Cali Floors Longboard LVP Installation Guide

Note: Flooring not used for its intended purpose will not be covered under warranty.

Whether you’re a pro or DIY homeowner, installing vinyl plank flooring couldn’t be easier. No power saws needed; CALI Vinyl flooring scores and snaps with a simple utility knife. Fast and easy floating click-lock installation without all the sawdust and mess! Follow the simple guidelines below and see how easy it is to do it yourself.

Upon ordering of Vinyl floor materials consider adding an additional 5% to allow for cutting waste and grading allowance.
CALI flooring is manufactured in accordance with accepted industry standards, which permit manufacturing, grading and natural deficiencies not to exceed 5%. If more than 5% of the material is unusable, do not install the flooring. Immediately contact the distributor/retailer from which the flooring was purchased. No claim will be accepted for materials with visible defects once they are installed. Installation of any material serves as acceptance of the material delivered.
Installer/Owner assumes all responsibility to inspect all flooring before installation. Planks deemed unacceptable in appearance can be placed in closets, near walls or simply not be used. Pieces with glaring defects that can be seen from a standing position should be cut off or not be used as use constitutes acceptance.
It is the responsibility of the installer/homeowner to determine if the job site conditions, environmental conditions and sub-floor are acceptable for the installation of CALI Vinyl Longboards Plank flooring. Prior to installation, the installer/owner must determine that the jobsite meets or exceeds all applicable World Floor Covering Association Installation Guidelines. CALI does NOT warrant against failure resulting from or connected with subfloor, job site damage, or environmental deficiencies after installation. CALI makes no warranty or guarantee of the quality of the chosen installer’s work or of a particular installation performed by him or her. CALI disclaims all liability for any errors or improprieties in the installation of its products by an installer.

Floor noise is normal and will vary from one installation type to the next. Occasional noise is due to structural movement and may relate to sub-floor type, flatness, deflection, and/or related to the fasteners, changes in environmental conditions, relative humidity and the amount of topside pressure applied to the flooring. For these reasons floor noise is not considered a product or manufacturer defect.

During installation, it is the installer’s responsibility to document all jobsite conditions and measurements including the installation date, site relative humidity, temperature, and subfloor moisture content. This information must be retained by the installer and left with the property owner as a permanent record. For a complete list of points to address prior to installation, refer to the NWFA Jobsite checklist.

Do not install flooring under permanent or fixed cabinetry.
Never nail or screw anything through a FLOATED floor.
Transport, Storage, Acclimation

Transport and store cartons in lay down, flat position.
Stack boxes no more than 8 cartons (4ft.) high. Keep away from direct sunlight.
Room temperature and relative humidity must be consistent with year-round living conditions for at least 5 days prior to installation.
Due to the nature of CALI Vinyl Longboards, acclimation is not needed. Installation can start immediately.

Pre-Installation Preparation

Prior to installation, inspect planks in daylight for visible faults/damage. Check if subfloor/site conditions comply with the specifications described in these instructions. If you are not satisfied do not install, and contact your supplier. CALI is not responsible for flooring that is installed with visible defects.

Recommended Tools

Tape measure
Chalk line
Utility knife
Rubber mallet
Miter saw
Pencil
1/4” spacers
Table saw
Double-sided prybar
Tapping block

Due to the nature of CALI Vinyl Longboards, it is acceptable to use the score and snap method for your end cuts. It is still recommended to use a table or miter saw for any rip cuts.

Subfloor Requirements

General

Floating floors can be laid on top of most hard surfaces (e.g. concrete, ceramics, wood)
Soft subfloors (e.g. carpets) must be removed
The subfloor must be level – Flat to 3/16” per 10-foot radius
The subfloor must be clean = Thoroughly swept and free of all debris
The subfloor must be dry
The subfloor must be structurally sound

Even though CALI Vinyl Longboards Plank Flooring is waterproof it is NOT considered a moisture barrier. CALI always requires the use of a moisture barrier (like 6mil plastic) on concrete.

Acceptable Subfloor Types

CD Exposure 1 plywood (grade stamped US PS1-95)
OSB Exposure 1subfloor panels
Underlayment grade particleboard
Concrete slab
Existing wood floors must be fastened to existing subfloors
Ceramic tile (must fill in grout lines with a compatible patch compound)
Resilient tile and sheet vinyl

Wood subfloors must be securely fastened. A best practice is to nail or screw every 6” along joists to avoid squeaking. If leveling is needed, sand down high spots and fill in low spots with a Portland based leveling compound.

