Installation Guide

Installation Instructions
Luxury Vinyl Plank and Tile Flooring
For Assistance, Call: 1-800-986-3460
www.homedepot.com/homedecorators
Product Description
4.2 mm thick 6 in. x 36 in., 8 in. x 48 in.,
6 in. x 48 in. planks and 12 in. x 24 in. tiles
Grade Levels
Above Grade / On Grade
Below Grade
Installation Method
Floating - Drop and Lock
HOMEDEPOT.COM/HOMEDECORATORS
Please contact 1-800-986-3460 for further assistance.
3. INSTALLING THE LAST ROW
a. Cut the rst plank/tile of the last row to length (following desired pattern). Place directly on top of
the previously installed row. Then, measure the gap between the last installed plank/tile and the wall
(allowing for 1/4 in. (6 mm) expansion gap) (Figure 3.1). Mark the plank/tile, score and snap (Figure
3.2). Continue this method for the remainder of the pieces in the last row. Always place the cut end of
the ooring against the wall.
3.23.1
1/4 in. (6 mm)
Expansion Gap
4. FITTING AROUND IRREGULARLY SHAPED OBJECTS
a. Make a pattern out of heavy paper to t around pipes or irregularly shaped objects (Figure 4.1). Place
the pattern upon the ooring and trace. Cut along trace lines using a utility knife or sharp shears, and
lay plank/tile. Be sure to leave a minimum of 1/4 in. (6 mm) expansion space around all xed objects,
cabinetry, and metal door jambs. Undercut wooden door jambs. Fill any expansion spaces around
potentially wet areas (such as refrigerators, tubs, and appliances) with premium, waterproof, 100%
silicone caulk.
4.1
NOTE: Rooms larger than 1500 sq. ft. (50 ft. x 30 ft.) require the use of coordinating T-molding transitions. Doorways and archways less than 4 ft wide also require the use of T-molding transitions.
NOTE: Save any leftover planks/tiles. Do not discard as they are color matched (dye-lot) to your oor. They can be used for replacement in the event you need to replace a plank/tile in the future.
Accessories
Pictures are for general illustrative purposes only. Actual products may differ from pictures.
Clean the oor.
Install or reinstall all wall trim pieces. Nail them through the wall, but not to the suboor to avoid restricting the expansion gap.
Install transition trim pieces. Nail them to the suboor, not the ooring.
At doorways, transitions should be used to protect the edges of the oor and to provide a decorative transition from one oor type to another.
If the oor is to be covered, use a breathable material such as cardboard. Do not cover with plastic.
T-Molding: Used to create a transition between oor coverings of similar heights or to cover an expansion gap.
T-MOLDING
FLOORING
FLOORING
Stair Nose: Used in conjunction with ooring installed on stair steps or nished edges of a higher level oor
like in a sunken living room.
FLOORING STAIR NOSE
RISER
STAIR TREAD
Hard Surface Reducer: Used to transition to another hard surface ooring of different heights such as tile,
vinyl, or concrete.
HARD SURFACE
REDUCER
RESILIENT
FLOOR
FLOORING
Quarter Round: Used to cover the expansion space between the wall base and your ooring. It can also
be used to make smooth transitions between the oor and cabinetry. It can be used with or without wall base
molding. Ensure you nail the quarter round to the wall and not the ooring, as shown.
FLOORING
QUARTER ROUND
WALL
Care and Maintenance
DAILY MAINTENANCE
Sweep, dust, damp mop, or vacuum your oor regularly to remove any particles that could cause abrasion or scratch your oor.
CAUTION: Vacuums with a beater bar or power rotary brush head can damage a oor and should never be used.
Use a damp mop to remove spots and soil. Use any high-quality, pH-neutral vinyl cleaner. Alternatively, use a non-rinsing, biodegradable cleaner that leaves no residue or haze.
For lightly soiled area, clean with distilled water.
HINT: For best results, clean the oor in the same direction of the tiles. When the cleaning cloth/mop becomes soiled, rinse or replace it with a clean one. Following up with a clean, dry cloth will remove residual streak marks
and spots.
