How to Lay Herringbone LVT Flooring: A Step-by-Step Guide

Laying herringbone LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) flooring can add a touch of elegance and style to any room. This guide will walk you through the process of installing herringbone LVT flooring, ensuring that you achieve a professional and enduring finish.

Pre-Installation Essentials:

1. Acclimatisation: Ensure your flooring material acclimatises for at least 24 to 48 hours in the installation area.
2. Room Size Consideration: In expansive spaces, divide the installation into smaller sections, incorporating expansion gaps.
3. Spacing: Maintain a gap of roughly 5 mm between the flooring and fixed objects like walls and kitchen islands.
4. Furniture Placement: Avoid placing extremely heavy furniture directly on the flooring.
5. Climate Control: Keep the room temperature between 15-23°C and humidity levels between 30-60%.
6. Subfloor Preparation: Adhere to the flooring manufacturer’s recommendations regarding subfloor readiness.

Installation Steps:

Step 1: Construct Initial Triangles

• Start by positioning ‘B’ and ‘A’ strips as illustrated in the guide, the quantity of which depends on their width.
• Install these strips in the sequence provided, ensuring seamless joints without any protruding edges.
• Trim the constructed triangle along the designated line, potentially disassembling it first for easier cutting. Remember to keep the offcuts for the final row.

Step 2: Room Measurement

• Identify your starting wall and mark the room’s centre.
• Calculate the number of starting triangles needed by measuring the distance between the straight lines from the strips’ corners, halving this distance (X), and applying the provided formula.

Step 3: Draw the Installation Line

• From the room’s centre, draw a parallel line offset by the ‘X’ measurement. This serves as your installation guide.

Step 4: Beginning the Installation

• Place the triangles against the starting wall, aligning the centre triangle with the installation line. Ensure an underlay is in place and the line is visible.
• Use expansion wedges to maintain the necessary expansion gap.

Step 5: Completing the Start Row

• Trim and fit the remaining triangles (C-D and E-F) into place. If you have an uneven number of triangles, set the outer two aside.

Continuing the Pattern:

• Lock the boards together, employing a rubber mallet and the 5Gi locking system. Ensure all connections are tight and the installation remains straight, checking approximately every fifth row.

Final Row Installation:

• Continue the alternating pattern of A and B strips, ensuring the expansion wedges are in place and the installation remains aligned.
• Use the offcuts from the initial triangles to fill in the gaps near the finishing wall, trimming as necessary.

Special Considerations:

• Around Radiators/Pipes: Drill holes twice the diameter of the pipes, cut the strip for a snug fit, and use adhesive to secure the pieces.
• When Angling Isn’t Possible: Modify the locking element as shown and glue the pieces together, using wedges for support.

By following these detailed steps, you’ll ensure your herringbone LVT flooring is installed to perfection, providing a lasting and stylish addition to your space. This guide is also available to download here.

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FAQ

How long should LVT flooring acclimatise before installation?

It’s crucial to allow your Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring to adjust to the room’s environment for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours before beginning the installation process. This step ensures the material stabilises, reducing potential issues post-installation.

Can LVT flooring be installed in large rooms without any special considerations?

In larger spaces, it’s advisable to segment the installation into smaller sections, integrating expansion joints to accommodate natural expansion and contraction. This method helps maintain the flooring’s durability and appearance over time.

Is there a recommended gap between LVT flooring and stationary objects?

To ensure proper installation and allow for slight movements, maintain a gap of about 5 mm between the LVT flooring and immovable objects, such as walls and kitchen islands. This spacing is essential for a well-finished look.

How should heavy furniture be placed on LVT flooring?

Heavy pieces of furniture, particularly those like kitchen islands or large cabinets, should not be placed directly on LVT flooring. This precaution helps prevent undue stress and potential damage to the flooring.

What is the importance of the ‘X’ measurement in the installation process?

The ‘X’ measurement, obtained by measuring the distance between straight lines from the corners of the initial triangles and halving it, is critical for drawing the installation line. This line serves as a guide to ensure the herringbone pattern aligns correctly throughout the installation process.