Tip: If your plywood, OSB or particle board subfloor is reading higher than 13% MC it is advised to find and correct the source of moisture intrusion before continuing installation. CALI is not responsible for any damage caused by moisture intrusion.

Concrete subfloors must be fully cured and at least 60 days old, preferably 90 days old. If leveling is needed, grind down high spots and level low spots with a Portland based leveling compound.

Tip: When laying 6 mil plastic it is always advised to overlap the seams at least 6” and cover all seams with duct tape.

Slabs on or below grade must be free of hydrostatic pressure.

Important: CALI Vinyl Longboards Plank flooring is waterproof, however moisture intrusions from concrete hydrostatic pressure, flooding, or plumbing leaks, along with high levels of alkalinity, can affect the floor over time. Moisture can also be trapped below the flooring and create mold or mildew. The installer, not CALI is responsible for making sure the concrete moisture and alkalinity are suitable prior to installing this floor.

Ceramic Tile, resilient tile and sheet vinyl must be well-bonded to subfloor, in good condition, clean and level. We do not recommend sanding existing vinyl floors, as they may contain asbestos. We do recommend filling any grout lines or embossing with a compatible patch compound. Any damaged caused by skipping this step will not be covered by CALI.

Crawlspaces must have a minimum of a 6-mil polyethylene sheeting covering any exposed earth. Crawl spaces must have adequate ventilation and a minimum of 18” of air space between the ground and the floor joist.

Radiant Heat Systems

CALI Vinyl Longboards flooring is only recommended for use over radiant heat systems if the special requirements specified by the National Wood Flooring Association are met (please refer to the NWFA’s Radiant Heat Guidelines). Ensuring stable job site conditions, subfloor suitability and proper acclimation are especially important when installing over a radiant heat system. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that the recommended environmental conditions are met for installation. Refer to your radiant heat system manufacturer to determine its compatibility with vinyl flooring, and to learn the specific requirements for installation.

Because of the wide variety of systems on the market (Hydronic, embedded in concrete, electrical wire/coil, heating film/mat) each with its own features and applications it is recommended that the user consult with the radiant heating provider for best practices, installation methods and proper subfloors.
With CALI Vinyl Longboards the floating installation method is the only method recommended for use with radiant heat systems.
Radiant heat system must be turned on and in operation for at least 3 days before installation.
The flooring must be acclimated per CALI’s Vinyl flooring acclimation instruction (https://www.CALIbamboo.com/installing-vinyl-plank-flooring/) over the radiant heat with the system turned on throughout the acclimation timeframe.
The system must be turned down to 65°F and maintained 24 hours prior to installation.
Once install is complete, turn system back on and slowly bring back up to normal operating temperature over a period 4-5 days.
Floor should never be heated over 85°F. Consult with your radiant heating system manufacturer to successfully limit the maximum temperature.
Always remember that rugs placed over radiant heated flooring can increase the surface temperature in that area by 3°- 5°F degrees.
Relative Humidity must be maintained between 20-80%.
When turning off the radiant heat system it must be turned down slowly at a rate of 1.5° degrees per day. You should never just turn the system off.
For additional information on radiant heating systems please refer to http://www.radiantpanelassociation.org or the NWFA’s Radiant Heat Guidelines.

Installation of CALI Vinyl Longboards Flooring by CALI

Before laying: Measure the room at right angle to the direction of the planks. Planks in the final row should be at least 1/3 the width of a plank. Due to this rule, planks in the first row can be cut to smaller size. Shuffle planks in order to obtain a pleasant blend of shades. Lay planks preferably following the direction of the main source of light. We recommend laying on wooden floors crossways to the existing floorboard. You should never nail or screw planks to the subfloor.

Floor should be installed from several cartons at the same time to ensure good color, shade and appearance. CALI Vinyl Longboards Plank will have multiple patterns for each product.

Expansion gaps: Even though CALI Vinyl Longboards Plank will have very minimal expansion and contraction it is still required to leave 1/4” expansion space around the perimeter as well as all fixed objects (tile, fireplace, cabinets).

If the installation area exceeds 80 feet in either direction transition pieces are needed.
To cover your expansion space, CALI carries matching flooring moldings that include reducers, t-moldings, baseboards, quarter rounds, and thresholds. Matching stair parts are also available; including stair nosing, treads and risers. Please visit CALI’s Flooring Accessories webpage.

Quick Tip! When installing around pipes, drill the hole ¾” larger than the diameter of the pipes.

Installing the First Two Rows:

STEP 1
Start with a plank cut at least 8” in length. (Cut the right side of the plank off, and save the excess for another row.) Starting from the right (when facing the wall), position the first board with the exposed lip facing you. Planks should be staggered in a brick-laid pattern for the first 2 rows to ensure proper engagement (see diagram A, plank 1). It is very important that this first row is installed straight and even.

