Knowledge

Do not transport flooring products exposed -- if under raining or damp conditions. Handle and unload flooring products with care, and store in a dry and well-ventilated place. Flooring shall not be delivered until the building has been enclosed with windows, doors are in place, and cement work, plastering, and all other wet work are completed and dry. HVAC systems must be in place and in operation at least 14 days prior to installation of the flooring and must remain operating during and after installation.

In addition, prior to installation of flooring, exterior grading must be completed with surface drainage offering a minimum drop of 3in over 10ft to direct the flow of water away from the building. All gutters and drainage spouts must be in place. The soil around the house must be treated or graded to provide sufficient drainage.

The following considerations are vital for ensuring the functionality and longevity of our products, failure to adhere to them will void your warranty.

To achieve the best results, vinyl flooring products must be acclimatized. It is advised that vinyl products be allowed 2 days at room temperature (18ºC-28ºC) to acclimatize.

Thereafter, maintaining room temperature of 20ºC-28ºC and a humidity level of 35%-65% is important to ensure long lasting vinyl floors.

To achieve the best results, vinyl flooring products must be acclimatized. It is advised that vinyl products be allowed 2 days at room temperature (20C-28C) to acclimatize.

Thereafter, maintaining room temperature of 20C-28C and a humidity level of 35%-65% is important to ensure long lasting vinyl floors.

To achieve the best results, acclimation is recommended for vinyl flooring products. It is advised that vinyl products be allowed 2 days at room temperature (20 C) to acclimatize.

Thereafter, maintaining room temperature and a humidity level of 35%-55% is important to ensure long lasting vinyl floors.

Subfloor Conditions

Ensure that your subfloor is Structurally Sound. The subfloor should be adequately nailed, screwed, or glued down prior to the installation of your floor. All nail heads must be driven down below the surface. Securely nail all loose boards. Scrape, plane or fill uneven boards, holes or cracks using floor-leveling compound. Check that the subfloor is Level and Flat prior to installation. Subfloor unevenness cannot be greater than 3/16in over a 10ft span or 1/8in over a 6ft span. Furthermore, subfloors must not slope more than 1/2in per 6ft.

The subfloor must also be Clean and cleared of any debris that may interfere with the floors or the installation. Lastly, the Moisture levels of the subfloor should be DRY (moisture content cannot exceed 4% for concrete and 12% for plywood and OSB. Measured prior to installation using a moisture meter.)

Minimum temperature of subfloor should not be under 10ºC.

Subfloor Types

Plywood

Plywood subfloor is suitable for use with any of our vinyl products. ¾” Plywood over structurally sound subfloor is ideal. Ensure moisture content does not exceed 12% 

O.S.B.

Oriented Strand Board (O.S.B.) is an alternative to plywood made up of 3–4-inch strands of wood which are layered and glued together, then pressed. We advise the use of ¾” or stamped exterior grade O.S.B. Note: Building codes in Canada require minimum ⅝” thick O.S.B. Ensure moisture content does not exceed 12%.

Concrete

Concrete subfloors must be level and dry. Ensure moisture content does not exceed 4% for concrete subfloors.

Important

• Grandeur Flooring requires that vinyl flooring products must be installed by an authorized professional. Failure to do so will void the product warranty for your vinyl flooring.

• It is the Installer/Homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the jobsite, environment, sub-floor conditions and climatization meet all of Grandeur Flooring’s requirements.

• Prior to installation, flooring should be inspected, if you feel in anyway the product is not to standard STOP installation and immediately contact your retailer.

• The installer or homeowner is fully responsible for all installed vinyl flooring. A 5%-10% waste allowance should be included with total square footage.

• Prior to installation, installer or homeowner must carefully check planks for any defects. Any plank that has been installed will be deemed acceptable.

Pressure sensitive glue such as Mapei Ultrabond Eco 399 is the recommended choice of adhesive for glue-down applications.

INSTALLATION

As vinyl flooring is designed to mimic a natural appearance, it is normal to have slight variations from plank to plank.

When installing, it is recommended to open several boxes at a time to mix and evenly distribute planks to balance out color variations.

First determine which direction planks will run – best appearance is achieved when planks are laid parallel to the longest walls.

