Installation Guide
NOTE: Clean adhesive from the surface of the floor frequently, using the recommended adhesive cleaner.
Urethane adhesives become extremely difficult to remove when cured. Do not use 3M Scotch-Blue™ 2080Tape
before adhesive is removed from the surface. Use clean towels, changed frequently, to prevent haze and
adhesive residue.
• Check for a tight fit between all edges and ends of each plank. End-joints of adjacent rows should be staggered
4˝-6˝ (10-15 cm) when possible, to ensure a more favorable overall appearance.
• It may be necessary to align the product with a cut-off piece of scrap as shown. To eliminate minor shifting or
gapping of product during installation, use 3M Scotch-Blue™ 2080 Tape to hold the planks together. After
installation is complete, remove all of the 3M Scotch-Blue™ 2080 Tape from the surface, Do not let the tape
remain on the flooring longer than 24 hours. Avoid the use of masking or duct tape, which leaves an adhesive
residue and may damage the finish.
General Information for Floating Floors
• Plan the floor layout (in width) to avoid having to rip the last row narrower than 1˝ (2.5 cm). This may require
ripping the first row to assure the last row is at least the minimum width.
Installing the Underlayment (Floating Installations Only)
• Install the underlayment in the same direction the hardwood flooring is to be installed.
• Extend the underlayment a few inches up the wall.
• The floating floor underlayment already has double-sided tape for ease of taping the precut overlapping seams.
If a non-adhesive underlayment is used, tape all seams with the included tape.
Installing the Floor (Floating Installations Only)
• The first row can be installed using one of two methods after the layout has been completed (Step 2). Allow 1/2˝
(13 mm) expansion. (Sacrificial board, Wedges)
• Select the first board. All installations should begin with the groove side against the wall using the longest
boards available. Apply a continuous 1/8˝ (3 mm) glue bead to the inside bottom of the groove on the end of the
board. Do not apply glue to the groove side at this time. Products with the end tongue on the left should be
installed right to left, opposite tongues should be left to right. If a sacrificial board was used DO NOT glue the first
row to it.
• Complete the first row. Cut the last board allowing for 1/2˝ (13 mm) clearance between the wall and the floor.
(Use the remaining end of the cut board as a starter board for any row following row three). Install a wedge on the
end of the board between the hardwood flooring and the wall, allowing 1/2˝ (13 mm) expansion space. Avoid
installation of any boards shorter than 16˝ (40.6 cm) in the first four rows.
• If any glue gets on the surface of the flooring, wipe off immediately with a clean damp cloth.
• Cut or use a shorter board for the first board of the second row. Start the second row by applying a 1/8˝ (3 mm)
bead along the inside bottom of the end and side groove of the new board. Install the first board of row two. Apply
a bead of glue to the inside bottom of the end and side groove of the next board and install. When installing
boards together, use a tapping block against the tongue, not the groove. Tap the boards into place by tapping
with a hammer on the tapping block. DO NOT tap on the edge directly with the hammer. Complete the second
through fourth rows using this technique. Insert wedges on the ends, as necessary, to restrain the movement of
the floor.
• In the remaining rows, stagger joints 4˝-6˝ (10-15 cm) apart. Install the rest of the floor. Be sure all joints are
tight.
Complete the Installation (All Installation Methods)
• Remove all tape and clean the floor with the recommended hardwood flooring cleaner.
• Inspect the floor, filling all minor gaps with the appropriate blended filler.
INSTALLERS – ADVISE YOUR CUSTOMER OF THE FOLLOWING
Seasons: Heating and Non-heating; Heating Season (Dry): Non-Heating Season (Humid, Wet):
NOTE: Final inspection by the end-user should occur from a standing position.
For questions, call customer care 1-800-233-3823; Monday-Friday; 9:00 am - 4:30 pm ET
http://www.floorexpert.com.
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