Installation Guide

Doc. ID: 282 Rev: 3 Effective: 6-27-2022 Page | 2
Wood floors are natural products containing natural variations. Variations in color, tone, grain, mineral streaks, small knots and other
characters are found from plank to plank. Similar variations exist between samples, pictures and purchased flooring. They are normal and it
does not mean the product is defective.
Flooring to be installed in one large area should be purchased at the same time. Product purchased at a later time than the first purchase
may vary beyond your expectations.
Accessories, trims and moldings are manufactured to coordinate with the varied appearances of the floor planks. Any exact matches are
coincidental. Non-matching accessories are not defective products.
This product is manufactured according to strict quality standards. In the event that defects are discovered in the field, the industry
standards permit a defect tolerance not to exceed 5%. The defects may be of any type, whether manufactured or natural. Order an
additional 5% extra for cutting wastage and grading allowances (10% for diagonal installations).
During installation, inspect the planks continuously. Defects that can be seen from a standing position should be cut off or held out.
Installing defective planks implies acceptance.
Squeaking and clicking noises are the result of interactions among flooring, joists and subfloors when they move. Limiting the movements of
the flooring system usually eliminates most of these noises. Sometimes, it is impossible to eliminate them completely and minor squeaking
or clicking noises are to be accepted as normal flooring phenomenon. Minor scratches can generally be repaired with the use of putty, stain
or filler. It is an industry standard practice of flooring installation and it should be accepted as normal by the home owner.
If You Need More Information
To assure the warranty is not inadvertently voided, before proceeding with any activity that is not covered in this manual, please contact our
Technical Support Department.
Acclimation and In-service Conditions
Acclimation is the process of adjusting (conditioning) the moisture content of hardwood flooring to the environment in which it is
expected to perform. The hardwood flooring is fully acclimated when its moisture content and dimensions (width and length) are stable.
For example, the averaged dimensions and moisture content remain constant for 3 consecutive days. Flooring must acclimate for as long
as necessary to reach fully acclimated stage. Acclimation time varies depending on geographical area, interior climate control and time
of the year. Minimum acclimation time is 48 hours. In open box, open plastic wrap.
Elevate cartons from the floor by placing them on 2”X 2” lumber or equivalence. Place spacers (3/4” to 1” sticks) between each layer or
cross stack the layers for maximum exposure to ambient conditions. Acclimation temperature range is 60°F-80°F and relative humidity
(RH) of 35%-55%. Conditions in which the floor was acclimated should be maintained continuously thereafter. Document as much
acclimation information as possible below.
Date: ______________
Relative Humidity (%):______
Temperature (°F): __ __
Subfloor Type:______________________
Subfloor Avg. Moisture Content
(%):_______
Acclimation Period: ___________
Pre-acclimation Flooring Avg. Moisture
Content (%): _______
Pre-acclimation Flooring Width:
__________
Pre-acclimation Flooring Length:
_________
Post-acclimation Flooring Avg. Moisture
Content (%): _______
Post-acclimation Flooring Width:
_________
Post-acclimation Flooring Length:
_________
Job Site Condition
Prior to installation, the installer must ensure that at the time of installation, the job site conditions including subfloor/substrate, ambient
temperature and relative humidity, and all impacting variables will not negatively affect floor. Home Legend will decline responsibility for
damages associated with improper installation or poor site conditions.
Storage and Conditions
Do not store flooring in uncontrolled environmental conditions. For example, garages and exterior patios are not acceptable areas to store
flooring. Handle and unload wood flooring with care and store within the environmentally controlled site in which it is expected to perform.
Flooring stored on concrete slab should be elevated at least four inches to allow air circulation under cartons.
Existing Home
Existing home should have a consistent room temperature of 60°F-80°F and relative humidity (RH) of 35%-55%. Continual deviation from
these conditions will affect the dimensions of flooring. During heating season, humidity may be much lower than the acceptable range.
During heating season, a humidifier is recommended to prevent excess shrinkage flooring to low humidity levels. During the non-heating
season, humidity levels can be maintained by using an air conditioner, dehumidifier, or by turning on your heating system periodically.
New Construction or Remodel
All work involving water, such as pouring basement concrete floors, drywall and plasterwork, plumbing, etc. must be completed well in
advance of the floor delivery. Ensure that the building is enclosed. Where building codes allow, permanent heating and/or air conditioning
systems should be operating at least five days preceding installation to promote proper acclimation and should be maintained during and
after installation. If it is not possible for the permanent heating and/or air conditioning system to be operating before, during and after
installation, a temporary heating and/or dehumidification system that simulate normal living (occupied) conditions can enable the installation