How To Install SPC Click Flooring

In recent years, SPC flooring has become a popular choice for home decoration and commercial Spaces due to its advantages such as water resistance, wear resistance, environmental friendliness and zero formaldehyde. The SPC Click floor (locking type) is even more so because of its characteristics of no need for glue and simple installation, which makes many homeowners choose to lay it by themselves. It not only saves labor costs but also allows them to experience the fun of DIY.

This guide will detail the complete installation process of SPC Click flooring, from the initial preparation to the final completion, helping you easily complete the laying and create the ideal floor effect!

Part 1: Preparations Before Installation

1. Material inspection and calculation

Calculation of usage:

Measure the area (in square meters) of the room where the floor needs to be laid. It is recommended to purchase an additional 5% to 10% as a spare for loss

Inspect the floor: Make sure all the locks are undamaged, and the color and texture are consistent to avoid obvious color differences after laying.

2. Prepare the tools

Basic tools	Professional tools (optional)
Tape measure, pencil, right square	Electric cutting machine (higher efficiency)
Utility knife (for cutting with a steel ruler)	Pull rod (for the installation of the last row)
Rubber hammer, striking block (protective lock)	Angle measuring instrument (for use in complex cutting)

3. Ground treatment requirements

Flatness inspection: A 2-meter straightedge can be used to check the ground, with a height difference of no more than 3mm/㎡. If it is uneven, it can be repaired with self-leveling cement or local leveling mortar.

Clean the floor: Remove dust, oil stains and debris to ensure no sharp objects remain.

4. Environmental adaptation

SPC flooring should be unpacked and left to stand for 48 hours before installation to adapt to the indoor temperature and humidity (it is recommended that the temperature be between 15℃ and 30℃). In relatively humid areas (such as the first floor), it is recommended to lay moisture-proof film first, overlap the joints by 10cm and seal them with tape.

Part 2: Detailed Installation Steps

1.Lay moisture-proof cotton (if necessary)

If the ground is relatively damp (such as in the basement or on the first floor), you can first lay a 2mm moisture-proof pad to enhance the moisture-proof effect. If it is used for floor heating, the first floor and the floor of large shopping malls, etc., a 0.6-millimeter-thick film (greenhouse film) should be laid under the ground film. The seams of every two films should overlap by 200 millimeters and be sealed tightly with rubber strips. About 2 centimeters of extra space should be left around and folded against the wall.

2. Determine the laying direction

Recommended direction:

Laying along the light (with the long side of the floor perpendicular to the window) makes the visual effect neater. For small Spaces, it can be laid along the long side to make the room appear more spacious.

3. Installation of the first row of floors

Starting plate treatment: Measure the length of the wall to ensure that the last piece is ≥30cm (to avoid short fragments affecting stability), and start installing from the side close to the door or the corner of the room.

Lock alignment: Insert the short-side lock at an Angle into the adjacent floor, flatten it, and then gently tap it with a rubber hammer to lock it in place.

Reserve expansion joints: Insert 8-10mm spacers between the wall and the floor (cover them with skirting boards later).

4. Subsequent installation and staggered splicing

Staggered joint principle: The length of each starting board is recommended to be ≥30cm, and it should be staggered by 1/3 of the board length from the previous row (similar to a brick wall structure to enhance stability).

Lock installation tip: Insert the long side at a 30° Angle into the upper row, press it down flat and then gently tap to fix it. Check with a ruler every 3 to 4 rows to ensure they are flat to avoid cumulative errors.

5. Handle obstacles (door frames, pipes)

Door frame cutting: Turn the floor upside down under the door frame, outline it with a pencil and then cut it precisely.

Pipe opening: Measure the diameter of the pipe, draw a circle on the floor and cut it, and reserve a 5mm expansion joint around it.

6. Installation of the last line

Measurement and cutting: Actual width = Wall distance – Expansion joint (8-10mm).

Fix with a pull rod: Tilt the floor and insert it into the front row. Use a pull rod and a rubber hammer to tap it tightly to ensure that the lock is fully closed.

Part 3: Finishing Work After Installation

1.Install the skirting board

Recommended type: PVC skirting board (economical and waterproof) or solid wood skirting board (high-end and beautiful).

Fixed method: Nail-free glue (not damaging the wall) or nail fixation (more secure).

2. Cleaning and maintenance

Initial cleaning: Clean the surface with a slightly damp mop to avoid leaving a large amount of water stains.

Daily maintenance: Avoid acidic cleaners and recommend neutral floor cleaning liquid.

3. Suggestions for furniture placement

Heavy furniture: Install furniture protective pads to prevent direct dragging and scratching of the floor.

Expansion joint protection: Do not press the edges with heavy objects to avoid affecting the floor’s expansion and contraction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can SPC floor be laid directly on tile/wood floor?

Yes√, but make sure the original floor is flat, not loose, and not damp.

Q2: What if there is a slight gap after installation?

This is a normal phenomenon. SPC floor will expand and contract slightly due to changes in temperature and humidity. It will usually close automatically after 1-2 weeks of observation.

Q3: How to remedy the broken lock?

Minor breaks can be fixed with special floor glue. For serious damage, it is recommended to replace a single floor.

Summary

It’s not difficult to install SPC Click flooring by yourself. As long as you do a good job in ground treatment, correctly assemble the locks and reserve expansion joints, you can easily complete it! If your room layout is complex, you can refer to the installation video provided by the manufacturer or consult a professional.