How to Install SPC Click Flooring: Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the Room and Subfloor

Remove furniture and obstructions. The subfloor should be clean, dry, level, solid, structurally sound and free from loose debris — sweep and vacuum thoroughly, as grit underneath can interfere with click joints. Because our SPC flooring already includes a 1.5mm integrated IXPE underlay, don't add an additional layer beneath it; too much cushioning can allow excessive movement and strain the locking joints.

Check and Inspect the Flooring

Store the flooring flat and follow the guidance on storage and acclimatisation. Open several packs and inspect planks in good lighting for damaged corners, damaged click profiles or surface defects — don't install visibly damaged planks. Mix planks from several packs as you work to distribute natural pattern variation.

Plan the Flooring Layout

Measure the room before installing the first row. If the final row will be extremely narrow, reduce the width of the first row so the first and last rows are more balanced. Decide which direction the planks will run — along the longest wall, towards the main light source, or matching adjoining rooms — to help avoid very small pieces around doors and high-visibility areas.

Leave the Correct Expansion Gap

SPC click flooring is a floating floor and shouldn't be tightly trapped between walls, units, pipework or other fixed objects. Use spacers around the perimeter, walls, door frames, pipes and thresholds to maintain the expansion gap specified in the installation instructions — normally covered later by skirting, scotia or trim.

Install the First Row

Begin in a corner and position the first plank according to the direction required by the Unilin click system, using spacers to maintain the expansion gap. Take particular care here — if the first row isn't straight, the error becomes more noticeable as further rows go down. Mark and cut the first row to follow an uneven starting wall if needed.

Cut the SPC Flooring

For straight cuts, measure, mark with a square, and score firmly with a sharp knife before snapping. For door frames, pipes, corners or irregular shapes, a jigsaw or multi-tool may be easier. Click profiles are directional, so always check which end you need before cutting — measure twice.

Stagger the Plank Joints

Stagger short-end joints between rows rather than lining them up — you can often start the next row with the offcut from the previous one, provided it meets the minimum joint stagger required. A staggered layout creates a more natural appearance and avoids obvious repeating lines.

Lock Each Row Together

Engage each plank carefully at the required angle so joints close securely without excessive force. Check planks are sitting flat, edges are correctly engaged and no debris is trapped in the joint. If a plank won't connect properly, remove and inspect the locking profile rather than forcing it — excessive force can damage the click system.

Fit Around Door Frames and Obstacles

Take extra time with doorways, as they're one of the most visible parts of the installation. Timber door frames and architraves can often be undercut so the flooring slides neatly underneath — but the floating floor still needs movement space, even when the gap is hidden. Mark pipe positions carefully and cover any gaps with pipe collars or trims.

Fit Flooring at Thresholds

Where SPC flooring meets carpet, tiles or another flooring type, use a suitable threshold or transition profile to protect the edges, cover expansion gaps and allow adjoining floors to move correctly. Plan thresholds before reaching the doorway to avoid awkward cuts.

Install the Final Row

Measure the gap to the wall at several points, since walls are rarely perfectly straight. Mark and cut the final planks allowing for the expansion gap — a pull bar can help engage the last row where there's limited space. Once secure, remove the perimeter spacers.

Install Skirting and Finishing Trims

Cover the perimeter expansion gap with skirting, scotia or edge trims — fixed to the wall or skirting rather than through the floating floor, so it can still move as intended. Vacuum and wipe away dust, then use protective pads under furniture legs when moving items back in.