LVT Flooring Installation
We supply & install LVT & SPC flooring products in straight planks and Herringbone pattern
At Floorworks, we understand that choosing the right flooring is a crucial decision for any home or commercial space. That's why we specialize in the professional supply and installation of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) flooring – two of the most popular and versatile options on the market today. With over 20 years of commercial and residential experience across London and beyond, our dedicated team delivers a seamless, high-quality floor laying service, from initial consultation to the final finishing touches.
What is LVT, SPC & WSPC Flooring?
While all LVT, SPC & WSPC fall under the umbrella of luxury vinyl, and both types offer the benefits of comfort, durability, water resistance, low-maintenance and cost-effectiveness, they possess distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different needs.
Compared on various factors, the SPC is overall a more wear resistant product with better water and temperature stability.
SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring is a type of durable, water-resistant LVT flooring with a rigid core made from limestone powder and PVC. It features multiple layers, including a wear layer and a realistic printed design layer, often mimicking wood or stone. SPC flooring is easy to install, typically using a click-lock system, and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas.
WSPC (Wood Stone Plastic Composite) flooring is a type of resilient, multi-layered flooring that combines wood and stone plastic composites in its core for enhanced durability and stability. It offers the natural look of wood with the added strength and water resistance of SPC flooring.
Service Preparation & Planning
Before diving into the installation, thorough preparation is essential. For a provisional quote we will require overall measurements of the area to be floored and to determine the amount of flooring needed. Consideration about the amount of furniture in the space is important, especially of preparation of the subfloor is required.
Any imperfections or moisture issues will be best addressed before the installation.
Talk to Member of Staff for Advice & Obligation-Free Site Visit
Contact us today for your free site survey, LVT or SPC product advice and to take the first step towards transforming your space.
The Importance of Subfloor Preparation
LVT / SPC flooring is durable, but is one of the thinnest flooring products on the market, which requires excellent subfloor level and preparation before the install. Application of smoothing compound throughout to remove cracks, bumps, or uneven areas on concrete subfloors or laying plywood over floorboards or timber subfloors, is essential consideration for this type of flooring.
This in the general case increase the cost of installation. Depending on the type of subfloor, we may also need to apply a liquid moisture barrier or DPM underlayment to provide additional protection for the flooring and room environment.
Subfloor Requirements for Click LVT / SPC
Click-lock flooring, also known as floating installation, doesn't require adhesive to bond to the subfloor. However, it still demands a pristine surface:
Flatness: The subfloor must be incredibly flat, typically within 3 mm over a 2-meter span and free of all debris, dust, grease, and contaminants. Any significant dips or humps will cause the click-lock joints to stress, potentially leading to gaps or breakage over time.
Dryness: Essential to prevent moisture issues like mold growth or flooring warping. For concrete, moisture levels must be within acceptable limits (e.g., typically below 75% Relative Humidity or 2% CM for cementitious screeds, verified by professional moisture testing). A damp-proof membrane (DPM) may be required.
Structural Soundness: The subfloor must be stable, firm, and free from excessive movement or squeaks. Loose floorboards should be securely fastened.
Underlay (Built-in): Most click LVT & SPC products come with an integrated underlay. Due to the small and fragile click system on this plank, the underlay must be approx. 1 mm thick and therefore most manufacturers would prefer to have this built in the product.
Subfloor Requirements for Glue-Down LVT / SPC
Glue-down installations offer a strong, permanent bond and are often preferred for commercial settings or areas with heavy footfall. The subfloor preparation is even more critical for this method:
Smooth, Flat & Structurally Solid: The subfloor must be exceptionally smooth and clean, as any imperfections will telegraph through the thin LVT / SPC planks over time. This often necessitates applying a self-levelling compound. The subfloor must be solid and stable. For timber subfloors, a minimum of 6 - 9 mm flooring-grade plywood is typically recommended over existing floorboards
Dryness: Absolutely critical. Moisture will prevent the adhesive from bonding correctly and can lead to bubbling or lifting of the flooring. Comprehensive moisture testing is essential, and a DPM is often a prerequisite for concrete subfloors.
Porosity / Priming: Concrete subfloors may require priming to control porosity and ensure optimal adhesive grab.
Your Style: Layout & Pattern for Your LVT Flooring
Our team will help you choose the layout of the LVT planks, considering factors such as the room's dimensions, natural light sources, and traffic patterns. We aim to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing arrangement, taking care to stagger the joints for a more seamless appearance. Our floor fitters will often dry-fit the planks without adhesive to ensure the pattern looks cohesive and fits the space correctly.
Some patterns we lay with glue-down (dry-back) LVT flooring products…
Floorworks Professional Floor Laying Service: Step-by-Step
At Floorworks, our professional installation process is designed to be efficient, precise, and deliver a flawless finish.
- Initial Consultation & Site Survey:
- On our no-obligation site visit to your property we will assess the existing subfloor condition, including moisture testing and checking for flatness and structural integrity.
- We measure the space accurately and discuss your specific requirements, style preferences, and budget.
- Based on this, we recommend the most suitable LVT or SPC product and installation method - click or glue-down.
- Fee Samples & Expert Advice:
- We guide you through our extensive range of premium LVT and SPC products, showcasing various designs, colours, and patterns that mimic wood, stone, and other natural finishes.
- Our team provides expert advice on product suitability for different areas and usage levels, ensuring you make an informed choice.
- Comprehensive Subfloor Preparation: This is the most critical stage. Our skilled fitters undertake all necessary preparatory work:
- Removal of Existing Flooring: If required, old carpets, laminate, or other floor coverings are carefully removed and disposed of responsibly.
- Cleaning & Repairs: The subfloor is thoroughly cleaned, and any cracks, holes, or imperfections are repaired using suitable patching compounds.
- Levelling & Smoothing: For uneven concrete subfloors, we apply self-levelling compounds to create a perfectly flat and smooth surface. For timber subfloors, we install and secure flooring-grade plywood, ensuring all joints are filled and smoothed.
- Moisture Management: If moisture tests indicate elevated levels, a damp-proof membrane (DPM) is professionally installed to protect the new flooring.
- Precision Installation:
- Click system LVT planks are precisely interlocked, typically starting from the longest wall, leaving appropriate expansion gaps around the perimeter. Glue-down installation go a high-quality vinyl adhesive expertly applied to the prepared subfloor using the correct notched trowel, and planks/tiles are laid into the adhesive, ensuring full contact and a strong bond. A roller is used to ensure maximum adhesion.
- Installation of Flooring Accessories:
- Once all the planks are installed, we must allow the adhesive (if applicable) to cure according to the manufacturer's recommendations. We will install transition strips or moldings around doorways, edges, and transitions to provide a finished look and protect the edges of the flooring.
- Aftercare Advice:
- Our team provides comprehensive advice on how to care for and maintain your new LVT or SPC flooring, ensuring its longevity and continued beauty.
Our LVT flooring installation services comes with our standard Floorworks® Guarantee.
