Longboards Vinyl Installation Guide

Floating Click-Lock Installation

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

Pre-Installation Preparation

Add 5% extra material for cutting waste and grading allowance. Cavalieri allows up to 5% manufacturing and natural deficiencies per industry standards. Do not install if more than 5% of material is unusable; contact your retailer immediately.

Prior to installation, inspect all planks in daylight for visible faults or damage. Check that subfloor and site conditions comply with the specifications described in these instructions. If you are not satisfied, do not install and contact your supplier. Cavalieri is not responsible for flooring installed with visible defects.

Subfloor Requirements

Subfloor must be clean, dry, and level — flat to 3/16" per 10-foot radius. Sand down high spots and fill low spots with a Portland-based leveling compound.

• Wood subfloors (plywood, OSB, particle board): Must be securely fastened. Nail or screw every 6" along joists to prevent squeaking. Moisture content must be 13% or less.
• Concrete subfloors: Must be fully cured (minimum 60 days old). Moisture barrier required — use 6-mil plastic, Cavalieri Complete, or Titebond 531+. Concrete moisture must not exceed 8 lbs per calcium chloride test or 90% RH in-situ probe.
• Existing floors (tile, vinyl): Must be well-bonded, clean, and level. Fill grout lines and embossing with patch compound. Do not sand existing vinyl as it may contain asbestos.

Radiant Heat Compatibility

Longboards vinyl is compatible with radiant heat systems using the floating method only. Maximum surface temperature must not exceed 85°F. Turn system on 3 days before installation, then lower to 65°F 24 hours before installation. Gradually increase temperature after installation. Glue-down installation is not compatible with radiant heat.

Moisture Barrier Requirements

Cavalieri vinyl flooring is waterproof but is NOT a moisture barrier. A moisture barrier is required on all concrete subfloors and any subfloor with a crawl space beneath. Acceptable moisture barriers include: 6-mil polyethylene plastic (overlap seams 8" and tape), Cavalieri Complete underlayment, or Titebond 531+ Moisture Control System.

Expansion Gap

Leave a 1/4" expansion gap around all perimeter walls and fixed objects (cabinets, pipes, columns, door frames). Never nail or screw through a floated floor. Do not install under permanent or fixed cabinetry.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Measure the room perpendicular to the direction you plan to lay the planks. The final row should be at least 1/3 the width of a full plank. If the final row will be narrower, adjust the starting row width.

Step 2: Begin installation along the longest, straightest wall. Place 1/4" spacers between the planks and the wall to maintain the expansion gap.

Step 3: Lay the first plank in the corner with the tongue side facing the wall. Cut the tongue off the first row using a utility knife for a clean starting edge.

Step 4: Continue the first row by connecting planks end-to-end. Angle the short end of the next plank at approximately 20° and press down to engage the click-lock system.

Step 5: At the end of each row, measure and cut the final plank. Use the cut piece as the starter for the next row, provided it is at least 8" long. Stagger end joints by at least 6" between rows.

Step 6: For the second row, angle the long edge of the plank into the previous row's groove at approximately 20° and press down to lock.

Step 7: Continue connecting planks by engaging both the long and short edges. Use a rubber mallet and tapping block if needed — never strike planks directly.

Step 8: For the final row, measure and rip planks to the correct width, maintaining the 1/4" expansion gap. The final row should be at least 1/3 plank width.

Step 9: Install transition moldings at doorways and where flooring meets different floor surfaces. Remove all spacers and install baseboards or quarter-round to cover expansion gaps.

Built-In Acoustic Pad

Cavalieri Longboards feature a built-in 2mm IXPE foam pad for acoustic comfort. No additional underlayment is needed for floating installations. On concrete subfloors, only a moisture barrier is required beneath the flooring.

Glue-Down Installation

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

Adhesive Requirements

Use Titebond 675 adhesive — the only adhesive recommended by Cavalieri for glue-down installations. The adhesive acts as both your bonding agent and vapor/moisture barrier, so no separate moisture barrier is needed. Follow all Titebond 675 guidelines for open time, trowel size, and coverage rate.

Subfloor Preparation

The subfloor must be clean, dry, flat, and structurally sound. Remove all existing adhesive residue, paint, sealers, and curing agents. The subfloor must be flat to 3/16" per 10-foot radius.

Glue-Down Installation Steps

Step 1: Plan the layout and dry-fit the first two rows before applying adhesive. Establish a working line using a chalk line.

Step 2: Apply Titebond 675 adhesive with the recommended trowel size. Spread adhesive evenly, working in manageable sections.

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

Step 4: Place planks into the adhesive, pressing firmly. Use a 100-lb roller to ensure proper adhesive transfer.

Step 5: Continue installation, staggering end joints by at least 6" between rows. Maintain the 1/4" expansion gap around all perimeter walls and fixed objects.

Step 6: Clean any adhesive from the surface of the planks immediately using a damp cloth.

Step 7: After installation, roll the entire floor with a 100-lb roller to ensure proper bonding. Allow 24 hours before allowing foot traffic.

Care & Maintenance

Follow these guidelines to keep your Cavalieri Longboards vinyl flooring looking its best for years to come.

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum without a beater bar.
• Damp mop as needed using a pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner. Do not use steam mops, abrasive cleaners, or wax-based products.
• Wipe up spills promptly to prevent staining.
• Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching. Use protective mats under rolling chairs.
• Place doormats at all entrances to reduce dirt and grit from being tracked onto the floor.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight — use blinds or curtains to minimize UV exposure.
• Maintain consistent indoor temperature (60°F–80°F) and humidity (35%–55%) year-round.

Longboards Collection & Accessories

Cavalieri carries matching flooring moldings and accessories for the Longboards collection, including reducers, T-moldings, baseboards, quarter rounds, and thresholds. Matching stair parts are also available, including stair nosing, treads, and risers.

Visit our Flooring Accessories page to find coordinating pieces for your installation.