STEP 2
Select a long, uncut plank (see diagram A, plank 2) and angle it down slightly to position in place. Use a tapping block to confirm the long side of the plank fits snugly with no gapping.

Quick Tip! Tapping blocks must be used gently, as excessive force can cause plank seams to peak.

STEP 3
Select another long plank and backfill it into position 3 (see Diagram A). Use the rubber mallet to gently tap the butt end seams and secure the planks together. Butt end seams will be smooth to the touch when engaged properly and have no visible gaps. The long side of the plank should also fit snugly with no gapping.

Quick Tip! A rubber mallet must be used on the butt ends (short ends) to fully secure the planks. Failure to fully engage the flooring may result in gapping or misaligned planks.

Next Steps:

STEP 1
Continue alternating planks on rows 1 and 2 to avoid misalignment. For row 3 onwards, installation does not require alternating rows. Install one row after another by angling down on the long side of the plank, sliding until the butt end seams are in contact, and then gently tapping all seams into place.

Quick Tip! Be sure to inspect the long and short edges of the plank for any gapping before moving on to the next plank. If you notice a gap, always reinstall the board to ensure a snug fit (see diagram on plank disassembling).

STEP 2
Install remaining boards and rows in the same manner. Use cut pieces at least 8” in length from previous rows as starter boards to reduce waste and avoid repeating patterns. Butt end seams should be staggered at least 8” between rows for optimum engagement of planks and overall appearance. This will help you avoid “H” joints.

STEP 3
Continue to use the rubber mallet and tapping block to ensure all seams are snug. Double check ¼” expansion spaces throughout the installation process.

Installing the Final Row:

STEP 1
The last row may need to be cut lengthwise (ripped). Make sure ripped piece is at least 1/3 the size of the overall width of the plank.

STEP 2
Place the last row of boards to be fit on top of the last row of installed boards. Use a piece of plank or tile as a scribe to trace the contour of the wall.

STEP 3
Mark where the board will be cut. If the fit of the wall is simple and straight, simply measure for the correct fit and cut.

STEP 4
After boards are cut, position boards and tap all joints (long AND short ends) with the rubber mallet.

Disassembling:

Separate the whole row by lifting up delicately at an angle. To separate the planks, leave them flat on the ground and slide them apart. If the planks do not separate easily you can slightly lift up the plank when sliding them apart. Do not lift up more than 5 degrees.

After Install/Floor Care Maintenance:

For Cleaning, we recommend dry or damp mopping as needed using Bona Stone Tile & Laminate cleaner or similar.
Do not use anything abrasive or harsh chemicals to clean the floor. Never use any of the following products on your floor: ammonia-based cleaners, mineral spirits, acrylic finishes, wax-based products, detergents, bleach, polishes, oil soap, abrasive cleaning soaps, acidic materials such as vinegar.
Never apply wax treatments or top coats to the floor.
Do not drag furniture across the floor, use felt pads on chair and furniture legs.
Keep pet’s nails trimmed to avoid excess scratching.
Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to remove loose dirt. Do NOT use vacuums that use a beater bar or turn beater bar off.
Place quality walk-off mats at all entrances to retain tracked in dirt, grit and moisture, never use latex or rubber backed mats as they can permanently stain the floor.
Area rugs are also recommended in front of kitchen sinks and in high traffic areas.
Although the CALI Vinyl Longboards Plank Flooring is waterproof, it is still a best practice to avoid excessive moisture on the floor. Therefore, we recommend soaking up spills immediately using a dry towel or dry mop.
Limit direct sunlight on floor by using curtains and blinds in areas that are exposed to high UV rays.
Heating units or non-insulated ductwork close to the flooring or subfloor may cause “hot spots” which must be eliminated prior to installation.
Heavy furniture (500+ lbs.) may obstruct the free, natural movement of a floated floor. Restricting this movement in certain areas can lead to problems such as buckling or separation when the floor experiences natural expansion and/or contraction.

Note: Flooring not used for its intended purpose will not be covered under warranty.
Whether you’re a pro or DIY homeowner, installing vinyl plank flooring couldn’t be easier. No power saws needed; CALI Vinyl flooring scores and snaps with a simple utility knife. Follow the simple guidelines below and see how easy it is to do it yourself.

