In large-scale developments, project managers must balance material costs with installation speed. During a recent project in central Manchester, a developer oversaw the process of fitting vinyl click flooring across 40 new build apartments. The team selected the Pro-Tek™ Super Long Plank in the Charlton Oak finish. This case study details the site feedback, the installation process, and the ongoing performance of the material.
Jump To Section
- Why the Architect Specified the Material
- Developer Feedback on Project Costs
- Time Saved When Fitting Vinyl Click Flooring
- The Impact of the 1800mm Plank Format
- Owner Feedback After Fitting Vinyl Click Flooring
- Final Thoughts on the Manchester Project
Why the Architect Specified the Material
The specification process started with the architect. They required a surface that replicated natural wood.
The Charlton Oak design features registered embossing. This manufacturing process aligns the surface texture with the printed grain. The 1800mm plank length was also a primary factor in the decision. Longer boards reduce the number of joins across an open-plan layout, visually extending the dimensions of the rooms.
| Project Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Location | Central Manchester |
| Units | 40 New Build Apartments |
| Material | Pro-Tek™ Super Long Plank |
| Finish | Charlton Oak |
| Installation Method | Uniclic™ System |
Developer Feedback on Project Costs
For the developer, this project involved switching from previously used brands. Cost efficiency dictates material selection on multi-unit sites.
The developer noted a reduction in material costs compared to traditional engineered wood. The rigid core boards provided a commercial-grade wear layer without inflating the project budget, ensuring the financial targets for the fit-out were met.
Time Saved When Fitting Vinyl Click Flooring
Site efficiency is critical. On a 40-unit development, labour costs accumulate rapidly.
The site installers reported that fitting vinyl click flooring using the Uniclic™ system was straightforward. The rigid planks locked together consistently without the need for adhesives.
The 1800mm format directly impacted the schedule. The installation team recorded a 20% reduction in installation time because the longer boards meant fewer pieces to cut and connect per room.
The Impact of the 1800mm Plank Format
Once the Pro-Tek™ material was laid, the physical characteristics of the floor became apparent.
The extended length of the boards reduced visual breaks in the floor pattern. The consistent wood-effect finish suited the varied interior decoration applied to the different units. Following the completion of the flooring and final fixings, the development sold all 40 units within seven days.
Owner Feedback After Fitting Vinyl Click Flooring
Assessing the working life of the floor requires reviewing how it performs after handover. Over a year after moving in, the residents provided practical feedback on the surface.
When fitting vinyl click flooring in multi-occupancy buildings, the wear layer must handle intense daily use. The occupants reported high wear resistance against heavy furniture and daily foot traffic. Routine cleaning requires standard sweeping and a damp mop, and the surface resists stains from household spills.
Final Thoughts on the Manchester Project
The Manchester project provided quantifiable data for the contractors. The combination of matersial cost, reduced labour hours, and positive buyer feedback demonstrated the value of the material.
Following this development, the architect has specified the same Pro-Tek™ Super Long Plank range for three upcoming sites. If your next project involves fitting vinyl click flooring, setting up a Pro-Tek™ Trade Account provides access to trade pricing and technical support.
