Installation Guide
RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
FLOATING * STAPLE-DOWN * GLUE-DOWN
V.070417
PRE-INSTALLATION CHECK LIST
1: INSPECT ALL MATERIALS CAREFULLY BEFORE INSTALLATION contact the manufacturer at 561-804-1711 for questions
2: CALCULATE THE TOTAL SURFACE AREA of the room(s) and add 10% for cutting and waste.
3: HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS must be fully operational at least 14 days prior to flooring installation, maintaining a minimum
room temperature between 60-80° Fahrenheit and relative humidity of 35-55%(to perform optimally without gapping, cupping,
warping). Warranties do not cover natural expansion and contraction which results in separation between boards. This is especially
true regarding flooring in seasonal or vacation homes without proper indoor climate conditions.
4. ACCLIMATE A MIMIMUM OF FIVE (5) days prior to installing. DO NOT OPEN THE CARTONS. Do not store in unclimatized
buildings, garages, sheds, directly on bare concrete or next to outside walls. Cartons should be placed close to the center of the
installation area as possible. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat/air vents.
5.ON GRADE, and ABOVE GRADE ARE APPROVED INSTALLATION LEVELS - below grade, such as basements are not approved
6. MOST FLOORING FAILURES RESULT FROM JOBSITE MOISTURE. Do not unpack flooring until moisture problems are corrected.
Sources of elevated moisture should be identified and corrected before installation
a. For concrete subfloors, Tramex Moisture Meter (maximum reading of 4.5)
b. For wood subfloors, there should be no more than 12% moisture content
7. DO NOT INSTALL IN - wet areas, saunas, pool rooms, below grade, basements or over radiant heat sub-floors.
8. SUB-FLOOR MUST BE LEVEL or floor could flex, causing creaking. Level subfloor to 3/16″ in 8′ radius.
9. DO NOT INSTALL OVER carpeting, floating floors or by electric baseboard heaters.
10. EXPANSION SPACE IS REQUIRED 5/8” around perimeter walls and vertical surfaces. Do not install flooring under permanent or
fixed cabinetry. The floor must have 1/16” clearance under the door casing to be able to float freely without vertical restriction.
11. COLOR VARIATION – Hardwood is a natural material and variations in color, knots, and mineral lines are to be expected. Mix
planks from 3-4 cartons at a time to ensure a good blend of the natural variation.
12. ALWAYS STAGGER THE END JOINTS of adjacent rows a minimum of 8”, to maintain locking system strength.
13. AFTER THE FLOOR IS COMPLETELY INSTALLED Never cover a newly installed floor with plastic. Use a breathable material such as
Kraft paper. Non‐breathing coveringscancausethefloorto becomedamagedfromhumiditybuildups.