Install Guidelines

Installation Guide

Jobsite Conditions

It is the responsibility of the owner/installer to ensure that all jobsite conditions meet the following requirements for a successful and proper installation.

Qualified Installers Requirements

• It is recommended to hire a professional who is certified or licensed in the relevant installation trades according to state regulations for resilient installations.
• DIY enthusiasts, handyman services, and other licensed or certified installers must follow all Choice Flooring installation recommendations and warranties to maintain warranty coverage.

Preparation

Material Handling and Site Conditions

1. Storage of Materials:
• Store cartons of planks or tiles with no more than 5 cartons stacked on top of each other.
• Inspect cartons upon delivery. Avoid delivery methods that use overly tight metal bands or improper handling that can damage boxes, such as stacking cartons vertically or more than 5 high, as this may cause bending during storage or transportation.
2. Acclimation:
• Acclimate materials in a climate-controlled location with constant ambient temperatures of approximately 65°F (18°C) for 48 hours before, during, and after installation.
• Store cartons flat and protect them from direct sunlight during acclimation and installation.
• Cross-stacking and mixing planks from at least 3 cartons is recommended for a uniform installation.
• For extreme heat, use temporary floor protection, such as Ram Board, prior to full or partial occupancy. Ensure all construction-related work (e.g., painting, drywall, plumbing) is completed before installation.
3. Climate-Controlled Installation:
• Maintain ambient temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (20°C - 29°C) during installation and throughout the life of the flooring.
• Use appropriate climate-controlled conditions, avoiding the use of temporary heating or cooling methods like torpedo heaters or fans.
4. Unconditioned Spaces:
• Do not install materials in unconditioned spaces. These are areas within the building shell that are not heated, cooled, humidified, or dehumidified. The Choice Flooring warranty does not cover installations in unconditioned spaces.
5. Avoid Improper Acclimation:
• Improper acclimation can lead to issues such as gapping, buckling, or difficulty engaging joints properly. Ensure proper locking of the locking mechanism to avoid end joints becoming distressed, cracks, delamination, separation of end joints, cupping, curling, or side joint failures.
6. Special Rooms:
• Ensure that three-season rooms, bonus rooms, she sheds, man caves, and below-grade installations meet all above conditions.

Definitions

• Conditioned Space: An enclosed area within a building where thermal conditions are controlled within defined limits using natural, electrical, or mechanical means. This space is intentionally heated, cooled, humidified, or dehumidified for occupant comfort or to preserve temperature and humidity-sensitive goods.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a successful and durable installation of your Choice Flooring, flooring.

Installation Guidelines

1. Floating Flooring: Do not glue down any floating-installed flooring.
2. Subfloor Condition: Ensure the subfloor is structurally sound, dry, smooth, clean, and free of debris, including staples, nails, screws, wax, grease, paint, sealers, curing compounds, and old adhesives. Note that black cut-back glues may contain asbestos/silica dust; see the floor preparation and limitations for details.
3. Subfloor Flatness: All subfloors, including concrete substrates, must be flat within 3/16” over 10’ or 1/8” over 6’. High spots should be mechanically ground down to meet these requirements. Low spots should be filled using gypsum-based patching or leveling compounds containing Portland or high alumina cement, with a compressive strength of at least 3,000 psi. Compounds with an overall rating of at least 3,500 psi are recommended. Improper subfloor preparation may cause telegraphing through the planks and result in visual imperfections or potential failure, which are not covered by warranty.
4. Plywood Subfloors:
• Must be structurally sound, flat, and level, installed per manufacturer’s recommendations, and comply with local building codes and IBC guidelines.
• Acceptable types include:
• 3/4” (minimum 23/32” thickness) APA Plywood with smooth and sanded joints, free from hollow core or defects.
• 3/4” (minimum 23/32” thickness) Oriented Strand Board (OSB), properly spaced, free from moisture swell, with all high spots sanded.
• Advantech Plywood, Multiply.
• Panels should be stored in a clean, flat area and protected during construction or remodeling. Any swell or damage must be corrected before Choice Flooring, flooring installation.
• Correct core gaps, delamination, gap splits, low core density, improper fastener issues, and under-treatment of adhesive resin before installation. Spongy subfloors may stress flooring joints.
• Ensure all substrates are structurally sound and free from movement and deflection.
• Panels with inadequate spacing, distortion, warping, cupping, improper nails/staples, and thickness variations are unacceptable.
• Recess screws and nails below the subfloor surface and remove excess adhesive by scraping or sanding flat.
• Sweep away construction debris and grit before exposing the finished floor to avoid scratches.
5. Non-Acceptable Wood Subfloors:
• Particle board, Luan, or any unstable subfloor types.
• Advantech Flooring, though water-resistant, may require a vapor barrier in water-prone areas (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms) to maintain warranty. Use flexible silicone around all perimeter and frequent water-prone areas.

