Installation Guide
3.4 Solid Rev 012113 Page 5
1. Do not install 3/4” Solid Hardwood Flooring below grade
level. Use only on or above ground level.
2. Make sure mechanical fastener is approved for use in
OSB if plywood is not used as a substrate.
3. Do not install from multiple pallets without checking for
color compatibility.
4. Lay out several cartons to check quality and grading and
“rack” or stagger the end joints in random lengths.
5. Leave ¾” at all perimeter walls and vertical structures to
allow for expansion.
6. The mechanical fastener cannot be used on the first and
last few rows. Pre-drill, nail with 10D nails, countersink
nails and use matching putty to fill nail holes.
7. Rows to be hand nailed may be drilled at an angle through
the top of the tongue to hide nail heads.
8. Lay flooring perpendicular to the direction of the floor
joists.
9. Occasionally, a plank may be slightly bowed. Nail one end
first, and then use the pry bar to push the other end in
place.
10. Using shorter pieces at undercut door jams will help when
fitting flooring in place.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
• Sweep regularly with a soft bristle broom or dry dust
mop.
• Vacuums with a beater bar or power rotary brush
head can damage a wood floor and should not be
used. Instead use a suction only type vacuum.
• Wipe up spills promptly and use approved hardwood
cleaner...
• Use felt protectors under heavy pieces of furniture
and chairs.
• Use protective mats at all exterior entrances.
• Spiked heels or shoes in need of repair can severely
damage flooring.
• Replace hard plastic, metal casters, or wheels on
furniture with soft rubber casters or by using a
protective mat under the casters.
• Never wet mop your wood floors. Excess moisture or
liquids can cause damage to wood flooring.
• Use only Mohawk FloorCare Essentials Hardwood
Cleaner or Columbia Flooring Hardwood Cleaner.
Never use oil soaps, wax, or other household
products to clean your floor.
• Keep pet nails trimmed.
• Protect your floor when using a dolly for moving
furniture or appliances.
• Use protective window coverings to protect hardwood
floors from excessive heat during periods of direct
sunlight.
• Never use rubber backed rugs or pads as they may
damage hardwood floors. Area rugs should be soft,
non-abrasive, and urethane backed.
Hardwood flooring will scratch and dent
With today’s active lifestyles it is important to note that hardwood
flooring can, and will, scratch and dent. See Tips & Warnings for
protecting your hardwood floor. In order to prevent excessive abuse
the use of strategically placed mats and area rugs as well as floor
protectors on chair and table legs are a must.
Walk off mats
Exterior and interior walk off mats should be used at all exterior
entrances to avoid exposure to moisture from tracking during periods
of inclement weather. Walk off mats should be routinely maintained
to avoid becoming a soil source. Do not use mats or under mat
cushions constructed of rubber or PVC. Instead use urethane
backed products.
Hardwoods react to sunlight
Hardwood contains certain types of acids in their cellular structure.
With exposure to sunlight these acids begin to amber. The color
change is referred to as patina. The wood will reach its own natural
warmth and patina level and stop ambering. The amount of patina is
directly related to the species, amount of acids and the level of
sunlight. The entire floor will reach the same patina over time. This is
often noticed after a rug is removed and the floor is noticeably
different in color underneath. If you remove the rug and expose the
entire floor to the same amount of light, it will even out over time and
become uniform in color.
WARRANTY
A copy of the Warranty may be obtained by calling the
Technical Service Department at 888-387-9881 option 3.
Installer should record moisture readings in the space below
and leave with homeowner as part of their records.
Wood Subfloor
Moisture
Content:
________% Moisture Content of Subfloor
________% Moisture Content of Hardwood
________% Difference between subfloor & flooring
Concrete Subfloor
Test Method
Used:
_____ Calcium Chloride (ASTM F1869)
_____ RH (ASTM F2170-02)1869
_____ Electronic Meter (Tramex or equivalent)
Moisture
Readings
: