Shaw Floors offers a range of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) products designed for durability, ease of installation, and aesthetic appeal. These products, including the Floorté Classic Series, Floorté Pro Series, and Floorté Elite Series, are engineered to be installed in a variety of environments—above, on, or below grade—and can often be installed over existing hard surface flooring, provided certain conditions are met. For users planning to install Shaw LVP, understanding the correct procedures, environmental requirements, and product-specific considerations is essential for a successful and long-lasting installation.
This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to Shaw LVP installation, drawing from official installation instructions, technical specifications, and manufacturer recommendations. It is intended for U.S.-based consumers, DIY enthusiasts, and professional installers who wish to follow best practices for installing Shaw's luxury vinyl products.
Overview of Shaw LVP Installation
Shaw’s LVP products are known for their rigid core construction, which contributes to dimensional stability and ease of installation. These products are typically installed using a floating method, though glue-down options may also be available for certain applications. The installation process involves several key steps: preparing the subfloor, ensuring proper climate conditions, acclimating the material if necessary, and following specific layout and spacing guidelines.
A critical factor in any LVP installation is subfloor preparation. The subfloor must be clean, dry, and level. Additionally, moisture testing is required for concrete subfloors to prevent long-term issues such as mold, mildew, and trapped moisture. Shaw recommends using cementitious leveling compounds that meet specific compressive strength and moisture requirements. Gypsum-based compounds are also acceptable provided they meet the same criteria.
Environmental conditions during installation are equally important. Shaw specifies that the ambient temperature should be between 55°F and 85°F, with a relative humidity range of 35% to 65%. These conditions should be maintained before, during, and after installation to ensure the material performs as expected and to avoid warping or expansion issues.
Pre-Installation Requirements
Before beginning the installation, it is important to verify that the site conditions are optimal for the job. This includes ensuring that all other construction activities—such as drywall, painting, and plumbing—are completed. Any work that could damage the flooring should be performed before installation begins.
Climate control is a critical factor in the success of the installation. Shaw’s rigid core LVP products do not typically require acclimation when installed in climate-controlled environments. However, the manufacturer recommends allowing the flooring to acclimate in the installation room for at least 48 hours to stabilize temperature and humidity levels.
Boxes of flooring should be stored flat and not stacked vertically to avoid warping. They should also be kept away from heating vents and direct sunlight, as these can alter the material's moisture content and affect its performance.
Subfloor Preparation and Moisture Testing
A well-prepared subfloor is essential for the longevity and appearance of Shaw LVP. The subfloor must be clean, dry, and free of debris. Any high spots or low spots should be addressed using a cementitious leveling compound that meets or exceeds the compressive strength of 3,000 psi. Shaw recommends using a high-quality leveling compound to ensure the surface is smooth and even.
Moisture testing is required for concrete subfloors. Shaw advises using a moisture meter or a calcium chloride test to measure the subfloor’s moisture content. If the moisture level is too high, it can lead to mold growth, mildew, and other issues. Shaw’s rigid core products are waterproof, but excessive moisture in the subfloor can still pose risks. Therefore, it is important to address any moisture issues before proceeding.
The use of an underlayment is also recommended in some cases. While not always required, an underlayment can help improve comfort, reduce noise, and provide a smoother surface for the LVP to adhere to. Shaw’s installation guides include recommendations for underlayment use where applicable.
Installation Methods: Floating and Glue-Down
Shaw LVP products can be installed using either a floating or glue-down method, depending on the specific product and subfloor type. The floating method is the most common and involves placing the planks over an underlayment without adhering them directly to the subfloor. This method allows the flooring to expand and contract naturally with temperature and humidity changes.
For glue-down installations, Shaw recommends using a premium adhesive such as Shaw T-180 or a comparable product. This method is often used when the subfloor is uneven or when the flooring needs to be fixed in place for heavy furniture or appliances.
Regardless of the method used, proper expansion spacing must be maintained around the perimeter of the room. For areas less than 2,500 square feet, a 1/4-inch gap is required. For larger areas, a 1/2-inch gap is necessary. These gaps accommodate natural expansion and prevent the flooring from buckling or warping.
Layout and Installation Process
The layout of the flooring should be planned carefully to avoid narrow planks at wall junctures or short pieces at the end of rows. Shaw recommends installing the planks parallel to the longest exterior wall to create a more natural and visually appealing look. A staggered or offset pattern is preferred for tile-style patterns, with a minimum 1/3 offset and a 1/2 offset being ideal.
Installation should begin from the left side of the room, working toward the right. Spacers should be placed along the walls to maintain the required expansion gap. The first plank should be aligned with the wall, and subsequent planks are joined by aligning the tongue and groove edges and applying light pressure to secure them.
A rubber mallet can be used to gently tap planks into place if needed, especially for the short side joints. This ensures that the planks are fully engaged and sit flush with one another. The process is repeated until the first row is complete, and then continued row by row until the entire room is covered.
Post-Installation Considerations
After installation is complete, it is important to allow the flooring to settle for a short period before placing heavy furniture or appliances on it. Shaw recommends avoiding the use of direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as this can lead to discoloration and thermal expansion. The use of drapes or blinds during peak sunlight hours is advised.
If cabinets or islands are to be installed on top of the LVP flooring, the areas where they will be placed must be fully adhered to the subfloor. This includes an additional 2 feet beyond the cabinets and islands to ensure stability and prevent movement.
Maintenance and Care
Once installed, Shaw LVP is designed to be durable and easy to maintain. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth or microfiber mop is recommended. Spills and spots should be cleaned up promptly to prevent staining. Shaw’s Hard Surfaces Flooring Cleaner is specifically formulated for use on these products and is recommended for routine cleaning.
Daily maintenance includes sweeping or dust mopping to remove dirt and grit. If using a vacuum, a hard floor attachment should be used to avoid damaging the surface. For high-traffic areas, regular vacuuming is advised to prevent matting and maintain the appearance of the flooring.
Walk-off mats at doorways can help reduce the amount of dirt and moisture tracked onto the flooring. These mats are particularly useful in high-traffic areas and can help extend the life of the LVP.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
In the event that issues arise during or after installation, Shaw provides support through its technical services team. Users are advised to inspect all planks for damage before installation and to contact Shaw if any concerns are noted. Claims cannot be accepted for flooring that has been cut to size or installed without following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Common issues such as warping, buckling, or uneven surfaces may indicate that the subfloor was not properly prepared or that environmental conditions were not within the recommended range. In such cases, it may be necessary to remove and re-install the flooring after addressing the underlying issue.
Conclusion
Shaw LVP installation requires careful planning, attention to environmental conditions, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines. By following the steps outlined in this article—ranging from subfloor preparation to layout and installation—users can achieve a professional-looking result that meets both aesthetic and functional expectations.
The key to a successful installation lies in understanding the product's requirements, preparing the site properly, and maintaining the correct climate conditions throughout the process. Whether installed as a floating floor or using a glue-down method, Shaw LVP offers a durable and versatile solution for a wide range of residential applications.
For users new to LVP installation, Shaw provides detailed instruction manuals and technical support resources to assist with the process. These materials are essential for ensuring that the installation is done correctly and that the flooring performs as intended over time.