Installation Instructions

REV 4‐1‐2020
Installation Instructions
5/8” Solid Prefinished Flooring
APPLICATIONS
Prefinished solid hardwood floors are typically installed using standard flooring nailers or staplers. Natural variations and
characteristics within species such as hardness and brittleness can affect installation time or workability and is not
considered a manufacture defect. This flooring is not intended for below-grade or radiant heat applications. In addition,
approved underlayments can be applied under this flooring to meet the needs of customers, building specifiers and
condominium associations desiring a quieter and warmer floor.
HANDLE WITH CARE
It is understood that wood products are sensitive to moisture, temperature and humidity. Store your new flooring inside in
the area to be installed not in buildings, garages, sheds without climate controls or directly on bare concrete or next to
outside walls. It is important to keep wood flooring dry, protect the flooring from rain or snow during transportation. Lay the
flooring flat in a dry, level place. Provide air flow under and around cartons. Cartons should be placed close to the center
of the installation area as possible. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat/air vents. To prevent board warping,
twisting or bowing do not cut the outside plastic banding straps or remove product from the box until ready to install.
OWNER/INSTALLER RESPONSIBILITIES
Wood flooring is a product of nature characterized by distinctive variations in grain, pattern, and color. These natural
variations are neither flaws or defects, but rather the natural beauty and uniqueness of wood, and should be expected.
Only stained products will have the most uniformity in color or shade. Before beginning the installation, first determine if
the job site and subfloor conditions are acceptable. The in-home environment, weather fluctuations and product storage
can adversely affect all organic materials (SEE ACCLIMATION.) The customer/installer is responsible for final inspection
of quality, and for moisture testing the subfloor and wood flooring. During installation, use reasonable board selectivity and
good judgment. From a standing position any individual board deemed unacceptable in appearance should not be used.
Defects should be cut off placing the remainder in closets or near walls. To minimize gapping, boards of similar widths
should be placed together in the same row. A reasonable amount of installed flooring (up to 25% or 100sqft whichever is
less) is enough to determine acceptance of quality. Because installation constitutes acceptance, once the flooring is
completely installed, it is deemed appropriate for use by all parties concerned. If milling or quality issues are suspected
stop the installation and call your distributor sales representative or claims administrator immediately. The manufacturer
shall not be responsible for costs associated with repairing or replacing flooring installed with visible defects. Our floors are
manufactured in accordance with accepted industry standards that may allow possible defects not to exceed 5%.
Depending on layout, custom installations and species selection additional material should be included in the order to
complete the project. The use of putty, stains, wood blend sticks or markers to touch-up prefinished hardwood flooring
before, during and after installation is considered normal practice.
JOB SITE INSPECTION
The yard around the workspace should be graded to allow water to run away from the building. The building must be
enclosed. The crawl space or basement must be dry. Crawl space should be a minimum 18” from the ground to the
underside of the joist. To prevent moisture related issues such as buckling or cupping, all wet trades involving water or