Installation & Assembly
2
Crucial Points to Remember
1. Installation should not be started until the wood has been at the jobsite for at least 4 days, but materials
should be allowed to acclimate for as long as necessary to meet minimum installation requirements for
moisture content in your area.
2. Install your floor under good lighting conditions. Installation site should be warmed up for 5 to 6 days
before wood delivery regardless of the season to remove residual moisture in the subfloor. The floor
surface must never be warmer than 85
0
F (29.5
0
C) or colder than 50
0
F (10
0
C) during or after
installation.
3. Plan your project by making an installation sketch. Determine the installation starting point. Consider if
it is one regular-shaped room, a number of rooms with landings, or rooms on one floor, including a hall
or main room. Think about how to get the most out of your pocket. If in doubt, ask your dealer for
advice.
4. Choose the floor plank direction. It is strongly recommended that you install boards at a 45
0
or 90
0
angle to the joist direction.
5. Take precautions at all times not to damage the finish. For example, place tools on a protective mat
during installation. Vacuum or sweep floor frequently to eliminate sawdust and abrasives. Do not use
vacuums with beater bars or hard plastic attachments.
6. Before starting installation, cut the bottom moldings around door frames to insert the floor planks
underneath. Expansion joint is necessary to allow the wood to react to changes in ambient humidity.
The expansion joint will be hidden by wood flooring moldings, such as T-molding, quarter round, etc.,
which will be nailed to the walls and not the floor.
Jobsite Preparation
Laying the floor should be the last step of your installation. Prior to the delivery of your flooring, make
sure that:
The jobsite is properly enclosed, with all doors and windows installed.
Concrete, plaster, paint and the subfloor are completely dry.
The heating or ventilation system is working properly and that the conditions inside your home have
been kept at an approximate temperature of 60-70
0
F (20
0
C) and a relative humidity of 35% to 50% for
at least two weeks.
The floor of the crawl space (if there is one) is completely covered by 6-8 mil black polyethylene film
and has adequate cross ventilation.
Wood Subfloor
The subfloor (plywood or OSB) moisture content should be between 6-10%, but not exceed 12%, and the
difference in moisture between the subfloor and floor planks should not be greater than 4%. If the
difference is too high, do not carry out installation. Please refer to the Equilibrium Moisture Content of
Wood Map to determine acceptable moisture levels for your area. Wooden subfloors must be securely
screwed down to joists to prevent any movements or squeaks. Inspect existing subfloor and replace
subfloor that exhibits signs of water damage or structural weakness.
IMPORTANT: When it comes to floor installation, moisture is an important element that should
be emphasized. The installer and homeowner are jointly responsible for checking
the subfloor moisture content. If the moisture content is too high, postpone floor
installation. Never install a hardwood floor on wood subfloor if moisture test
reading exceeds 12%. Any responsibility for failures or deficiencies related to job
site quality is declined by the manufacturer.