Installation & Assembly
Temperature and humidity should be controlled for the life of the flooring. If there is a severe temperature or humidity
difference, make sure to condition the cartons of wood flooring and UltraSpread EZ Adhesive™ adhesive, if being used,
a minimum of 24 hours before the installation.
UltraSpread EZ Adhesive™ has a minimum working temperature of 65ºF. Never use UltraSpread EZ Adhesive™ below
this requirement. Open time for UltraSpread EZ Adhesive™ is affected by temperature and humidity. As a general rule,
the higher the temperature and humidity, the shorter the open time. If heating or air conditioning system is installed, it
needs to be on and operating. If it is not possible for the permanent heating/and or AC system to be operating before,
during and after install ,a temporary heating and/ or dehumidification system that mimics the permanent system can
be used until the permanent system is operating.
Please refer to the latest Professional Installation Guide for more information.
A. Radiant-Heated Subfloors
Most styles of Mannington engineered wood flooring may be installed over radiant-heated subfloors, provided the
surface temperature of the system does not exceed 85°F. Before installing Mannington engineered wood flooring
over a newly constructed radiant heating system, operate the system at maximum capacity to force any residual
moisture from the cementitious topping of the radiant heating system. Then set the thermostat to a comfortable
room temperature for the installation. All subfloor heating systems must be installed as recommended by their
manufacturers instructions. Mannington wood floor warranties do not cover problems caused by inadequate radiant
heating systems. Always check such systems as to their suitability in regard to wood flooring.
Mannington does not recommend installing the following species over radiant heat Brazilian Cherry or rotary peeled
Hickory (Maison - Hickory, and sawn hickory, may be installed over Radiant Heat. All other styles of hickory are not
recommended).
B. Subfloor/Underfloor Recommendations & Preparation
All subfloors must be installed as recommended by their manufacturers. Warranties offered by Mannington Wood
Floors do not cover problems caused by inadequate substrates or their improper installation.
Make certain to check subfloor thoroughly for the following:
• Subfloor must be cleaned. Remove all oil, dirt, grease, wax, sealers, paint, adhesives, or any other substance that
would hinder installation.
• Subfloor must be level to 1/4 inch per 10-foot span. To check, stretch a 10-foot string or lay a 10-foot straightedge
over the subfloor. If the subfloor dips or crowns 1/4 inch or more in the span, it must be leveled. Use a cementi-
tious patch or leveler to level low areas in the subfloor. If the floor has a crown or rise, level it by sanding to meet
the 1/4 inch specification. Recommend subfloor meet L/360 as a reference.
C. Wood Subfloor
All wood subfloors must be structurally sound, dry, at least 3/4 inch in thickness, solidly fastened to appropriately
spaced floor joists, and in compliance with all local building codes. For detailed information regarding each different
kind of subfloor, refer to the latest Professional Installation Guide.
First, make sure subfloor is dry. Subfloor wood moisture content cannot exceed 14% prior to installation. To determine
wood moisture content use a quality moisture meter.
Next, determine if subfloor is structurally sound. Use the following requirements as a guide:
• Planks may be installed (stapled, nailed, glued, or floated) to a single layer of 3/4 inch thick, tongue-and-groove
plywood or 3/4 inch structural grade oriented strand board (OSB) substrate over floor joists on 16 inch centers.
• If the subfloor is plywood or OSB less than 3/4 inch thick, add a second cross layer for strength and stability
(minimum 5/16 inch thick to total 1 inch in thickness). To reduce the possibility of squeaking, install the
underlayment per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• 19.2 inch and 24 inches on center joist spacing may be acceptable if the subfloor system is designed in accordance
with local building codes and is free of deflection/meaning no vertical movement.
NOTE: Structurally sound wood floors will not have movements or deflections. Subfloor movement or improper
subfloor installation will eventually cause squeaking. It is the owner’s responsibility to be certain the substrate and
substructure are in compliance with all local building codes. See Alternative Fastening Method available at
www.Mannington.com/Residential/Hardwood/Installation.aspx
CAUTION: Wood substrates directly fastened to concrete are not satisfactory for the installation of wood floor
coverings. This non-ventilated construction practice will result in deterioration of the wood substrate system and
may cause problems such as underlayment joint telegraphing. Mannington will not accept claims regarding
performance of our wood flooring products installed over this subfloor construction.
NOTE: Do not staple or nail down Mannington engineered wood flooring over particleboard subfloors.
D. Concrete Subfloors
All concrete subfloor systems must meet or exceed local building code specifications. For concrete slabs that are on
or below-grade it is recommended that they be constructed so that ground water vapor cannot penetrate.
Basement and crawl space must be dry. If power washing is required, do so before flooring is installed and allow to
subfloor and concrete to dry before installing flooring.