Do NOT leave any amount of liquids (water, juice, soft drinks, spills, etc.) on the oor. Clean any wet spots immediately.
Do NOT use a wet mop or douse the oor with water or liquid cleaners. Liquid can seep between the cracks and cause moisture damage.
Do NOT use any cleaning agents containing wax, oil or polish. Left over residue will form a dull lm.
Do NOT use steel wool or scouring powder which will scratch the oor.
Do NOT use any dust cleaners, as they may cause your oor to become slick or damage the nish.
Avoid spills of paints, dyes, or harsh chemicals.
Avoid long term exposure to direct sunlight. Use window treatments or UV tinting on windows.
BRANDED OR OFF-THE-SHELF FLOOR CARE PRODUCTS
If none of the above are effective and you choose to use a store bought product, test the product in a non-conspicuous area (i.e., closet, corner, or scrap pieces) for potential adverse side effects.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Protect your oor when using a dolly for moving furniture or appliances. Protective sheets and/or plywood may be needed. Never slide or roll heavy furniture or appliances across the oor.
Use at oor protectors (nylon or felt) on all furniture legs. Clean protectors periodically to remove grit that may become embedded and cause scratching.
Avoid excessive exposure to water from being tracked in during periods of inclement weather.
Minimize abrasive material and dirt by placing mats on both sides of exterior doors and by using area rugs in high-trafc areas
Rearrange furniture and rugs periodically to avoid uneven color and shade changes from light exposure.
Use protective mats beneath rolling chairs and keep furniture casters clean.
Use NON-RUBBER backed mats at all entrances to reduce the walk-off residue from asphalt driveways as well as prevent dirt and grit from being tracked onto your oor. Rubber backed mats can discolor your oor.
We recommend the use of a hard surface (non-studded), non-rubber chair mat to protect your oor from ofce chairs with casters. Light, rolling furniture should be outtted with broad-surface, non-staining casters that have
been engineered for hard surface oors. Such casters should be a minimum of 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide and at least 2 in. (5.1 cm) in diameter.
Keep pets’ nails trimmed.
Remove shoes with cleats, spikes or exceptionally pointy heels before walking on the oor.
TREATING STAINS, SPILLS, AND SCUFFS
Follow the remedies in order. Unless instructed otherwise, use a clean, white cloth or towel with products recommended for our LVT ooring. Always rinse the affected area with clean water after treatment.
For most stains and spills such as acids, alkalis, foods, and rust: First, remove as much of the spill as possible. Scrub the area with a full strength cleaner. Rub the area with a 10/1 dilution of water/liquid bleach. Rub the area
with isopropyl alcohol. If rust stain does not respond, use lemon juice or a cream of tartar solution.
For paint and solvent spills such as dry cleaning fluids, paints, nail polish, and wood stains: If the substance is dry, gently peel it from the oor. Avoid sharp instruments that could scratch the oor. Scrub the area with a non-
abrasive cleaner. Rub lightly with odorless mineral spirits or paint thinner.
NOTE: Do not use acetone or nail polish remover!
For substances that do not wipe up such as adhesives, chewing gum, oil, and grease: First, remove as much solid material as possible. Carefully remove excess with a spoon or ngernail. Scrub the area with non-abrasive
cleaner. Rub lightly with odorless mineral spirits, isopropyl alcohol or lighter uids.
For scuffs and smudges: Rub the scuff with your ngertip. The friction from the rubbing will remove rubber. Scrub the area with non-abrasive cleaner. Rub lightly with isopropyl alcohol or lighter uid.
CLIMATE MAINTENANCE
Care should be taken to control humidity levels within the 35% - 85% range to avoid excessive movement within the oor.
Dry Climates: A humidier is recommended to maintain humidity levels. Wood stoves and electric heat tend to create very dry conditions during the winter months this also will cause shrinkage in ooring.
Humid, Wet Climates: By using an air conditioner, heater, or dehumidier proper humidity levels can be maintained to prevent excessive expansion due to high moisture content.
FLOOR REPAIR
Very deep scratches may require the replacement of the planks/tiles.