Installation Guide

Glue Down Installation
PLEASE NOTE: ANY EXCESS GLUE WHICH SEEPS ONTO THE SURFACE OF THE FLOOR MUST BE REMOVED
IMMEDIATELY WITH ADHESIVE REMOVER.
The steps in glue down method are very similar to the floating installation method. The only difference is the application
of the glue to the subfloor prior to installation. For more detail instruction, see the floating installation section.
Step 1 – Set up
• Cut off the tongue from the long edge of the boards for the first rows.
• Ensure expansion gap by marking off a starting line 1/2" away from the starting wall. Use board or spacers if
available during installation.
Floating Installation
Step 1 – Install the First Row
• When possible, begin installation from the straightest wall. If possible, install the floor perpendicular to the
floor joists.
• Cut off the tongue from the first row planks.
• Allow 1/2" expansion gap between plank and the walls. Use spacers or board.
• Place the first plank with the groove sides facing away from the walls.
• Place the upper drop-lock end of the second plank on the lower drop-lock end of the first plank. The ends do
not click lock. Maintain straight edge along the rows.
• Continue placing the succeeding planks to complete the row until you come to the last plank.
Step 2 – Install the Second and Remaining Rows
• Cut off section of the first plank lengthwise to ensure 6" joints staggering.
• Hold the plank with the tongue facing the previous row. Keep it at about 30° angle.
• Insert the tongue into the groove.
• Make sure the tongue are snuggly and securely engaged in the groove by exerting a constant pressure in the
direction of the groove.
• Maintain the pressure while pressing the plank flat to lock the edge joints.
• If there is a slight along the edge joints, it can be eliminated with the help of a tapping block and a plastic mallet.
Use caution to prevent impact damage.
Technical Support
For installation information and technical questions not covered in this installation guide, please contact our
Technical Support Representative by calling the toll free number below.
Toll Free Number:
1-800-986-3460
Care and Maintenance
Daily Maintenance
1. Sweep dust mop or vacuum your floor regularly to remove any particles that could cause abrasion or scratch your floor.
CAUTION: Vacuums with a beater bar or power rotary brush head can damage a floor and should never be used.
2. Use a damp mop to remove spots and soil. Apply appropriate cleaning solution to the cleaning cloth / mop. Do NOT
apply directly to the floor.
• For lightly soiled area, clean with distilled water.
•
For moderately soiled area, use a mild solution of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. Isopropyl alcohol is commonly
referred to as rubbing alcohol and is sold in 50% to 70% concentrations. This product should be diluted by mixing one
part alcohol and 2 parts distilled water.
• For tougher spots, use a higher concentration of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water.
• For extreme cases, a solution of nail polish remover and distilled water can be used.
HINT: For best results, clean the floor in the same direction of the planks. When the cleaning cloth/mop becomes soiled,
rinse or replace it with a clean one. Following up with a clean, dry cloth will remove residual streak marks and spots.
3. Do NOT leave any amount of liquids (water, juice, soft drinks, spills, etc.) on the floor. Clean any wet spots immediately.
4. Do NOT use a steam cleaner.
5. Do NOT use a wet mop or douse floor with water or liquid cleaners. Liquid can seep between the cracks and cause
moisture damage.
6. Do NOT use any cleaning agents containing wax, oil or polish. Left over residue will form a dull film.
7. Do NOT use steel wool or scouring powder which will scratch the floor.
Branded or Off-the-shelf Floor Care Products
• If none of the above are effective and you choose to use a store bought product, test the product in a
non-conspicuous area (i.e., closet, corner, or scrap pieces) for potential adverse side effects.
Preventative Maintenance
• Protect your floor when using a dolly for moving furniture or appliances. Protective sheets and/or plywood may be
needed. Never slide or roll heavy furniture or appliances across the floor.
• Place protective pads beneath furniture legs and other heavy objects.
• Avoid excessive exposure to water from being tracked in during periods of inclement weather.
• Minimize abrasive material and dirt by placing mats on both sides of exterior doors and by using area rugs in
high-traffic areas
• Rearrange furniture and rugs periodically to avoid uneven color and shade changes from light exposure.
• Use protective mats beneath rolling chairs and keep furniture casters clean.
• Keep pets’ nails trimmed.
• Remove shoes with cleats, spikes or exceptionally pointy heels before walking on the floor.
Climate Maintenance
• Care should be taken to control humidity levels within the 35% - 55% range. Flooring, especially hardwood and
bamboo, dimensions will be affected by varying levels of humidity.
• Dry Climates: A humidifier is recommended to maintain humidity levels. Wood stoves and electric heat tend to
create very dry conditions during the winter months this also will cause shrinkage in flooring.
