Installation Guide

ManualsBrandsShaw ManualsFlooringToffee Elm Vinyl Plank Sample

05152020

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moisture level and pH requirements. Use of gypsum-

based patching and/or leveling compounds which contain

Portland or high alumina cement and meet or exceed the

compressive strength of 3,000 psi are acceptable.

• Hydronic Radiant Floors: pump heated water from a

boiler through tubing laid in a pattern under the flooring.

Typically installed in channels under a wooden subfloor

(or) imbedded in concrete slabs. Requires the installer

follow a specific nailing pattern to avoid penetration of the

heat system.

C. Existing Floor Coverings

Flooring can be installed over most existing hard-surface

floor coverings, provided that the existing floor surface is

fully adhered, clean, flat, dry, structurally sound and free of

deflection.

• Existing sheet vinyl floors should not be heavily cushioned

and not exceed more than one layer in thickness. Soft

underlayment and soft substrates will compromise the

product's locking ability as well as diminish its indentation

resistance.

• Installation is NOT allowed over any type of carpet.

• Do NOT install over wood floors adhered to concrete.

• Never use solvents or citrus adhesive removers to remove

old adhesive residue. Solvent residue left in and on the

subfloor may affect the new floor covering.

Tools: Tape Measure, Utility Knife, Jigsaw, Tapping Block

or Rubber Mallet, Pull Bar, 1/4" Spacers, T-Square, Safety

Glasses, Broom or Vacuum and, if necessary, tools for

subfloor repair.

Floating Installation: Hybrid LVT flooring is designed to be

installed utilizing the floating method. Proper expansion space

1/4” (6.35 mm) is required. Undercut all doorjambs. Do not

fasten wall moldings and or transition strips to the flooring.

Glue Down Installation: Hybrid LVT products are approved

for glue down installation over approved wood and concrete

substrates. Follow adhesive label application instructions.

Install flooring into wet adhesive to achieve a permanent bond.

Maintain 1/4” (6.35 mm) perimeter expansion space. Refer to

adhesive label for moisture limits of the adhesive. Roll flooring

immediately after installation with a 100 lbs. 3‐section roller.

• Recommended Adhesive(s): Shaw 200, 1500, 4100 (or

equivalent/comparable adhesive).

• If alternative adhesives are used, a bond test should be

performed to ensure compatibility.

Flooring must be installed in a staggered (offset) pattern.

1. Before you start with the installation, it is important to

determine the layout of the flooring. Proper planning and

layout will prevent having narrow plank widths at wall

junctures or very short length pieces at the end of rows.

2. As with all plank products, install the planks parallel to

the longest exterior wall.

3. Determine if the starter row will need to be cut. If the first

row of planks does not need to be trimmed in width, it will

be necessary to cut off the unsupported tongue so that a

clean, solid edge shows towards the wall.

4. Installation of the product must start from the left side of

the room, working to the right when working in front of

the planks or facing the starting wall.

5. Install the second plank in the row by angling the

end tongue into the end groove of the first plank. Be

careful not to bend the corner of the plank. Maintain

an expansion gap of approximately ¼’’ (6.35mm) from

the wall. Start the second row by cutting a plank to the

desired length. Keep in mind that the plank must not be

shorter than 6" (15cm) to achieve the best appearance.

6. Install the first plank in the second row by inserting the

long side tongue into the groove of the plank in the first

row. This is best done with a low angle of the plank.

Maintain pressure into the side seam as you rotate the

plank to the subfloor. Install the second plank in the

second row by inserting the short end tongue into the

previously installed plank groove. Align the plank so

that the long side tongue tip is positioned just over the

groove lip of the plank in the first row. Working from the

end seam, at a low angle, insert the long tongue into the

groove of the adjoining plank. Very little force is required

to seat the tongue into the groove. You should feel the

tongue lock into the groove.

7. Work across the length of the room installing planks along

the wall in the first row and then aligning the planks in the

second row. It is critical to keep these two rows straight

and square, as they are the “foundation” for the rest of

the installation. Check squareness and straightness often.

8. Cut the last plank in the first row and leave an expansion

gap of around ¼’’ (6.35mm). Planks may be cut with a

3. INSTALLATION

Random Appearance with a Minimum 6" Offset

COVER