LDZ Flooring Floor Installation Guidelines

Product Type: Rigid Core SPC (Stone Polymer Composite)
Installation Method: Floating (Click-Lock)
Underlayment: Pre-attached (no additional pad allowed)

  1. Jobsite Conditions & Acclimation
    • Installation area must be enclosed, dry, and climate-controlled.
    • Maintain temperature between 60–80°Fand RH between 35–75% before, during, and after installation.
    • Acclimation is not requiredunless product was stored in temperatures outside 50–100°F within 12 hours of installation.
    • HVAC must be operational at least 48 hours before

Product Inspection & Defect Tolerance

  • All flooring must be thoroughly inspected prior to installation for visual defects, dimensional inconsistencies, color variation, and surface irregularities.
  • Installation of any material constitutes full acceptance of its appearance and quality.
  • LDZ Flooring allows for a maximum defect tolerance of 5% of the total flooring material, per industry standards.
  • Claims for visual or manufacturing defects made after installation will not be accepted.
  1. Subfloor Requirements
  2. Flatness Tolerance
  • Subfloors must be flat within 3/16″ over 10 ftor 1/8″ over 6 ft.
  • High spots must be ground down; low spots filled with Portland-based leveling compound.
  1. Acceptable Substrates
  • APA-grade Plywood, OSB
  • Concrete (on, above, or below grade)
  • Existing tile, vinyl, or resilient flooring (only if fully adhered and grout lines filled)
  • Radiant-heated slabs (surface temp ≤ 85°F)
  1. Moisture Testing (Concrete Only)
  • ASTM F2170 RH:≤ 85%
  • ASTM F1869 MVER:≤ 3 lbs / 1000 sq. ft / 24 hrs
  • pH range:0 to 9.0
  • Mandatory:Install 6 mil poly vapor barrier under all installations over concrete.
  1. Crawlspaces (Raised Foundation)
  • Soil must be 100% covered with 6 mil black polyethylene.
  • Minimum 18″ from soil to joists; vent area = ≥ 1.5% of crawlspace square footage.
  1. Wood Substrates
  • Must be dry, secure, and properly fastened (nail/screw every 6″)
  • Moisture content should not exceed 12%.
  • Do not install directly over wood on concrete or below grade.
  1. Underlayment Policy
  • LDZ Flooring SPC products include a pre-attached pad.
  • Additional underlayment is NOT permitted, except a 6 mil moisture barrier.
  • Over-padding can cause excessive deflection and damage locking system.
  1. Layout & Expansion
  • Leave a 1/4″ expansion gapat all vertical obstructions (walls, pipes, cabinetry).
  • For spans over 40 ft in any direction, use T-moldings.
  • 3/8″ expansionrequired every 20 ft as best practice.
  • Do not restrict movement with baseboards or moldings fastened to flooring.
  1. Installation Procedure
  • Start left to right, tongue edge facing the wall.
  • Stagger end joints at least 6″ (preferably 8″).
  • Use spacers to maintain expansion gap.
  • Use tapping block and rubber mallet to close seams. Do not force planks.
  • Final row must be ≥ 2″ wide. Use pull bar to engage final pieces.

Illustrated Steps:

Steps 1–4:

  1. Begin installation working left to right. Insert spacers at edges.
  2. Lock short ends by angling and dropping into place.
  3. Start second row using an offcut at least 8″ long.
  4. Lock long edge by angling, sliding, and dropping in.

Steps 5–6: 5. Tap long edge with tapping block to secure fit. Avoid gapping. 6. Use a bridge piece to close end gaps.

Steps 7–9 and Door Jamb Install: 7. Tap end joints with tapping block; continue to final row. 8. Use pull bar to close ends of last row. 9. Lock long edges on final row using pull bar. Door Jambs: Undercut casing. Tap long and short ends to lock in place beneath trim.

 

  1. Cabinets & Fixed Fixtures
  • Do not install flooring underfixed islands or cabinets.
  • Floor must be allowed to float freely.
  • Install up to fixed object with appropriate expansion gap and cover with trim.
  1. Radiant Heat Guidelines
  • Approved over hydronic or embedded radiant systems only.
  • Surface temp must not exceed 85°F.
  • Turn system on 2 weeks prior and off 24 hours before/after install.
  • Gradually increase temp post-installation.
  1. Maintenance & Post-Install
  • Floor can be walked on immediately after install.
  • Use pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner
  • No steam mops, wax, oil soaps, or polish.
  • Use felt pads under furniture; protect from sun with blinds or UV film.
  • Place walk-off mats at entries (no rubber-backed mats).
  1. Warranty Limitations
  • Voided if:
  • Installed over carpet, cushioned vinyl, or soft subfloor
  • Improper expansion spacing or installation under fixed cabinets
  • Moisture barrier not used over concrete
  • Additional padding used
    • All planks must be inspected before install. Installation constitutes acceptance.
    • Moisture test documentation must be retained.
  1. Disclaimers
  • “Waterproof” refers to top-down protection only.
  • Product is not a moisture vapor barrier.
  • Manufacturer is not liable for site-related issues including:
  • Hydrostatic pressure
  • Inadequate crawlspace protection
  • UV fading due to lack of window coverings
    • Follow all manufacturer guidelines for full warranty coverage.