Determine the center of the room, lay out tiles/planks to determine width of border planks to avoid having narrow widths less than half of a normal plank size. (6 inches for tiles and 6-12 inches for planks)

Tiles are marked with arrows on the back and should be laid staggered – in a checkerboard pattern.

Planks should be installed from one corner of the room, working outwards toward the other wall. Leaving ¼ of an inch of space to the wall, and other fixed objects ie doorframes etc.

Install planks staggered randomly with end joints no less than 6” from previous end row joint.

Lift planks to reposition if seam is not tight.

Replace spacers for wall expansion gaps, install molding pieces.

Underfloor Heating

This product can be installed with water based underfloor heating, provided that the heating is switched off 48 hours before, and after installation.

After 48 hours of climatization, underfloor heating must be gradually increased by increments of less than 5ºC over a period of 24 hours, maximum operating temperature tolerable is 27ºC.  

AFTER INSTALLATION

Ensure planks are set, edges are tight and flat. If adhesives were used, a 3 section 100lb roller must be used in both directions until planks are properly set.

Restrict traffic for 24 hours after installation, failure to wait can impact adhesive curing and drying.

Temperatures should be maintained at 18ºC-28ºC throughout the life of the vinyl floors.

Regular cleaning of dirt, grit, dust, salt and any other abrasive materials will help to prevent scratches or blemish to the wear-layer of your vinyl floors.

Avoid letting sharp objects come into direct contact with your floors – high heels, cleats etc. any hard objects which may cause irreversible damage.

Place felt pads or floor protectors on the bottom of furniture to prevent scratching when moving furniture – careful not to drag any furniture across the surface of your vinyl floors.

Prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause changes to the color of vinyl flooring. It is a natural phenomenon and the fading of color of vinyl should be expected if exposed to prolonged sunlight or intense lighting.

To moderate sunlight exposure, it is recommended to have light filtering window coverings – drapes and blinds

When vacuuming floors – be sure to not to drag any plastic or metal attachments as that will scratch the surface of the finish and damage the floors.

Important
• Grandeur Flooring requires that vinyl flooring products must be installed by an authorized professional. Failure to do so will void the product warranty for your vinyl flooring.
• It is the Installer/Homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the jobsite, environment, sub-floor conditions and climatization meet all of Grandeur Flooring’s requirements.
• Prior to installation, flooring should be inspected, if you feel in anyway the product is not to standard STOP installation
and immediately contact your retailer.
• The installer or homeowner is fully responsible for all installed vinyl flooring. A 5%-10% waste allowance should be included with total square footage.
• Prior to installation, installer or homeowner must carefully check planks for any defects. Any plank that has been installed will be deemed acceptable.

NOTE: If an area has dimensions longer than 20 ft in any direction, or if flooring is used in high traffic areas, then it is recommended to use adhesive on perimeter planks or tiles.

It is recommended to use full spread adhesive for areas of high traffic, volatile temperature variations, rolling loads.

The maximum area that can be installed without an expansion joint is 10m x 20m.

Recommended trowel size 1/16” x 1/16” x 1/16” square notch for high rolling traffic applications.

INSTALLATION

As vinyl flooring is designed to mimic a natural appearance, it is normal to have slight variations from plank to plank.

When installing, it is recommended to open several boxes at a time to mix and evenly distribute planks to balance out color variations.

First determine which direction planks will run – best appearance is achieved when planks are laid parallel to the longest walls.

Determine the center of the room, lay out tiles/planks to determine width of border planks to avoid having narrow
widths less than half of a normal plank size.
Planks should be installed from one corner of the room, working outwards toward the other wall. Leaving ¼ of an inch of space to the wall, and other fixed objects ie doorframes etc.
Install planks staggered randomly with end joints not less than 6” from previous end row joint.
Lift planks to reposition if seam is not tight.
Replace spacers for wall expansion gaps, install molding pieces.
 

Underfloor Heating
This product can be installed with water based underfloor heating, provided that the heating is switched off 48 hours before, and after installation.
After 48 hours of climatization, underfloor heating must be gradually increased by increments of less than 5C over a period of 24 hours, maximum temperature tolerable is 27C.