Upon ordering of Vinyl floor materials consider adding an additional 5% to allow for cutting waste and grading allowance.
CALI® flooring is manufactured in accordance with accepted industry standards, which permit manufacturing, grading and natural deficiencies not to exceed 5%. If more than 5% of the material is unusable, do not install the flooring. Immediately contact the distributor/retailer from which the flooring was purchased. No claim will be accepted for materials with visible defects once they are installed. Installation of any material serves as acceptance of the material delivered.
Installer/Owner assumes all responsibility to inspect all flooring before installation. Planks deemed unacceptable in appearance can be placed in closets, near walls or simply not be used. Pieces with glaring defects that can be seen from a standing position should be cut off or not be used as use constitutes acceptance.
It is the responsibility of the installer/homeowner to determine if the job site conditions, environmental conditions and sub-floor are acceptable for the installation of CALI Vinyl Longboards Plank flooring. Prior to installation, the installer/owner must determine that the jobsite meets or exceeds all applicable World Floor Covering Association Installation Guidelines. CALI® does NOT warrant against failure resulting from or connected with subfloor, job site damage, or environmental deficiencies after installation. CALI® makes no warranty or guarantee of the quality of the chosen installer’s work or of a particular installation performed by him or her. CALI® disclaims all liability for any errors or improprieties in the installation of its products by an installer.
Floor noise is normal and will vary from one installation type to the next. Occasional noise is due to structural movement and may relate to sub-floor type, flatness, deflection, and/or related to the fasteners, changes in environmental conditions, relative humidity and the amount of topside pressure applied to the flooring. For these reasons floor noise is not considered a product or manufacturer defect.
During installation, it is the installer’s responsibility to document all jobsite conditions and measurements including the installation date, site relative humidity, temperature, and subfloor moisture content. This information must be retained by the installer and left with the property owner as a permanent record. For a complete list of points to address prior to installation, refer to the NWFA Jobsite checklist.
Do not install flooring under permanent or fixed cabinetry.

Transport, Storage, Acclimation

Transport and store cartons in lay down, flat position.
Stack boxes no more than 8 cartons (4ft.) high. Keep away from direct sunlight.
Room temperature and relative humidity must be consistent with year-round living conditions for at least 5 days prior to installation.
Due to the nature of CALI Vinyl Longboards, acclimation is not needed. Installation can start immediately.

Pre-Installation Preparation

Prior to installation, inspect planks in daylight for visible faults/damage and color/print. Check if subfloor/site conditions comply with the specifications described in these instructions. If you are not satisfied do not install, and contact your supplier. CALI® is not responsible for flooring that is installed with visible defects or incorrect color/print.

Recommended Tools

Tape measure
Chalk line
Utility knife
Rubber mallet
Miter saw
1/16″ x 1/16″ x 1/16″ square notch trowel

Pencil
1/4” spacers
Table saw
Double-sided prybar
Tapping block

Due to the nature of CALI Vinyl Longboards, it is acceptable to use the score and snap method for your end cuts. It is still recommended to use a table or miter saw for any rip cuts.

Subfloor Requirements

General

General Soft subfloors (e.g. carpets) must be removed
The subfloor must be level – Flat to 3/16” per 10-foot radius
The subfloor must be clean = Thoroughly swept and free of all debris
The subfloor must be dry
The subfloor must be structurally sound

Even though CALI Vinyl Longboards Plank Flooring is waterproof it is NOT considered a moisture barrier. Hence, we always require laying down a vapor barrier on plywood and a moisture barrier on concrete. When using the glue down method for install the glue will act as your vapor/moisture barrier.

Acceptable Subfloor Types

CD Exposure 1 plywood (grade stamped US PS1-95)
OSB Exposure 1subfloor panels
Underlayment grade particleboard
Existing wood (must be sanded to its raw state)
Concrete
Light weight concrete (may require a primer – see Titebond manufacturer for details)
Ceramic tile (check with Titebond manufacture to see what prep will be needed: patch, self-lever, primer, etc.)

Acceptable Subfloor Thickness Requirements:

Joist System Spacing (inches on center)	Minimum Thickness
12”	5/8”
12” to 16”	3/4”
16” to 19.2”	7/8”
19.3” to 24”	1-1/8”

Glue Down Details

CALI Vinyl Longboards are constructed with a 2mm IXPE (Cross-linked Poly-Ethylene) foam pad.

This high-performance pad is compatible with the CALI recommended adhesive noted below. Use of adhesives outside of our recommendation is the sole responsibility of the installer and/or homeowner.

