Laid Back Vinyl Glue-Down Installation Guide

Pre-Installation & Acclimation

Before you begin installation, remember to P.A.C.E. yourself with the checklist below.

Acclimation Requirements

• Acclimate flooring for 48 hours in the installation room at 65°F–85°F.
• Store planks flat in the center of the room, not in a garage or exterior space.
• Acclimate Titebond 675 adhesive for 24 hours at room temperature before use.
• Installation temperature range: 55°F–95°F.
• Leave 1/4" expansion gap around all walls, cabinets, pipes, and vertical objects.

Material Allowance

Order 5% extra material for cutting waste and grading. Inspect all planks in daylight for visible faults before installation. Do not install defective planks — Cavalieri is not responsible for flooring installed with visible defects.

Subfloor Preparation

Wood Subfloors (Plywood/OSB)

• Must be securely fastened — nail or screw every 6" along joists to prevent squeaking.
• Double-layer construction, minimum 1" total thickness.
• Moisture content: 13% maximum.
• Sand high spots; fill low spots with Portland-based leveling compound.
• Requires 18" well-ventilated air space below the subfloor.
• Crawl spaces need 6-mil polyethylene vapor barrier over exposed earth.

Concrete Subfloors

• Must be fully cured: minimum 60 days old (preferably 90 days).
• Calcium chloride moisture test: maximum 8 lbs per 1000 sq. ft. per 24 hours.
• In-situ probe: maximum 90% relative humidity.
• Alkalinity: maximum 9.0 pH.
• Grind high spots; fill low spots with Portland-based leveling compound.
• Must be free of hydrostatic pressure (especially slabs on or below grade).
• Seal concrete or use adhesive with moisture protection properties.

Existing Surfaces

Ceramic tile installations require checking with Titebond for specific preparation requirements, which may include patching, primer, or self-leveling compound.

Glue-Down Installation

Adhesive Requirements

Use Titebond 675 exclusively — it is the ONLY adhesive recommended by Cavalieri for Laid Back vinyl. Follow all Titebond 675 guidelines for open time, trowel size, and coverage rate.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Plan the layout and dry-fit the first two rows. Create a perimeter border using a chalk line, then work from the center outward or from one wall.

Step 2: Apply Titebond 675 with the recommended notched trowel. Spread adhesive evenly in manageable sections. Avoid adhesive globs — they create floor bumps.

Step 3: Allow adhesive to reach proper tack before placing planks. Follow the adhesive manufacturer's open time guidelines.

Step 4: Press planks firmly into the adhesive, ensuring full contact. Stagger end joints by at least 6" between rows. Maintain 1/4" expansion gap around all walls and fixed objects.

Step 5: Roll the installed area with a 100-lb roller to ensure proper adhesive transfer and eliminate air pockets.

Step 6: Clean any adhesive from the plank surface immediately using a damp cloth. Adhesive that dries on the surface can be difficult to remove.

Step 7: Allow 24 hours before allowing foot traffic. Wait 72 hours before placing heavy furniture. Install baseboards and transition moldings after the adhesive has fully cured.

After Installation

• Maintain room temperature at 65°F–85°F for 72 hours after installation.
• Do not wet-mop for at least 5 days after installation.
• Place protective pads under furniture legs before placing on the new floor.
• Install transition strips at doorways and where flooring meets other surfaces.

Care & Maintenance

• Sweep or vacuum regularly using a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum without a beater bar.
• Damp mop with a pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner as needed. Avoid steam mops and abrasive cleaners.
• Wipe up spills promptly to prevent staining or adhesive softening.
• Use felt pads under furniture legs and mats under rolling chairs.
• Place doormats at all entrances to reduce tracked-in dirt and grit.
• Maintain consistent indoor conditions: temperature 65°F–85°F, humidity 35%–55%.
• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight — use blinds or curtains.