Site preparation and subfloor
Remove all furniture and thoroughly brush and vacuum the subfloor. The surface must be clean, dry and level before fitting.
Check for uneven areas. Any irregularities greater than 2 mm over a 1 metre span should be levelled with a suitable floor levelling compound.
If fitting over new concrete, ensure it is fully dry. Drying can take two to four months depending on depth and conditions.
Most SPC herringbone products include an integrated underlay so no separate underlay is required. If your product does not have an attached underlay, use only a thin non cushioned underlay that is approved for SPC flooring.

Expansion gaps
Leave a consistent expansion gap of 5 to 7 mm around all walls, pillars, door frames and fixed furniture such as kitchen islands.
When drilling around pipes, leave a 5 to 7 mm gap around the pipe.
Do not fix heavy objects directly to the floating floor, as this can restrict natural expansion and contraction.

Tools and materials
Tape measure
Chalk line or laser line
Tri square
Spirit level
Pencil
Fine tooth saw or jigsaw
Stanley knife
5 to 7 mm spacers
Rubber mallet
Pull bar and tapping block
SPC herringbone planks marked A and B or left and right
Offcut board for marking scribe lines

Setting out for herringbone

1. Find and mark the room centre line with a chalk line. Check the line is square to the main walls.

2. Dry lay several pairs of A and B planks along the centre line to confirm the angle and confirm the pattern looks even at both sides of the room.

3. Create a straight starter spine using a temporary straightedge or by assembling a straight row of paired A and B planks along the centre line. This keeps the pattern square and prevents creeping.

4. Check doorways and thresholds. Decide whether you will run the spine through the doorway or finish with a border trim.

    

Installation guidelines

1. Begin at the centre line on your straight starter spine. Click one A plank to one B plank to form the first V. Keep the V centred on the line.

2. Add the next pair, alternating A and B planks so the tongues and grooves lock correctly. Maintain tight joints with a tapping block and a light mallet.

3. Work outwards from the centre spine toward each wall, keeping the pattern aligned and square. Check alignment every few rows with a square.

4. When you reach the end of a row, measure and cut the last plank to fit, remembering to maintain the expansion gap. Use an offcut to mark accurate scribe lines for irregular walls.

5. Continue building the pattern row by row, alternating A and B planks. Keep the points of the herringbone sharp and the joints fully engaged.

6. At walls and door frames, undercut trims where possible for a neat finish. Otherwise, leave the expansion gap and cover later with skirting or profiles.

7. For the final rows, measure and rip cut planks as needed to follow the wall while maintaining the expansion gap.

8. Remove spacers and install skirting boards or scotia to cover the expansion gaps. Do not fix trims through the flooring.

After installation
The floor can be walked on immediately after installation.
Maintain room temperature between 18 C and 27 C for best performance.
If using underfloor heating, increase the temperature gradually at the start of the heating season and do not exceed a surface temperature of 27 C.
Place felt pads under furniture and use entrance mats to reduce grit and scratching.

Always follow the manufacturer instructions specific to your SPC herringbone product. Some systems require a different starting method or a different click angle for A and B planks.

Contact us

• Call us on(01) 840 4458
• Email us athello@woodfloorstore.ie
• Drop into our showroom, located at Old Airport Road, Santry, Dublin. K67 H0X9