Select SPC Vinyl Installation Guide

Pre-Installation

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

Material Preparation

Order 5% additional material for cutting waste and grading allowance. Do not install if more than 5% of material is unusable. Shuffle planks from several cartons for a good color and shade blend. Inspect all planks for visible defects before installation. Store cartons flat, stacking a maximum of 8 cartons (4 ft.) high, away from direct sunlight.

Site Conditions

Room temperature and humidity must be consistent with year-round living conditions for at least 5 days before installation. Do not install under permanent or fixed cabinetry. Never nail or screw through a floated floor. Leave 1/4" expansion gap around all perimeters and fixed objects.

Subfloor Requirements — Wood

Wood subfloors (plywood, OSB, particle board) must have a maximum moisture content of 13%. If readings exceed 13%, find and correct the moisture source before installation. Subfloors must be securely fastened — nail or screw every 6" along joists to prevent squeaking. Sand high spots and fill low spots with Portland-based leveling compound.

Subfloor Requirements — Concrete

Concrete must be fully cured (minimum 60 days old), clean, and free of paint, sealers, adhesive residue, and curing agents. A moisture barrier is required on all concrete subfloors. Cavalieri Select vinyl is waterproof but is NOT a moisture barrier. Acceptable barriers include 6-mil plastic (overlap seams 8" and tape), Cavalieri Complete, or Titebond 531+.

Existing Floors

Select SPC vinyl can be installed over most existing hard-surface floors (tile, vinyl, hardwood) provided they are well-bonded, clean, and level. Fill grout lines and embossing with leveling compound if needed. Do not sand existing vinyl flooring as it may contain asbestos.

Crawl Space Requirements

Cover exposed earth with minimum 6-mil polyethylene sheeting, overlapping seams 6" and taping all joints. Maintain minimum 18" ventilated air space between ground and floor joists. Adequate cross-ventilation is required.

Radiant Heat

Compatible with radiant heat using floating installation only. Maximum surface temperature: 85°F. Turn system on 3 days before installation, lower to 65°F 24 hours before, and gradually increase after installation.

Floating Click-Lock Installation

Installation Direction

Lay planks following the direction of the main light source for the best visual result. On wooden subfloors, install crossways to existing floorboards. Final row planks should be at least 1/3 the width of a full plank.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Begin along the longest, straightest wall. Place 1/4" spacers between the first row and the wall. Trim the tongue from the starting row for a clean edge.

Step 2: Connect first-row planks end-to-end by angling at 20° and pressing down to engage the click-lock system.

Step 3: At the end of each row, measure, score, and snap the final plank. Use the cut piece to start the next row if at least 8" long.

Step 4: For subsequent rows, angle the long edge into the previous row at 20° and press down. Stagger end joints by at least 6".

Step 5: Use a rubber mallet and tapping block on both long and short ends to ensure full engagement. Never strike planks directly.

Step 6: Inspect long and short edges for gapping before moving to the next plank. Reinstall any board that shows a gap.

Step 7: For the final row, rip planks to width while keeping the 1/4" expansion gap. Use a pull bar for tight spaces.

Step 8: Remove all spacers. Install transition moldings at doorways, thresholds, and where flooring meets other surfaces. Install baseboards or quarter-round to cover the expansion gap.

Care & Maintenance

Maintain the beauty of your Cavalieri Select SPC vinyl flooring with these simple care guidelines.

• Sweep or vacuum regularly using a soft-bristle broom or vacuum without a beater bar.
• Damp mop as needed with a pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner. Avoid steam mops and abrasive or wax-based cleaners.
• Wipe up spills promptly to prevent staining.
• Use felt pads under all furniture legs and protective mats under rolling chairs.
• Place doormats at entrances to reduce tracked-in dirt.
• Maintain consistent indoor temperature (60°F–80°F) and humidity (35%–55%).
• Use blinds or curtains to reduce prolonged direct sunlight exposure.