Installation, Floor Layout and Design

 

Allied Tile LVT comes in various sizes, such as Square, Plank and Rectangle depending on the series. Please check the specification page for tile sizes. The tile can be installed in multiple layouts. It is a good idea to lay out the tile dry prior to installation to pick the best option.

 

Direction arrows are on the back of each tile and plank and it is recommended that most Allied LVT tiles be installed with arrows pointing in same direction.  Aligning the direction of the arrows according to an installation pattern will generate a consistent floor visual. Mix up tile or planks from the same carton to achieve a diverse color and pattern appearance.

 

Layout Guidelines

• Determine where to begin the plank or tile installation

• Shuffling and working out of multiple boxes is recommended

• Center rooms and hallways so end rows are not less than a half plank or tile

• In small areas or hallways, work the length of the room on one end using centerline as a guide

• Score top side of LVT material with utility knife. To ensure a clean cut, bend the tile and finish the cut on the backside. Irregular cuts may require the use of a heat gun. Let tile return to room temperature before installation

 

 

Square Tile – Tile may be installed corner to corner to form an even layout. Quarter turning the tile is recommended for directional and linear patterns. Directional or linear pattern tiles will not line up from tile to tile.

 

Rectangle Tile – Tile should be installed in an offset pattern. This ashlar effect can be vertical or horizontal. Try to balance the installation by installing the same size finish tile on each side of the room.

 

Planks – As a general rule, planks are normally installed running the long direction of the room. The seams should be staggered in a pyramid or row by row pattern. Herringbone layout is also an option. 

 

Chevron – Tile are normally installed in a horizontal, square pattern. It looks best going in widest area of room. There a right and left angle chevron tile to form the pattern.

 

Tile Installation for Square Layout:

It is recommended to try to end up with at least a half a tile at each wall for best appearance.

 

To square the area, treat the room as a rectangle. Find the center of the two side walls and mark with chalk line. Find the center of the chalk line using a T-square to line up. Strike a second chalk line

at right angles to the first one from front to back of wall. The room is now divided equally in four sections.

 

Start where the chalk lines intersect in the center of the room, divide the distance by length and width of tour tile or plank. This will determine the size of the last tile. If it is less than half a tile in either direction, move starting point half a tile size and strike a new chalk line.

 

 

Install a row of tile along the chalk line. Please make sure each tile or plank is flush against the chalk line and tight against the adjacent tile or plank. Once the tile is seated into the adhesive, check the edges and make sure tile location is correct. We recommend rolling the tile or plank with hand roller to make sure row is set and now you can continue of this row.

 

When installing tile and plank in an ashlar layout, install the next row in a pyramid or row by row layout. It is best in pyramid layout to install one or two rows ahead of last completed row and never beyond the width of previous row. Using the row by row layout, complete one row at a time and cut tile along the wall before installing the next row.

 

Spread the adhesive over one half the area and start laying tile from the right angle formed in center of the room by center lines. Make sure chalk line is visible. Lay tile towards the two corners of the room. Place tile into adhesive without sliding them into place. The last row of tile or plank will need to be cut tight to fit the walls. Never place a cut edge against uncut edge of another tile.

 

 

Tile Installation for Diagonal Layout:

Extra care, guidelines and measurements are needed for diagonal layouts.

 

Square off the room as same way you would for square layout. Start a center point and use any radius, measure and mark points at same distance on each centerline. Strike a chalk line to connect the four new points.

 

Mark the center of the new guidelines and strike chalk line to its opposite midpoint. These lines should, intersect the original center point for the measurement to be correct.

 

Using another line to the other midpoints, connect the lines ensuring that it goes through center point. Make sure lines are perpendicular.

 

 

Feature Strips & Border Strips

Feature strips are available in  1/4”, 1/2” and 1” widths and 36” lengths. The use of a feature strips gives the appearance of grout. Please refer to Feature Strip section in sample book or online for color selection.

 

Border Strips are available in 2”, 3”, 4” and 6” widths and 36” lengths. Please refer to Feature Strip section in sample book or online for color selection.

 

Additional sizes are available on request. Please contact your sales rep or office for details.

 

 

Post Installation Notes

Roll the entire floor with a 100 pound roller.

 

Promptly remove any excess adhesive. Remove wet adhesive immediately with damp cloth. Remove dry adhesive with denatured alcohol mineral spirits. It is important when cleaning the tile surface not to pour solvent directly on tile. This may damage the gloss level or texture. Apply the solvents with clean white or light color cloth and rub gently in a circular motion the dried adhesive from the surface of the tile.

 

Restrict light traffic and rolling loads for at least 24 hours.

 

Do not wash or apply any finish or sealer to the floor for a minimum of 48 hours after installation.