Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring

Contact Information

For questions, problems, or missing parts, contact the customer service department at ? 1-888-509-3438, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm EST. You may also contact them anytime at ? customerservice@novalis-intl.com.

STYLE SELECTIONS and logo design are trademarks or registered trademarks of LF, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Tools Needed

Important Information

General Information & Limitations

Please watch installation videos available at Lowes.com. This flooring features a High Density Core (HDC) and is designed for indoor residential use as a "floating floor". The optimal operating temperature is between 40°F to 90°F (4°C to 32°C). Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources exceeding 90°F (32°C) to prevent damage. This product is not suitable for heavy rolling loads. Rolling chairs with soft or W-type casters and a maximum weight of 250 lbs. are acceptable if a polycarbonate chair mat is used. Do not secure flooring or furniture to the subfloor with mechanical fasteners or adhesives. Do not install cabinets, kitchen islands, or other non-movable furniture on top of this floor covering. For assistance or concerns, contact the technical department at 1-888-509-3438 or techsupport@novalis-intl.com. Copies of ASTM documents can be purchased at www.astm.org.

Warning

⚠️ All local, state, and federal regulations must be followed, including the removal of in-place asbestos (floor covering and adhesive) and any lead-containing material. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has exposure limits for respirable crystalline silica that must be adhered to. Do not use solvent or citrus-based adhesive removers. Follow the Resilient Floor Covering Institute's (RFCI) Recommended Work Practice for Removal of Existing Floor Covering and Adhesive. Always wear safety glasses and use respiratory protection to avoid inhaling dust. Read, understand, and follow all product labels, installation and maintenance instructions, technical data sheets, limited warranty, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) before installation. Substrate or subfloor failure for any reason voids the floor covering limited warranty.

Site Conditions & Storage

The installation area must be fully enclosed and weather-tight. Block direct sunlight during installation using blinds or drapes. The ambient temperature during installation must be > 60°F (16°C), with a recommended maximum of 80°F (27°C). Note: Installing at temperatures > 80°F (27°C) will increase the expansion gap size when the floor covering cools.

Documentation

Record and file measured site conditions, test results, photographs, and corrective measures. Maintain this documentation, along with the original invoice and labor receipts, throughout the warranty period, as it may be required for claims.

Substrate Preparation

Flatness

Check all substrates for flatness before installation. The maximum acceptable tolerance is a < 1/8-in. gap (approx. 2 US quarters) over 6-ft., and ≤ 1/16-in. gap (approx. 1 US quarter) over 1-ft. Make necessary adjustments. Dormant cracks, saw cut joints, and grout lines < 1/8-in. wide or deep are acceptable. All others must be cleaned and filled with a suitable commercial grade patching or repair compound.

Concrete Substrates & Concrete Moisture

All concrete must be free of contaminants and structurally sound. If needed, smooth the surface with a suitable, moisture-resistant commercial grade leveling or patching compound. Do not install if hydrostatic pressure is visible, present, or suspected. If a chemical adhesive remover was used, contact the technical department. For all on and below grade concrete slabs, test for porosity using the ASTM F3191 Standard Practice. Water droplets must be absorbed for the surface to be considered absorbent. If needed, make concrete porous via mechanical methods like diamond grinding or shotblasting. If the substrate cannot be made porous and no topical moisture mitigation system is installed, use a ≥ 6-mil thick polyethylene (PE) sheet, extending at least 2-in. up the walls. Overlap and seal all seams. Use sheeting ≤ 10-ft. wide to prevent wrinkles.

Wood Substrates

All wooden subfloors must be dry and comply with regional moisture content (MC-%) requirements. Test using a non-destructive electronic moisture meter. Subfloors must comply with local building codes, have at least 18-in. of well-ventilated air space below, and a suitable vapor retarder. Wood subfloors must have a total thickness of at least 1-in. Sleepers must not contact concrete or earth. Install an underlayment grade plywood (min. 1/4-in. thick) if necessary, installed in the opposite direction of the subfloor (ASTM F1482). Note: Plywood is water-sensitive; follow Wet Area Guidelines for protection.