Concrete Subfloor Requirements

1. Vapor Barrier:
• Install a minimum 6 mil black vapor barrier, overlapping 6" and extending 6" up the stem walls. Ensure the barrier is properly sealed or taped with no exposure to the earth or grade.
2. Concrete Curing:
• Concrete must be fully cured for at least 60-90 days before installing Choice Flooring, Flooring.
3. Concrete Mix and Standards:
• Concrete slab construction should follow industry standards for mix design as per ICRI and IBC, with local building codes taking precedence.
• On-grade, suspended (pan), and below-grade slabs must have a suitable vapor retarder directly underneath the concrete slab, with proper ventilation.
4. Testing Requirements:
• Conduct testing according to ASTM F-710, ASTM F-2170, and ASTM F-1869, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Perform tests for relative humidity, moisture, and pH. Ensure relative humidity does not exceed 85% (RH); moisture (Calcium Chloride Test) does not exceed 8 lbs per 1,000 square feet in 24 hours (MVER); and pH levels are between 7 and 9.
• Testing should commence after 60-90 days of concrete curing.
5. Substrate Flatness:
• Substrates must be flat within 3/16” over 10’ or 1/8” over 6’.
• High spots should be mechanically ground down to meet these requirements. Low spots should be filled with gypsum-based patching and/or leveling compounds containing Portland or high alumina cement, meeting or exceeding a compressive strength of 3,000 psi, with 3,500 psi recommended.
6. Concrete Preparation:
• New concrete must be properly cured and dried before floor covering installation. Remove curing agents, surface hardeners, and other membranes or compounds immediately after the initial cure to allow proper drying.
• Allow approximately 30 days of drying time per 1” of slab thickness, with adequate ventilation.
• Mechanically grind uneven areas to achieve smoothness.
• Level cracks, depressions, and other irregularities with a suitable Portland cement-based patching compound.
7. Joints and Expansion Gaps:
• Do not fill or cover expansion joints, isolation joints, control joints, or other moving joints in the concrete slab with patching compounds. Ensure proper ventilation space around the perimeter for moisture and vapor escape.
• Prime and fill joints with flexible silicone or sealant up to level to ensure flat and level conditions. Control joints should be completed by a licensed professional.
8. Moisture Mitigation:
• Moisture mitigation systems are not a guaranteed solution for MVER. Always conduct testing as per ASTM F-710, ASTM F-2170, and ASTM F-1869. Groundwater, hydrostatic pressure, and capillary action may still occur.
9. Concrete Surface Suitability:
• Dusty, soft, and overly porous concrete surfaces are not suitable for resilient floor coverings.
10. Slab Marking:
• Mark your slab for post-tension cables, heated water pipes, and any electrical or low voltage systems before any drilling.