• Humid, Wet Climates: By using an air conditioner, heater, or dehumidifier proper humidity levels can be maintained
to prevent excessive expansion due to high moisture content.
Floor Repair
• Very light and small surface scratches can be repaired with a staining “touch up” pen of the appropriate color.
• Slightly deeper scratches can be repaired by means of colored putty and or stains. Fill the scratches with the putty.
Level with putty knife. Wipe off excess putty.
• Very deep scratches may require the replacement of the planks.
Warranty
This flooring product comes with a manufacturer Limited Wear Warranty. The warranty applies to original
purchaser of the flooring. It warrants the original purchaser that the finish surface will not wear through for
duration of the stated warranty from the date of purchase. Please contact our Customer Service Representative
by calling our toll free number or send in the warranty registration below for a written copy which provides detail
terms of coverage and limitations.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
UPON RECEIPT OF THIS REGISTRATION FORM AND COPY OF RECEIPT, WE WILL SEND YOU A WRITTEN
WARRANTY DOCUMENT. SEND THE COMPLETED FORM ALONG WITH A COPY OF PROOF OF PURCHASE TO:
DISTRIBUTED BY:
HOME DEPOT
2455 PACES FERRY RD., N.W.
ATLANTA, GA 30339
1-800-986-3460
Step 3 - Install the Last Row
• Use the pull bar to draw the last row to
fit tightly to the previous row.
8" X 20" - English HDF Bamboo Flooring - Back - 3/10/14
Accessories: Pictures are for general illustrative purposes only. Actual products may differ from picture.
T-Molding
Used to create a transition between floor coverings of similar heights or to cover an expansion gap.
Stair Nose
Used in conjunction with flooring installed on stair steps or finished edge of a higher level floor like in a sunken living room.
Hard Surface Reducer
Used to transition to another hard surface flooring of different heights such as tile, vinyl, concrete.
Wall Base
Used to give a finished look at the base of the walls. It can be used with or without Quarter Round.
Quarter Round
Used to cover the expansion space between the Wall Base and your flooring. It can also be used them to make
smooth transitions between the floor and cabinetry. It can be used with or without Wall Base molding.
Carpet Reducer
(also called Baby Threshold or End Cap) is used to transition floor coverings of differing heights.
This reducer strip is also commonly used to border a fireplace, sliding glass door and other exterior door jambs.
Step 2 – Spreading the glue
• Spread the glue from the starting line out in the direction of the
center of the room, the width of two planks. Or spread only enough
glue to install what can be set within 45 minutes (15 minutes of
OPEN TIME and an additional 30 minutes for actual installation.
Usually about two rows width coverage). Different manufacturer
may require different open time and set time.
• Repeat with the next two rows, etc.
CARPET REDUCER
FLOORING
CARPET
HARD SURFACE
REDUCER
RESILIENT
FLOOR
FLOORING
FLOORING STAIR NOSE
RISER
STAIR TREAD
T-MOULDING
FLOORING
FLOORING
FLOORING
WALL BASE
WALL
FLOORING
QUARTER ROUND
WALL
Step 3 – Install the first two rows
• Install the first row of starter planks.
• The last plank of the first row may have to be cut to size. Discard remainder because the tongue has been removed .
• Install the second row. Make sure there is a random staggering at the end joints of at least 6" apart.
• Be attentive to staggering the ends of the boards correctly in adjacent rows to avoid clustering end joints.
• Any glue that comes in contact with the face of the board should be removed immediately using adhesive
remover formulated for the glue being used. Follow adhesive manufacturer’s instruction on adhesive removal.
Step 4 – Install the remaining Rows
• Spread another section of glue. Never spread more that can be covered before the adhesive is set. If adhesive
is set and will not transfer to the back of the plank, scrape off the adhesive and apply fresh adhesive.
• Continue to install the next rows. Make sure there is a random staggering at the end joints of at least 6" apart.
• Do not forget the 1/2" space for expansion between floor and the walls.
• Repeat the process for additional rows.
• Make sure that there is 100% contact between the wood floor and the adhesive.
Customer Name
Customer Address
City, State, ZIP Code
Phone/E-mail
Product Model Number
Product Description
Date Purchase
Retailer Name
Retailer Address
City, State, ZIP Code
Installer
Finishing Touches
• Clean the floor.
• Use matching putty where necessary.
• Install or reinstall all wall trim pieces. Nail them through the wall, but not to the subfloor to avoid restricting the
expansion gap.
• Install transition trim pieces. Nail them to the subfloor, not the flooring.
• At doorways, transitions should be used to protect the edges of the floor and to provide a decorative transition
from one floor type to another.
• If the floor is to be covered, use a breathable material such as cardboard. Do not cover with plastic.