Substrate Preparation (Continued)

Radiant Heating Substrates

When installing over a radiant heating system, ensure the heat does not directly contact the floor covering. Set the radiant heat to the correct "in-service" temperature for 48 hours prior, during, and after installation. The heat may be gradually adjusted. Note: Do not exceed 85°F (29°C) for the radiant heating system.

Additional Acoustic Underlayments

Additional acoustic underlayments are not recommended or required. If used, ensure a polycarbonate chair mat is used in rolling chair areas. Do not use in commercial areas.

Unsuitable Substrates

Includes, but is not limited to: floating/loose floor coverings, hardwood over concrete, carpet, cushion vinyl, rubber, cork, foam, asphalt tile, additional acoustic underlayments, substrates with mold/mildew/fungi, wet areas (showers, saunas), adhesive residue, radiant heating elements/pipes, RVs, campers, or boats.

Other Subfloors/Substrates

Installation over existing resilient vinyl is not recommended. It may be possible over hardwood, VCT, VAT, quartz tile, solid vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, linoleum, terrazzo, porcelain, or ceramic tile. Ensure existing flooring is a single layer, clean, dry, sound, and well-adhered. Remove or repair loose material. Fill grout lines and seams wider than 1/4-in. and substrate imperfections. Note: Existing hardwood may swell with moisture, potentially causing failure or discoloration. Manufacturer is not responsible for issues arising from existing floor coverings.

Wet Area Guidelines

Some subfloors (e.g., plywood) are sensitive to liquids. While Style Selections is waterproof, water-sensitive subfloors need protection. In wet areas, use bathmats. Clean spills immediately (within 8 hours). Subfloor flatness is critical to prevent water migration. To protect water-sensitive substrates, install a ≥ 6-mil thick polyethylene (PE) sheet, extending at least 2-in. up walls, with overlapped and taped seams. Use a water-resistant t-molding to separate areas. Trim PE flush after installation. Seal the perimeter expansion gap and vertical surfaces with 100% silicone caulk. Use water-resistant wall-base/moldings. Do not anchor wall-base or moldings into the floor covering.

Installation Instructions

Expansion Gap

For installation areas ≤ 50-ft. in length or width, create at least a 1/4-in. expansion gap around the perimeter. For areas between 50 – 85-ft., increase the gap to 1/2-in. Do not exceed 85-ft. in length or width. Use trim molding to cover edges by 1/8-in. and allow for the 1/2-in. gap. For three-season rooms, a 1/2-in. gap is required around the perimeter, and the area must be separated from other rooms with trim molding (max 30-ft. length/width). Areas with very heavy furniture (≥ 800-lb / 363-kg) require isolation with a compatible t-molding and a ≥ 1/2-in. expansion gap.

General Installation Preparation

It is recommended to remove wall-base before installation or use quarter round molding. Undercut wooden door jambs and the first inch of wall-base to the height of the flooring thickness plus 1/64-in. to allow for expansion. Steel door jambs should be pattern-scribed. Use color-coordinated 100% silicone to fill voids. Clean the entire area twice with a HEPA-filtered vacuum. Before starting, ensure lot numbers match and mix flooring from several boxes for a random appearance. Inspect planks for visible defects (damage, gloss, color variations, dirt in locking mechanism). Do not install if defects are found; contact the technical department immediately.

Layout

Follow the design provided. End joint layout for planks should be random and not "stair stepped" to avoid weakening the joint system. All planks must be at least 8-in. in length, with end seams staggered by ≥ 8-in. Tiles should be installed in a brick-bond pattern, offset by 1/2 or 1/3 of the plank.

Cutting

To cut flooring, measure and mark with a pencil. Score the surface several times with a sharp utility knife along a speed square. Snap the plank downwards and cut the backing from underneath. Use a jigsaw with a carbide blade for complicated cuts, such as door jambs, following product safety instructions.