Warnings and Substrate Preparations

Do Not:

• Sand, dry sweep, bead blast, shot blast, or use any other mechanical means to pulverize existing tile flooring, backing, lining felt, asphaltic "cutback," or any other adhesives. These products may contain asbestos fibers and/or crystalline silica, which pose a cancer and respiratory hazard if inhaled. Proper testing of the VCT flooring and cutback adhesive is required to check for asbestos materials.

Non-Approved Substrates:

• Asphalt tiles
• Any floating flooring
• Rubber or cork
• Resilient flooring with cushion backing
• Directly on concrete substrates (slab)
• Pine, softwoods, and moisture-susceptible woods (e.g., Luan, particle board)
• Sleeper floor systems
• Masonite or similar hardboard underlayment
• Pressure-treated lumber (CDX)
• Hardwood flooring, including bamboo
• Surfaces with paint, wax, oil, grease, residual adhesive, mold, mildew, or other foreign materials that might prevent the natural movement of floating planks and tiles
• Uneven, undulated, or unstable substrates with moisture
• Red sweeping compounds (only use green)

Approved Ceramic Substrates:

• Must meet all the above requirements, regardless of substrate.
• Grout joints must be prepped and filled with appropriate cementitious patching and leveling compounds with a minimum rating of 3,500 psi, ensuring the surface is level and flat.

INSTALLATION:

• The length room size to 30’ linear feet with 5/16” expansion spacing around the perimeter. (Exceeds 30’ linear feet increase to 3⁄8” expansion space, and add a transition)
• The width room size is 26’ linear feet with 3⁄8” expansion spacing around the perimeter. (Exceed 26’ linear feet increase to 5/16” expansion spacing, and add a transition)
• Pipes may be cut large enough to except the angle of the planks in order
  To achieve proper expansion and to be covered with no spaces 5/16” diameter may be required than the pipe in order to achieve proper installation
• Water Prone areas should be treated with a PE foam backer rod and a combination of a flexible waterproof silicone caulk (Not a Hard Acrylic caulk)
• Transitions should be treated with same PE foam backer rod and flexible
  waterproof flexible caulk (Not a Hard Acrylic caulk) with the transition having free and unencumbered movement. Locations recommended Include all wet prone areas.
• Transitions are also required per Choice Flooring products Installation area should not be more than 900 square feet (83.5 square meters) or have runs longer than 33 feet in length without the use of suitable expansion moldings, transitions.
• Door Casing, Cased openings, Door Jams, Base, Shoe Molding, Quarter Round etc.
  1. Choice Flooring Floors should always be installed under the above areas.
  2. Use a scrap/cut off piece place a mark/cut line that is 3⁄8” higher. 3. Take an undercut saw, or similar tool to make an even cut.
  4. Wall Base, Quarter Round, Shoe molding or any custom base, you must allow 2/64” vertical clearance (0.03125) for proper expansion and contractions.
  5. Always install base, shoe molding nailed/glue to the wall at a proper angle and not into or on top of the flooring.
  6. Wall irregularities should be scribe to accept the proper expansion space.
• Installation of all cabinets shall be installed prior to installation of Choice Flooring, flooring.
• Appliances must be moved with extreme caution using proper multiple layers of Ram Board, then a
  minimum of 1⁄2” plywood, using complete due diligence on scrap pieces to make sure no indentations, roller marks transfer through. Do not install appliances with any food in the refrigerator or freezer. This includes any third-party servicing, delivery, and installation company responsibility.
• Recommendation for moving unloaded appliances would be Crain Air Lifter system speeds up appliance removal and installation, saving time and reducing risks of damaging new floors.
  RADIANT HEATING: Radiant heated subfloors may include concrete, wood, or both.
• The Radiant Heat System must be fully operational 4 weeks prior installation.

