Installation & Assembly

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For nail-down installation, you will also need: Industrial Flooring Stapler or Nailer with appropriate adapter shoe to assure
the proper position for the nail/staple - 1/2” x 1-1/2” staples for the floor runner stapler (18 gauge); 1-1/2” L-shaped
cleats (18 gauge), Air compressor
For floating installation, you’ll also need: 6-mil polyfilm or a 3-1 underlayment designed for use with floating hardwood floors,
Taylor 2049 Floating Tongue & Groove Adhesive, 3M Blue Tape designated for use with wood flooring.
Acceptable Subfloor Types:
• Plywood (at least 23/32” thick), Underlayment grade particleboard -floating/glue-down only), OSB PS2 rated (at
least 23/32” thick) – Note: Some particle board and OSB may not be compatible with some flooring adhesives, re-
sulting in flooring installation failure and/or squeaky floors. We recommend you test compatibility prior to in-
stallation as issues related to subfloor are not covered in this warranty.
• Concrete slab - high compression strength required for glue-down installation. Floating method required for gyp-
sum or light-weight concrete
• Existing wood floor
• Ceramic tile (floating/glue-down only)
• Resilient tile & sheet vinyl (floating/glue-down only)
STARTING YOUR INSTALLATION
—Make sure subfloor is tested for moisture first and is properly prepared.
—Since wood expands with any increase in moisture content, always leave at least a 3/8” expansion space between
flooring and all walls and any other permanent vertical objects, (such as pipes and cabinets). This space will be covered up
once you reapply base moldings around the room. Use wood or plastic spacers during installation to maintain this 3/8” ex-
pansion space.
—When laying flooring, stagger end joints from row to row by at least 8”. When cutting the last plank in a row to fit, you can
use the cut-off end to begin the next row. If cut-off end is 8” in length or less, discard it and instead cut a new plank at a
random length and use it to start the next row. Always begin each row from the same side of the room.
—Work from several open boxes of flooring and “dry lay” the floor before permanently laying the floor, but never open more
than a few boxes in advance. This will allow you to select the varying grains & colors and to arrange them in a harmonious
pattern. It also allows you the opportunity to select out very dark/ light pieces for use in hidden areas in order to create a
more uniform floor. Remember, it is the installers’ responsibility to set the expectations of what the finished floor will look like
with the end user first and then to cull out pieces that do not meet those expectations.
—To draw planks together, always use a tapping block, (a short piece of flooring), and hammer, as tapping the flooring itself
will result in edge damage. When near a wall, you can use a pry bar to pry close the side and end joints. Take care not to
damage edge of flooring. For glue down & floating applications, use 3M Blue Tape (designated for use with wood flooring)
to hold any pieces, which might have side bow and the need to hold them straight & tight until the adhesive sets up.
—Begin installation next to an outside wall. This is usually the straightest and best reference for establishing a straight
working line. Establish this line by measuring an equal distance from the wall at both ends and snapping a chalk line. The
distance you measure from the wall should be the width of a plank plus about 3/8” for expansion space. You may need to
scribe cut the first row of planks to match the wall in order to make a straight working line if the wall is out of straight.
—You may want to dry lay a few rows, (no glue or nails), before starting installation to confirm your layout decision and
working line.
NOTE: If the flooring is to be installed adjacent to any cabinets, install cabinets first and run the floor to the cabi-
nets. Do not install the cabinets on top of the floor. Water damage is common around cabinets and it will be much
harder to spot repair the floor if the cabinets are installed on top of the flooring.