Installation Guide

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
FLOATING * STAPLE-DOWN * GLUE-DOWN
V.070417
STAPLE-DOWN
Check with fastener manufacturer for specification such as length, drill size, and/or shot load
BASIC TOOLS REQUIRED
1. 15 lb. asphalt saturated felt paper (or similar vapor retarder)
2. 4D or 6D finishing nails Tape measure
3. Air pressure stapler
4. Staples
5. Wood or plastic spacers (5/8”)
6. Miter saw (chop-saw)
7. Undercut or jamb saw
8. Earplugs, safety glasses, mask
Blind nail into groove every 3-4”
1. INSTALL VAPOR RETARDER
Prior to installing flooring roll out 15 lb. asphalt saturated felt paper (or similar for stated use)– overlap joints 6” and staple if
needed. However, by today’s standards, asphalt saturated Kraft or felt paper may not be an effective vapor retarder in all
applications. This material will help to keep the floor clean and help to retard moisture from below (there is no complete moisture
barrier system for staple or nail-down applications).
2. When installing the floor leave an expansion space of 5/8” between the first row of planks and the starter wall.
3. For the entire first row, the groove extension is facing away from the start wall. Pre-drill holes 1” away from the back starting edge
of the first row of planks. These holes will be used to face-nail 4D or 6D finishing nails. You want to drill approximate 1-2” from each
end of the planks, and at 6” intervals between holes. Be sure to countersink the nails (they need to be slightly recessed into the face
of the plank). HELPFUL HINT: Open several cartons and use the longer planks available for the first two rows.
4. For remaining rows, continue to work from left to right by stapling at 45° angle through the groove of every board approximately
1” to 2” from each of the ends of every plank, and then in 3”-4” intervals in between. Countersink the staples (into the groove) to
ensure flush engagement of tongue with the following rows. Continue stapling using this method with following rows. (HELPFUL
HINT: To ensure a good visual as well as ensuring the structural integrity of the installation, do not install the planks in such a way
that the end joints from one row to the other are closer than 8” apart).
5. To effectively countersink the staples, your air pressure must be correct. HELPFUL HINT: TEST- Set the compressor at 70 PSI. If
groove damage occurs, lower air pressure. You can test this before beginning. Check for surface damage, air pressure setting, groove
damage, edge blistering, etc., before proceeding. Make all adjustments and corrections before installation begins. Once proper
adjustments have been made, remove and destroy the test boards.
6. Install the remainder of the floor, working from several cartons. The last 1-2 rows will need to be face-nailed when clearance does
not permit blind nailing with the stapler. Pre-drill and face-nail just as described in the starting first row.