• Upon delivery for acclimation, you must turn down the heat system a minimum Of 4 days prior to a consistent temperature of 65 Degrees (18 C)
• Heat system must be placed in the 7/16” (11.3mm) below concrete.
• After 100% completion of the installation the temperatures may increase
  at a rate of 5 degrees per 2 hours and not exceed a temperature of 80 degrees.
  (26.6 C)
• In-floor sensors are required with a proper thermostat.
• System Suppliers installation and care installation guidelines will prevail.
• Do Not exceed 85 Degrees (29.44 C) at any time.
• TOOLS & SUPPLIES:
• Utility Knife, Pull Bar, Spacers, Pencil, Tape Measure, Ruler, Large Combination Square, White Rubber Mallet, Goggles, Hand saw fine tooth
• Advance tools optional but recommended
  Combination Saw, Table Saw, Roto Zip with Carbide tip flat blade, Jig Saw, Hepa Vacuum, Circular Saw, Undercut Saw, D-Cut LP-330 LVT/VCT/WPC Flooring Cutter
  IMPROPER TOOLS:
• Do not use Metal framing hammer.
• Do not use similar tapping blocks used for laminate, hardwood installations,
  This will damage the locking mechanism.
• Do not use hand rolling rubber, metal seam rollers similar to carpet glue down
  Applications or resilient installation methods.
  PROPER TAPING BLOCK & METHODS:
• Use a scrap piece of Choice Flooring flooring that has the proper locking mechanism, the cut off end will be your contact (Tapping) with a hammer
  at end and place firm even pressure on the installed plank
  gently tap the scrap piece (cut off end) to lock the floor in. (Required to do this method prior to the actual installation to get the proper technique and angles on 2 scrap pieces to engage the floor properly)
• After locking in the next plank use slight pressure to engage the locking mechanism, do not hit directly on the top of the locking mechanism This improper installation technique will damage your plank, and produce
  a damage plank that will require replacement.
• Do not use the rubber mallet, dead blow hammer directly on the top Of the locking mechanism, (Hair Drier) may assist if required. Tapping gently will engage your floor properly.
• Be aware to always clean out each piece of flooring and keep dust and debris out of both locking mechanisms by use of a hepa vacuum with a soft Brush for each row installed, clean your floor with a fine broom
  For each row and keep all construction related work away from the installation
• Keeping your jobsite clean and in an organized manner will assist in the installation. Please also keep other trades off the floor until proper protection has been in place To then accept normal traffic.
• Inspection each plank prior to installation, Cover with Ram Board, and tape Ram Board only or to the wall.
• Never use any tapes, or adhesives similar to: Scotch tape, Duct tape, or Painters tape.

INSTALLATION STEPS:

1. Start in a corner by placing the first plank with the tongue side facing the wall. Use spacers along each wall to maintain an expansion of space of 5/16” to 3⁄8” in between the wall and the flooring.
2. To attach the second plank, insert the end tongue into the end groove of the very first plank. When lowered, the plank will click into place. Line up the edges carefully. The planks should be flat to the floor. Then, using a rubber mallet, hammer the plank into place with enough force for the plank to flatten out and lock into place.
3. Continue connecting the first row until you reach the last full plank. Fit the last plank by
   Shield is a clear, self-adhering protective film used for rotating the plank 180° with the pattern side upwards, placed beside the row. Measure and mark, then using a ruler and utility knife, score the plank and snap off. Attach as described above.
4. Begin the next row with the off-cut piece from the previous row to stagger the pattern. Pieces should be a minimum of 8 inches long and joint offset should be at least 16 inches. Note: it is faster to assemble planks into a new row at the ends and then attach the entire row to the previous row on the long sides.
5. To start your second row, lay your first plank on the sub-floor. Take your second plank, insert the end tongue into the end groove of the first plank. When lowered, the plank will click into place by applying force using a rubber mallet. The plank should be flat to the floor. Make sure gaps are as small as possible. Continue assembling the planks this way until you have your second row complete. To attach the second row to the first row, tilt and push the side tongue into the side groove of the first panel. Lower and click into place lining the edge up carefully. Continue laying remaining planks in this manner.
6. To fit the last row, lay a plank on top of the previous row. With the tongue to the wall, lay another plank upside down on the one to be measured and use it as a ruler. Don’t forget to allow room for spacers. Cut the plank and attach into position.
7. 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.
8. May use a scrap/cut off piece place a mark/cut line that is 1⁄8” to 3⁄8” higher. Take an undercut saw, or similar tool to make an even/level cut. Wall Base, Quarter Round, Shoe molding or any custom base, you must allow 2/64” vertical clearance (0.03125) for proper expansion and contractions.
9. End Joints stagger is required to be a minimum of 10”. H patterns, stair steps are not