CALI® requires the use of Titebond 675 when gluing CALI Vinyl Longboards. Make sure to follow all Titebond 675 guidelines which include but are not limited to:

Plywood/OSB/Particle board subfloor moisture must not be over 13%
Concrete Moisture should not read over 8lbs when using a Calcium Chloride test or 90% RH when using an in-situ probe or Lignomat SDM
Concrete alkaline levels should not be more than 9.0 pH
Use a 1/16” Square notch trowel
For more details please see Titebond 675 product page below:
http://www.imagecenter.titebond.com/product/flooring/62a57e94-6380-4de4-aa0e-45158d58160d

Tip: If your plywood, OSB or particle board subfloor is reading higher than 13% MC it is advised to find and correct the source of moisture intrusion before continuing installation. CALI® is not responsible for any damage caused by moisture intrusion.

Concrete subfloors must be fully cured and at least 60 days old, preferably 90 days old. If leveling is needed, grind down high spots and level low spots with a Portland based leveling compound. Slabs on or below grade must be free of hydrostatic pressure.

Important: CALI Vinyl Longboards Plank flooring is waterproof, however moisture intrusions from concrete hydrostatic pressure, flooding, or plumbing leaks, along with high levels of alkalinity, can affect the floor over time. Moisture can also be trapped below the flooring and create mold or mildew. The installer, not CALI® is responsible for making sure the concrete moisture and alkalinity are suitable prior to installing this floor.

Radiant Heat Systems

When glued down, CALI Vinyl is not compatible for use with radiant heat systems.

Installation of CALI Vinyl® Longboards™ Flooring by CALI®

Floor should be installed from several cartons at the same time to ensure good color, shade and appearance. CALI Vinyl Longboards Plank will have multiple patterns for each product.

If the installation area exceeds 80 feet in either direction transition pieces are needed.
To cover your expansion space, CALI carries matching flooring moldings that include reducers, t-moldings, baseboards, quarter rounds, and thresholds. Matching stair parts are also available; including stair nosing, treads and risers. Please visit CALI’s Flooring Accessories webpage.

Quick Tip! When installing around pipes, drill the hole ¾” larger than the diameter of the pipes.

Installing the first row:

Measure the room at right angle to the direction of the planks. Planks in the final row should be at least 1/3 the width of a plank. Due to this rule, planks in the first row can be cut to smaller size. Shuffle planks in order to obtain a pleasant blend of shades. Lay planks preferably following the direction of the main source of light. We recommend laying on wooden floors crossways to the existing floorboard. You should never nail or screw planks to the subfloor.

STEP 1
Start out by pouring adhesive on to the subfloor. Make sure you do not pour out to much at one time. CALI® does not recommend spreading more than an arm’s length (6 to 8 feet) worth of adhesive at a time. This will help to ensure the glue does not flash over before you can adhere the planks.

STEP 2
Use tapping block as necessary to fit planks together, but be careful not to let installed floor move on the wet adhesive while you are working. Repeat these steps as you move along with the installation.

STEP 3
Starting from the right (looking at the wall) with the tongue-side facing the wall, carefully place the first board in place, using spacers to leave a ¼” expansion gap between wall and edges of the plank.

STEP 4
The end joints of the planks in the first row are assembled by overlapping the tongue side over the groove side of the previous plank insuring that the planks are perfectly aligned, with firm pressure, push the end joint downward till the end of the plank snaps in place. Install remaining full planks in the first row.

STEP 5
Cut the final board piece to length and install it in the same manner as the previous piece.

Next Steps:

STEP 1
If the cut plank is at least 8” in length, it can be used as a starter piece in another row. If the cut plank is shorter than 8” do not use it. Instead, begin with a new board that is at least 8” in length and allows 8” between the end joints on the adjacent planks.

STEP 2
Position the first board in place by angling it up slightly, pushing forward and interlocking the side tongue. The long side of the plank should fit snug with no gapping.

STEP 3
Install the second plank of the second row. Position the long side of the plank with the tongue side, fully engage into the receiver of the first row of product. Lower the plank to the floor insuring that the end joint is overlapping and perfectly aligned, with firm pressure; push the end joint downward till the end of the plank snaps in place. Continue installing planks in the second row. It is important to make sure that the first two rows are straight and square as they can affect the entire installation.

STEP 4
Carefully inspect the long edge and short ends of the plank for any gapping before moving on to the plank. If you notice a gap, STOP, and reinstall the board to ensure a snug fit.

STEP 5
Install the remaining boards and rows in the same manner.

STEP 6
Cut the last board to size.

STEP 7
Whenever practical, use cut pieces from previous rows as the starter board to reduce waste, however, it is a best practice when doing this to not create a repeating pattern. For a natural look rows and patterns should be staggered.

STEP 8
Maintain proper spacing (at least 8”) between end joints for best appearance.

Installing the final row: