LVT & SPC Floor Installation

LVT and SPC flooring have become the go-to choice for London homeowners who want a waterproof, low-maintenance floor that looks like real wood or stone. Both products work well in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and open-plan spaces. They handle moisture where real wood cannot, and they cope well with the kind of daily traffic that wears out softer floors quickly.

At FlooringFirst!, we install LVT and SPC across Greater London. We handle the full job: subfloor assessment, preparation, fitting, and finishing. Call 020 8830 9782 or book a free site visit to get a fixed quote.

LVT vs SPC: What Is the Difference?

Both products share a photographic print layer that replicates wood grain or stone, a protective wear layer on top, and a waterproof core below. The difference is in the core.

• LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) has a flexible vinyl core. It is thinner, softer underfoot, and ideal for glue-down installation on smooth, prepared subfloors. Because it is flexible, it will follow any unevenness in the base, which makes subfloor preparation critical.
• SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) has a rigid core made from limestone powder and PVC. It is thicker and denser, making it more resistant to dents and heavy loads. The rigid core bridges minor subfloor imperfections better than flexible LVT, and it is typically installed as a floating click floor.

As a rule, if you want glue-down in a high-end finish, go LVT. If you want a click floor that is quick to install and slightly more forgiving of the subfloor, go SPC.

Installation Methods: Glue-Down vs Click

Glue-Down LVT

Glue-down is the trade method of choice for full-spread adhesion. The tiles or planks are bonded directly to the subfloor using a pressure-sensitive adhesive. It produces a completely solid, stable floor with no movement underfoot. It is the preferred method for herringbone and other geometric patterns, and for commercial applications. The trade-off is that it requires more preparation time and a skilled fitter to get right.

Click SPC (Floating)

Click SPC locks together using a tongue-and-groove system and floats over the subfloor without adhesive. It is faster to install and can be laid over most existing hard floors, provided they are sound and reasonably level. It is also easier to replace individual boards if something gets damaged later. An underlay is usually included in the product or can be added separately for extra acoustic performance.

Suitable Rooms and Use Cases

• Kitchens and bathrooms: Both LVT and SPC are 100% waterproof. No swelling, no warping. Safe to use around wet areas, under sinks, and near baths or showers.
• Hallways and high-traffic areas: The wear layer protects the floor from scuffs, scratches, and heavy foot traffic. Choose a thicker wear layer (0.5mm or above) in these areas.
• Open-plan living: LVT and SPC can run continuously through the kitchen, dining, and living areas for a seamless look.
• Basements and ground-floor rooms: Both products handle ground-level moisture that would damage wood floors.
• Rooms with underfloor heating: Most LVT and SPC products are compatible with underfloor heating up to 27 degrees Celsius. Check the product specification and keep temperature changes gradual.

Subfloor Flatness: Why It Matters

This is the most critical part of any LVT installation. The industry standard for glue-down LVT is a maximum deviation of plus or minus 3mm over 1.8 metres. Anything beyond that will show through the floor as a ripple or bump, and areas of flex will cause the adhesive bond to fail over time.

On timber subfloors, we typically overlay with 6mm plyboard, feather-finish any joins, and sand to a smooth surface. On concrete, we apply a floor-levelling compound and allow it to cure before fitting. We also carry out moisture testing on concrete subfloors to check relative humidity levels. If moisture readings are too high, we apply a damp-proof membrane before proceeding.

Skipping or cutting corners on subfloor preparation is the most common cause of LVT failure. We do not skip it.

The Wear Layer and Why It Matters

The wear layer is the transparent protective coating on top of the print. It is measured in millimetres (or mil in older spec sheets):

• 0.2mm to 0.3mm (8-12 mil): Light residential use. Bedrooms, spare rooms.
• 0.5mm (20 mil): Heavy residential. Kitchens, hallways, family rooms. This is what we recommend for most London homes.
• 0.55mm and above: Commercial grade. Retail, offices, rental properties.

A thicker wear layer means more resistance to scratching, scuffing, and UV fading. Products with a 0.5mm wear layer typically carry a 15 to 20-year residential warranty. Products with thinner layers wear through faster in busy rooms.

What Affects the Cost of LVT and SPC Installation?

Labour for LVT and SPC installation in London typically runs at £25 to £45 per square metre, depending on:

• Installation method: Glue-down LVT is more labour-intensive than click SPC and costs more.
• Subfloor condition: If the subfloor needs significant levelling, plyboard overlaying, or moisture treatment, that adds to the total.
• Room shape: Rooms with alcoves, awkward angles, or intricate layouts take longer to fit.
• Pattern choice: Herringbone or other geometric patterns use more material and take more time to lay out correctly.
• Removal of existing floor: Stripping out old vinyl, carpet, or tiles adds time and disposal costs.

As a rough guide, a 20 sqm room with a straightforward subfloor and click SPC in a standard plank layout might cost £500 to £700 in labour. A similar room with glue-down LVT, subfloor preparation, and a herringbone pattern would be £800 to £1,200 or more. We always provide a fixed quote before starting work.

Our Installation Process

1. Free site visit: We visit your property, assess the subfloor, measure the area, and discuss the product and pattern you want. We provide a written, fixed quote.
2. Subfloor preparation: We remove any existing floor covering, check levels and moisture, overlay with ply or apply levelling compound as needed, and sand smooth.
3. Layout planning: We plan the start point to ensure balanced cuts at the edges and correct pattern alignment.
4. Fitting: We lay the floor using the agreed method, glue-down or click, cutting cleanly around door frames, pipework, and obstacles.
5. Finishing: We fit skirting boards, trims, thresholds, and transition strips. We undercut door frames where needed for a clean fit. All waste is removed from site.
6. Handover: We walk through the finished floor with you and advise on aftercare.

Areas We Cover

We install LVT and SPC flooring across all of Greater London, including North, South, East, West, and Central London. We work in homes, flats, offices, and commercial premises. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, just call us.

Call 020 8830 9782 or book your free site visit and we will come to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between LVT and SPC flooring?

LVT has a flexible vinyl core and is usually glue-down. SPC has a rigid stone-polymer core and is usually click-fit. Both are waterproof. SPC is more resistant to dents and bridges minor subfloor imperfections better. LVT gives a flatter, more seamless finish when properly glued down.

Does LVT or SPC need a perfectly flat subfloor?

Yes, particularly glue-down LVT. The tolerance is plus or minus 3mm over 1.8 metres. Bumps or dips beyond that show through the floor and can cause tiles to lift. We prepare the subfloor as part of every installation.

Can LVT or SPC be fitted in bathrooms and kitchens?

Both products are 100% waterproof and well suited to wet areas. Unlike wood or laminate, they will not swell or warp from moisture exposure.

How much does LVT or SPC floor installation cost in London?

Labour typically ranges from £25 to £45 per square metre. A 20 sqm room with a straightforward click SPC would be around £500 to £700 in labour. Glue-down LVT with subfloor preparation will cost more. We provide a fixed quote after a free site visit.

What wear layer thickness do I need?

For most London homes, 0.5mm (20 mil) is the right choice. It handles kitchens, hallways, and family rooms well and typically carries a 15 to 20-year warranty. For lighter use rooms like bedrooms, 0.3mm is sufficient. Commercial spaces should use 0.55mm or above.

How long does LVT or SPC installation take?

Most single rooms are done in a day. Rooms with significant subfloor work, large areas, or glue-down installation may take two to three days. Glue-down adhesive needs 24 hours before heavy loads go back on the floor.