recommended and will cause poor visual effects and other installation related issues. Always complete a dry layout in order to not have small pieces.
Always start on the straight outside end room of the wall and work left to right,

away from your floor.
Use the boxes to cover and protect locking mechanism if installation is not completed for additional protection.

Choice Flooring Luxury Vinyl Maintenance Program

Choice Luxury Vinyl Tile requires minimal routine maintenance to retain its original appearance and performance characteristics for many years.

General Care & Preventative Maintenance

1. Dry Cleaning: Use a dry sweeping pad or microfiber pad to remove loose debris and dust. Replace the pad when it becomes full and continue until the floor is clean.
2. Wet Cleaning: Use a wet jet system or Bona moisten cleaner pad (do not spray directly on the floor) with pH 7 neutral cleaners to clean the surface. Ensure no excess cleaner sits on the floor for extended periods.
3. Excess Cleaner: Do not allow any excess cleaners to remain on the floor for an extended time.
4. Improper Floor Protection: Nylon or hard plastic glides or casters are inadequate and increase the risk of damage around tables and chairs.
5. Proper Floor Protection: Install permanent soft felt protectors on all movable furniture legs and chair corners to reduce indentation, wear, and scratching. Avoid using nylon, hard plastic, or metal/felt combination glides.
6. Office Chairs: Use a resilient flooring chair mat with a smooth backing under rolling chairs in desk areas to protect the floor.
7. Improper Protection: Plastic or metal rolling casters without proper protection can damage the flooring surface.
8. Sunlight Exposure: Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause fading, curling, discoloration, or thermal expansion. Use window treatments and blinds with high U-factor windows to mitigate these effects.
9. Hot Surfaces: Keep stoves, heaters, and any fire/flame away from the flooring to prevent discoloration or permanent damage.
10. Asphalt Tracking: Use walk-off mats in areas with light to heavy traffic to prevent asphalt tracking.
11. Extreme Point Loads and Rolling/Dynamic Loads: Avoid improper furniture moving, heavy wheelchairs pivoting, rolling lifts, equipment placement, ladders, high heels, or any concentrated loads that could cause indentations beyond normal use.
12. Trade Work: Ensure all related work is substantially completed before the flooring installation.

Floor Protection

• Improper Floor Protection: Nylon or hard plastic glides or casters increase the risk of damage around tables and chairs.
• Proper Floor Protection: Install permanent floor protectors on all contact points of movable furniture to reduce indentation, wear, and scratching.
• Office Chairs: Use a resilient flooring chair pad with a smooth bottom under rolling chairs to protect the floor.

Initial Cleaning of Newly Installed Floors

• Broom Sweep: Remove debris and grit that could scratch the surface before exposing the flooring to traffic.
• Dry Cleaning: Use a dry pad to remove loose debris and dust. Replace the pad when full and continue until clean.
• Wet Cleaning: Use a Bona moisten cleaner pad (do not spray directly on the floor) to properly clean the surface.

Cleaning Guidelines

• Cleaning Products: Use only pH balanced neutral cleaners (pH 7). Using non-neutral cleaners will damage the finish and void the warranty.
• Warning:
1. Do not use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar, machine scrubber, or floor buffer.
2. Do not use steel pads, Scotchbrite pads, SOS pads, or similar abrasive pads.
3. Never drag heavy items (furniture, sofas, etc.) across the finished floor without proper protection.