AFTER INSTALLATION

Ensure planks are set, edges are tight and flat. If adhesives were used, a 3 section 100lb roller must be used in both directions until planks are properly set.
Restrict traffic for 24 hours after installation, failure to wait can impact adhesive curing and drying.
Temperatures should be maintained at 15C-27C throughout the life of the vinyl floors.
Regular cleaning of dirt, grit, dust, salt and any other abrasive materials will help to prevent scratches or blemish to the wear-layer of your vinyl floors.
Avoid letting sharp objects come into direct contact with your floors – high heels, cleats etc. any hard objects which may cause irreversible damage.
Place felt pads or floor protectors on the bottom of furniture to prevent scratching when moving furniture – careful not to drag any furniture across the surface of your vinyl floors.
Prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause changes to the color of vinyl flooring. It is a natural phenomenon and the fading of color of vinyl should be expected if exposed to prolonged sunlight or intense lighting.
To moderate sunlight exposure, it is recommended to have light filtering window coverings – drapes and blinds
When vacuuming floors – be sure to not to drag any plastic or metal attachments as that will scratch the surface of the finish and damage the floors.
Avoid prolong contact with rubber as it can create a chemical reaction that will stain your vinyl floors – latex, rubber, bicycle wheels etc.

Important

• Grandeur Flooring requires that vinyl flooring products must be installed by an authorized professional. Failure to do so will void the product warranty for your vinyl flooring.

• It is the Installer/Homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the jobsite, environment, sub-floor conditions and climatization meet all of Grandeur Flooring’s requirements.

• Prior to installation, flooring should be inspected, if you feel in anyway the product is not to standard STOP installation and immediately contact your retailer.

• The installer or homeowner is fully responsible for all installed vinyl flooring. A 5%-10% waste allowance should be included with total square footage.

• Prior to installation, installer or homeowner must carefully check planks for any defects. Any plank that has been installed will be deemed acceptable.

NOTE: THE MAXIMUM RUN LENGTH IS 9.14M (30’)

IN EITHER DIRECTION OR AN AREA OF 83.6M². INSTALLATION EXCEEDING THIS SIZE WILL REQUIRE TRANSITION STRIPS OR THE FLOOR MUST BE TOTALLY ADHERED TO THE SUBFLOOR (FULL SPREAD -- FOLLOWING ADHESIVE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS).

INSTALLATION

As vinyl flooring is designed to mimic a natural appearance, it is normal to have slight variations from plank to plank.

When installing, it is recommended to open several boxes at a time to mix and evenly distribute planks to balance out color variations.

First Row

Start in a corner of the longest and straightest wall by placing the first plank with the tongue side facing the wall. Use spacers along each wall to maintain an expansion space of 8-12 mm (3/8*-1/2*) between the wall and the flooring.

NOTE: This spacing must also be maintained between the floor and all vertical surfaces, including cabinets, posts, partitions, door jambs and door tracks. You will also need to use transition strips in doorways and between rooms. Failure to do so may cause buckling or gapping.

To attach your second plank, lower and lock the end

tongue of the second plank into the end groove of the first plank. Line up edges carefully to ensure a close and tight fit. Using a rubber mallet, lightly tap the top of the end joints where the first and second planks lock together. The planks should lay flat to the floor.

Warning: Failure to properly line up the end joint and attempting to force it in while out of alignment could result in permanent damage to the end joint.

Repeat this procedure for each subsequent plank in the first row. Continue connecting the first row until you reach the last full plank. Fit the last plank by rotating the plank 180° with the pattern side upward and placing it beside the first row of planks with its end up against the far wall. Line a ruler up across the end of the last full plank and across this new plank. Draw a line across the new plank with a pencil, score with a utility knife and snap off.

Rotate the plank 180° so that it is back to its original orientation. Lower and lock its end tongue into the end groove of the last full plank. Lightly tap the top of the end joints with a rubber mallet until the planks are flat on the floor.

You will begin the next row with the off-cut piece from the previous row to stagger the pattern. Pieces should be a minimum of 200mm long and joint offset should be at least 400 mm. Cut pieces should be no less than 152.4mm in length and 76.2mm in width. Adjust layout for a balanced look.

