How To Fit: 5Gi Click Luxury Vinyl Tiles

Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) are an excellent way to refresh and modernise your home. Within our Pronto ranges you will find two different click systems, 2G and 5Gi, and although they look similar the method of fitting them is slightly different. This guide focuses only on the 5Gi click system, taking you through how to install it step by step.

The 5Gi click system makes fitting straightforward, even in smaller or more awkward spaces, with push down long edges and lock down short edges to give you a stable, durable floor. A key benefit of the 5Gi click system is the integrated underlay, which means you should not add a separate layer of underlay beneath the tiles, as it can compromise the performance of the click system.

It’s also important to allow your LVT to acclimatise for at least 48 hours in the room where it will be fitted. Stack the unopened packs flat and leave space for air to circulate around them. For more advice on preparing your subfloor, our how to install Luxury Vinyl Tiles guide explains acclimatising planks and getting different types of subfloors ready.

To make sure you’re following the correct instructions, check the product page for your selected flooring on our website or the label on the box, where the click system is always listed.

If your Luxury Vinyl Tiles contain the 2G click system, check out our How to Fit 2G Click LVT guide.

This fitting technique is suitable for the following Pronto LVT ranges:

Pronto Ketton Concrete | Pronto Naxos Calacatta | Pronto Vermont Slate | Pronto Ashford Ivory | Pronto Carson Grey |
Pronto Meranti Walnut | Pronto Lasson Greige | Pronto Koa Oak | Pronto Afara Golden Oak | Pronto Denya Walnut |
Pronto Friston Mid Oak | Pronto Daintree Maple | Pronto Hafren Natural Oak | Pronto Yarran Grey

Before you begin, remember to leave an expansion gap around the edge of the room.

A 6mm gap is suitable for most installations, but if you are fitting over underfloor heating you should allow 10mm. This gap lets the floor move naturally with changes in temperature and can be achieved by using spacers.

You’ll notice natural variation in Pronto flooring, which is why it’s a good idea to open several packs and mix the planks as you go so you achieve a balanced and authentic look across the whole floor.

Start by laying your first plank or tile by lining it up against the surface(s) of your starting point (usually a wall), ensuring to maintain a minimum 6mm expansion gap along the full length and width of the plank or tile, this can be done by using suitable LVT spacer wedges. Line up the short edge of the second plank or tile to the first and lock together securely using a suitable rubber mallet and sufficient force. Continue along the row, locking each plank or tile into the previous.

Take your time with this row as if it isn’t straight, the whole floor will drift out of line.

With the next plank, angle the long edge into the seam of the row before it. Slide it gently along until it sits snug against the short end of the previous plank, then fold it down in one steady movement. Tap along the short edge with the mallet to make sure the joint is tight and the surface lies flat.

Carry on in this way, working across the room row by row until the floor is fully laid.

The final details are what turn a good installation into a great one. Scotias are used to cover the expansion gap around the edges of the room and any fixed furniture, so the floor can move naturally while still looking neat. They should always be fixed to the wall or skirting rather than the LVT itself. Door bars protect exposed edges and create a seamless transition between rooms so your floor not only looks good but also stays protected over time.

We'd recommend the following door bars and scotias to aesthetically fit with each range:

Ketton Concrete – Dural Multifloor Silver door bar, White scotia

Naxos Calacatta – Dural Multifloor Silver door bar, White scotia

Vermont Slate – Dural Multifloor Titanium door bar, White scotia

Ashford Ivory – Dural Multifloor Silver door bar, White scotia

Carson Grey -Dural Multifloor Silver door bar, Medium Grey Oak or White scotia

Meranti Walnut - Dural Multifloor Walnut or Titanium door bar, Dark Oak or White scotia

Lasson Greige - Dural Multifloor Silver door bar, Medium Grey Oak or White scotia

Koa Oak - Dural Multifloor Silver door bar, Light Grey Oak or White scotia

Afara Golden Oak - Dural Multifloor Champagne door bar, White scotia

Denya Walnut - Dural Multifloor Walnut or Titanium door bar, Brown Oak or White scotia

Friston Mid Oak - Dural Multifloor Champagne door bar, Brown Oak or White scotia

Daintree Maple - Dural Multifloor Silver door bar, Brown Oak or White scotia

Hafren Natural Oak - Dural Multifloor Silver door bar, White scotia

Yarran Grey - Dural Multifloor Titanium door bar, Light Grey Oak or White scotia