Installation

Installation

Clean the entire area twice with a HEPA-filtered vacuum. Determine the best starting wall (typically the longest straight wall with a doorway). Measure the room width and calculate the last row width, allowing for two expansion gaps. If the last row is less than half the flooring width, or for a balanced design, reduce the first row width accordingly. Use a chalk-line to mark the outside edge of the first row on the substrate. Trim the first row (side without the extended locking mechanism) if needed to fit, accounting for the expansion gap.

First Row (Slide)

At the left corner of the starting wall, position the first plank flush with the walls, using the side and end without the extended locking mechanism against them. Place wedge spacers between the flooring and wall to maintain the required expansion gap around the perimeter. Before connecting the second piece, lay it flat adjacent to the first row, aligned with the end of the previous piece. Slide the second plank into the first, locking the mechanism together. Complete the first row this way. For doorways, measure, mark, and cut the flooring so the cut edge is under the door jamb and frame, maintaining the expansion gap. Use a jigsaw for these cuts. Check the first row's straightness with a chalk line or similar, and adjust with wedge spacers as needed. Acceptable straightness tolerance is within 1/16-in. for lengths over 20-ft. or 1/32 in. for lengths under 20-ft. Start subsequent rows with a cut piece from a previous row. Install side joints before end joints.

Side Joints (Angle-Angle)

Starting at the left corner, place the side without the extended locking mechanism into the side of the previously installed row at approximately a 25° angle. Ensure the joint is seated properly, then slide the plank into position. The end joint must line up perfectly. Lay the plank flat and complete the end joint.

End Joints (Drop-Lock)

Always check end joint alignment and adjust if necessary. Lock the joint by lightly tapping along the high side, starting from the "T", using a 2-lb. (~32-oz.) soft-faced dead blow hammer or rubber mallet. Keep the striking head flat and tap until perfectly flush. If the locking mechanism does not align properly, check and adjust straightness.

Pro-Tips

Do not hit the locking mechanism directly with any hammer, tapping block, or pull bar (except for the last row) as this can damage it, leading to peaking, gapping, or broken joints. If needed, use a ~6-in. piece of scrap flooring seated in the locking mechanism to lightly tap and close joints. For small cuts (< 3-in.), apply a thin bead of liquid superglue to the previously installed locking mechanism before installing the piece to ensure it remains locked. Coverage is approximately 30 ft. per oz. After completing the first five or six rows, turn around and continue installing from the top of the installed material. This allows side joints to be pulled together rather than pushed, making installation easier. To disengage end joints, first unlock side joints by lifting the outside edge of the row to ~25° and disconnect the entire row. Ensure pieces lie flat and are properly engaged before sliding them apart. Angled or upward pulling can break the joint.

Completion

If plastic sheeting was used, trim it flush with the floor covering surface (or subfloor in wet areas). In wet areas, ensure the expansion gap and all vertical surfaces are sealed with 100% silicone caulk. Use water-resistant wall-base and moldings, anchored to the substrate or wall without compression to allow movement. Do not anchor wall-base or moldings into the floor covering. Save three or more extra pieces of material in original packaging as attic stock for lifetime use (product identification, color matching, repairs).

Protection

Protect the installed floor covering from other trades or heavy loads using 1/2-in. plywood or similar, taping all seams. For light traffic, use Ram board or similar, taping seams. For furniture, use only polyurethane, silicon, or felt glides (replaced > 3 times/year), keeping them clean and grit-free; glides should be ≥ 1-in.². Use protective polycarbonate chair mats for rolling chairs or soft "W-type" wheels. Use non-rubber-backed entrance matting at outdoor entrances. Use hard surface "sliders" for heavy or sharp objects. For areas with potential standing water (e.g., bathrooms), seal the perimeter with 100% silicone caulk. To avoid fading from direct sunlight, use appropriate window treatments, UV/IR film, or Low-E glass windows. Take photographs and file all required documentation.