Subsequent Rows

To start your second row, rotate the cut-off piece from the previous row 180° so that it is back to its original orientation. Tilt and push its side tongue into the side  groove of the very first plank. When lowered, the plank will click into place. Using a tapping block and rubber mallet, lightly tap the long side of the new plank to lock it with the planks of the first row. The planks should lay flat to the floor.

Attach the second plank of the new row first on the long side. Tilt and push plank into place, making sure edges are lined up. Lower plank to the floor. Using a tapping block and rubber mallet, lightly tap the long side of the new plank to lock it into place. Next, lightly tap down on the top of the end joints with a rubber mallet to lock them together. Continue laying remaining planks in this manner.

Last Row

To fit the last row, lay a plank on top of the previous row with its the tongue to the wall. Lay a ruler across the plank so that it is lined up with the side of the planks of the previous row and draw a line across the new plank with a pencil. Don't forget to allow room for spacers. Cut the plank with a utility knife and attach into position.

Door frames and heating vents also require expansion room. First, cut the plank to the correct length. Then, place the cut plank next to its actual position and use a ruler to measure the areas to be cut out and mark them. Cut out the marked points allowing the necessary expansion distance on each side. You can trim for door frames by turning a plank upside down and using a handsaw to cut away the necessary height so that planks slide easily under the frames. Remove the spacers once the floor is completely installed.

Do not transport flooring products exposed -- if under raining or damp conditions. Handle and unload flooring products with care, and store in a dry and well-ventilated place. Flooring shall not be delivered until the building has been enclosed with windows, doors are in place, and cement work, plastering, and all other wet work are completed and dry. HVAC systems must be in place and in operation at least 14 days prior to installation of the flooring and must remain operating during and after installation.

In addition, prior to installation of flooring, exterior grading must be completed with surface drainage offering a minimum drop of 3in over 10ft to direct the flow of water away from the building. All gutters and drainage spouts must be in place. The soil around the house must be treated or graded to provide sufficient drainage.

The following considerations are vital for ensuring the functionality and longevity of our products, failure to adhere to them will void your warranty.

This laminate flooring is extremely versatile and can be installed in all areas of your home, except for areas with higher levels of humidity in the environment, such as saunas, sinks, washing areas, etc. where its use is not recommended.

The product needs to be stabilized 48 hours prior to use with the boxes unopened and stored horizontally, well away from any walls.

The room temperature should be around 18ºC - 25ºC and the humidity between 40% - 60%

Ensure that your subfloor is Structurally Sound. The subfloor should be adequately nailed, screwed, or glued down prior to the installation of your floor. All nail heads must be driven down below the surface. Securely nail all loose boards. Scrape, plane or fill uneven boards, holes or cracks using floor-leveling compound.

Check that the subfloor is Level and Flat prior to installation. If there are any uneven areas of more than 2mm/linear meter, level them out in advance with a levelling paste.

The subfloor must also be Clean and cleared of any debris that may interfere with the floors or the installation. Lastly, the Moisture levels of the subfloor should be DRY and measured prior to installation using a moisture meter.

Parquet Wood

For installations on top of existing parquet, the flooring will be laid at 90º from the old flooring, never in the same direction as the old floorboards.

With existing wood base floors, it is recommended to remove a small perimeter from the old flooring to properly ventilate the strips.

Wooden Floorboards

Wooden floorboards or similar material. When laying flooring over wooden floorboards, you must leave enough space between the boards and the wall to allow for expansion. The flooring must be laid so that the gaps between the old floorboards are not in the same place as the joints between the laminate floor boards. Wood or wood-based materials must have a maximum residual humidity of 11%.

Concrete

The mortar should have a humidity level of less than 2% (using the oven drying or calcium carbide method). When using artificial drying methods, sometimes only the surface layers dry and the lower layers can retain moisture which will, in time, rise to the surface.

Allow a sufficient period of time before taking new measurements to avoid any errors in the measurements taken. The drying time of the base floor will depend on its thickness and the atmospheric conditions of the area. As a guide, you can estimate that in conditions of between 20ºC and 50% relative humidity, drying time can be calculated using the following formula: t = 2s² where “t” is the time in days and “s” is the thickness of the base floor in centimeters.

