional acoustic underlay can be used — confirm options with us.
What expansion gaps does SPC need?
Leave 5-8 mm expansion gaps at walls and fixed objects, covered by skirting or transition strips — the same principle described in our wall panel installation guide.
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