How to Install LVT and SPC Flooring – Step-by-Step Guide for DIY & Pros

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) flooring are two of the most popular choices for modern homes, thanks to their durability, water resistance, and realistic design finishes. But to get the most from your new flooring, proper installation is key. Whether you’re tackling the project yourself or working with a professional, knowing the correct process helps ensure a flawless result.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each stage of LVT and SPC flooring installation—from prepping your subfloor to fitting the final plank. You’ll learn about the different installation methods, what tools to use, and which mistakes to avoid for a long-lasting finish. Let’s get started.

Preparation Steps

Before you lay a single plank, careful preparation will ensure your LVT or SPC flooring installs smoothly and performs reliably for years to come. Here's what you need to do first:

Gather Tools & Materials: Make sure you have a tape measure, utility knife or vinyl cutter, spacers, straight edge, spirit level, underlay (if required), and the correct adhesive if you plan a glue-down installation.

Acclimate the Flooring: Let the LVT or SPC planks sit in the room where they’ll be installed for 24–48 hours. This allows the material to adjust to room temperature and humidity, reducing the risk of expansion or contraction after installation.

Prepare the Subfloor: Ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, flat, and stable. Remove dust, debris, and old adhesive. Fill in any holes or cracks. SPC flooring is more forgiving of slight imperfections, while LVT may require a more even base.

Installation Methods

Both LVT and SPC flooring come with multiple installation options, making them suitable for a range of projects and subfloor conditions. The method you choose depends on the product type, room conditions, and your level of experience.

Floating Click System: This is the most popular method for SPC flooring and many LVT products. The planks simply click together without glue or nails, creating a “floating” floor that rests on top of the subfloor. It’s fast, mess-free, and ideal for DIYers.

Glue-Down Installation: More common with flexible LVT, this method uses adhesive to secure each plank or tile directly to the subfloor. It provides excellent stability and is ideal for larger rooms or commercial settings, but it requires more preparation and time.

Loose Lay Installation: Some LVT options allow for loose laying, where the planks are heavy and textured enough to stay in place without adhesive. This is often reserved for small rooms or temporary flooring solutions.

If you're unsure which method is right for your project, check the manufacturer's installation guidelines or explore our comparison guide: LVT vs Laminate – Which Should You Choose?

Installing LVT Flooring

Once your surface is prepped and you’ve chosen your installation method, it's time to begin. Installing LVT flooring is straightforward when you follow these key steps:

Plan Your Layout: Measure the room and plan your plank layout to avoid narrow pieces at the edges. Begin laying planks from the left corner of the room, working your way out.

Cutting the Planks: LVT is relatively easy to cut using a utility knife and a straight edge. Score the plank and snap it along the line. For curved edges or around door frames, use a jigsaw or vinyl cutter.

Click or Glue: If you’re using a click system, simply angle the planks and lock them together. For glue-down, apply the adhesive evenly with a trowel and press each plank firmly into place, using spacers to maintain expansion gaps at the edges.

Finish the Edges: Install edge trims or skirting boards to cover expansion gaps and give your flooring a clean, professional finish.

Installing SPC Flooring

SPC flooring follows a similar process to click LVT but requires a bit more care due to its rigid core. Here’s how to ensure a perfect fit:

Use the Right Underlay: While many SPC products come with a built-in underlay, some installations may still benefit from an additional acoustic or moisture barrier layer—especially over concrete or uneven subfloors.

Stagger the Planks: Always stagger the rows to avoid creating a repetitive pattern and to enhance the structural integrity of the floor. A common rule is a minimum 30 cm offset between end joints.

Click System Assembly: Start from the left corner of the room and work right. Insert the tongue of one plank into the groove of the previous one at an angle, then press down to lock. Ensure tight seams by tapping lightly with a rubber mallet and a tapping block.

Edge Finishing: Leave a 5–10 mm expansion gap around walls and fixed objects. Once the installation is complete, cover the perimeter with skirting boards or quadrant trims for a neat look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though LVT and SPC flooring are user-friendly, skipping essential steps can lead to long-term issues. Here are the most common pitfalls—and how to avoid them:

Poor Subfloor Preparation: Laying flooring over an uneven or dirty subfloor can result in visible bumps, shifting planks, or a failed locking system. Always ensure your subfloor is clean, level, and dry before beginning.

Skipping Acclimation: Vinyl-based products expand and contract with temperature and humidity. If you skip acclimating your planks for 24–48 hours, they may buckle or create gaps after installation.

Wrong Expansion Gaps: Not allowing proper spacing around the perimeter can result in pressure buildup and buckling. Always leave an expansion gap of 5–10 mm, and never glue click-lock flooring to the subfloor.

Improper Alignment: If rows aren't kept straight from the start, it becomes harder to click new planks into place. Use a chalk line or straight edge to maintain alignment across the room.

Aftercare & Maintenance

Once your LVT or SPC floor is installed, a little care goes a long way toward preserving its appearance and durability. Here are some essential tips for post-installation and beyond:

Wait Before Walking: For glue-down installations, avoid foot traffic for 24 hours to allow the adhesive to cure. For click systems, you can usually walk on the floor immediately.

Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit that can scratch the wear layer. Use a damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for vinyl floors. Avoid steam cleaners or harsh chemicals.

Protect the Surface: Use felt pads under furniture legs, rugs at entryways, and lift (don’t drag) heavy items to avoid dents or scratches. Although SPC and LVT are tough, protecting high-traffic areas helps preserve their finish.

For more detailed advice on maintaining your new floor, see our guide on How to Clean and Maintain Vinyl Floors.

Need More Help?

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional installer, understanding the correct techniques for laying LVT and SPC flooring can make all the difference. If you're still unsure which type suits your needs, explore our full LVT & SPC Flooring Collection for a wide range of designs and specifications.

For room-specific tips, our Best Rooms for LVT and SPC Flooring guide breaks down the top options by space and use. You can also visit the Room-by-Room Flooring Guide to see how vinyl compares to other materials in different environments.