Grandeur Flooring requires that laminate flooring products must be installed by an authorized professional. Failure to do so will void the product warranty.

It is the Installer/Homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the jobsite, environment, sub-floor conditions and climatization meet all of Grandeur Flooring’s requirements.

Prior to installation, flooring should be inspected, if you feel in any way the product is not to standard STOP installation and immediately contact your retailer.

The installer or homeowner is fully responsible for all installed laminate flooring. A 5%-10% waste allowance should be included with total square footage.

Prior to installation, installer or homeowner must carefully check planks for any defects. Any plank that has been installed will be deemed acceptable.

NOTE: When laying the flooring over a large surface area, you should also leave a 30 mm expansion gap every 12 meters lengthways and every 12 meters widthways (10 mm for the width of the clips and 10 mm for each length, note that the base of the profile is asymmetric, although this does not affect the spaces for expansion) 

INSTALLATION

As laminate flooring is designed to mimic a natural appearance, it is normal to have slight variations from plank to plank.

When installing, it is recommended to open several boxes at a time to mix and evenly distribute planks to balance out color variations.

Before installing, determine the orientation of the planks – it is recommended to lay the flooring in the same direction as the main source of sunlight. For the best results, planks should always be installed longitudinally – laid parallel to the longest walls.

Expansion Joints

Use separating wedges to make sure that a 10mm gap is left between walls and columns throughout the perimeter. This gap will be hidden at the end with the baseboard and profiles and will give the product the space necessary for expansion and contraction. In the case of holes for pipes, measure the diameter of the pipe and make a hole 20 mm bigger. Door frames require special care as 10 mm also needs to be left to allow for expansion. To fit the expansion profile, you should leave a 30 mm gap where the expansion profiles will be placed to separate the different rooms. (10 mm for the width of the clips and 10 mm for each length, note that the base of the profile is asymmetric)

First row

1.A) Start the first row with whole boards. Start the second row with boards cut to 2/3 and the third row with boards cut to 1/3, thus giving the appropriate design flow. Never start with cuts of boards <30 cm long. Never line up joints between rows (stagger).

   B) Start laying the flooring from left to right, with the ‘tongue’ facing the wall. Make sure you place the boards 10 mm away from both walls. If the wall is irregular, the boards will need to be adapted to the contour of the wall.

   C) To lock in short end of the second plank, place the short ends of the two pieces together (trying to leave them lined up straight), lift the piece at an angle of 15º-20º, pushing lightly forwards and downwards so that the piece automatically hooks into the adjoining piece. Continue this process until the row is finished. Place the last board, turning it 180º and facing it on the short sides groove to groove.

Second Row

2. Use a section of the board cut in the previous row. This section must be at least 30 cm long. If it is too short, start the row with a new board cut to 1/3 the length of the piece. Ensuring to stagger planks for a more random finish.

Next Rows

3. A) To continue laying, place the next piece flat, parallel to the board of the adjoining row, raise the board at an angle (±15º), push forwards and down lightly and the pieces should automatically interlock.

    B) Placing the short end of the board at an angle, opposite the board just installed, push forwards and down lightly. Make sure that the board lengthways along the piece is close to the adjoining board and lock it together with the previous piece. 

    C) Lift the board ±15º (along with the previous board laid in the same row), push lightly forwards and down, sliding the piece so it can lock into the length sides of the previous piece.

Last Row

Measure and cut the board. Leave 10 mm from the wall for the necessary expansion gap.

ATTENTION: In some circumstances, it is not possible to lift the boards at an angle, so they lock together (for example, underneath door frames or radiators etc.). In such cases, you can fit the pieces together with the boards flat, bearing in mind that you should not directly strike the boards.

Tap the pieces gently until they lock together, taking care not to damage the laminate, ensuring the hitting block is in complete contact with the edge of the laminate flooring. Do the same on the long side but starting progressively at an end to move forward the length of the piece.

For 3 days after installation, it is advised to maintain floor surface temperatures at a minimum of 15ºC, with a minimum room temperature of 18ºC and relative humidity levels at a maximum of 75%.