Installation & Assembly

INSTALLATION
INSTALLING FIRST ROW
1. Set spacers to allow a minimum gap of ¼" around the perimeter of the subfloor for movement or product
expansion. Do not remove the spacers until the installation is complete. The expansion gaps should be covered
by molding.
2. Measure the length of the room in inches. Divide it by the width of the planks that are to be installed. If the
resulting number is less than the to be installed plank width, you will need to cut your first-row planks
accordingly to avoid having planks that are less than the plank width on the opposite end of the room.
Note: To cut a plank, simply measure and mark the plank. Then, use a straight edge and utility knife to score
and snap. You will also need to back-cut the under pad on the bottom of the plank. If you have difficult
y using
this method, you can use a jig saw, circular saw or miter saw.
3. Installation should start in a left-hand corner and proceed from the wall with the tongue facing the wall.
Position the first plank 6" from the starting wall but not up against th
e spacers. The entire row will be moved
against the spacers in a later step.
4. The end joints of the planks in the first row are assembled by sliding planks together and gently dropping the
short side of the plank into the short side of the adjoining plank. To secure the joint, press down with your
thumbs on both ends of the short sides and continue pressing until you hear the “click” sound of the drop-lock
system. It is important to ensure that the plank ends are perfectly aligned, smooth, and level.
Cut the last piece of the row to fit and allow for the ¼" expansion gap (if you have not already done so). Install
as shown.
INSTALLING SECOND & REMAINING ROWS
5. Cut the first plank of the second row to two-thirds its length or make sure there will be at least an 8" stagger
between end joints. Angle the long tongue edge of the plank into the long groove edge of the first plank. Drop
and lock the end joints together. Make sure there are no gaps, do not tap the short end into place if the long
joint is not properly engaged, as doing so can cause damage to the tongue and groove.
Note: When starting a new row, you can use the cut piece from the previous row, as
long as it is more than 8"
and the stagger between seams still is greater than 8".
6. Attach the second plank by connecting the long side to the first row and sliding it up to the short end of the
first plank. Check that the long joints of the planks are properly engaged and then press the short joint into
place with your fingers.
7. Lightly tap down on top of the plank at the short joint with the soft-faced rubber hammer. Continue installing
the remainder of the row in this fashion.
8. After installing the last piece of the second row, slide the entire assembly against the spacers on the starting
wall, maintaining the required ¼" expansion gap.
9. Install remaining rows, one row after the other, and maintain the required 8" stagger throughout the install.
Tap and square each plank as in step 7.
INSTALLING THE LAST ROW
10. Most often the entire length of the last row will need to be cut so that it is narrow enough to fit the remaining
space. Cut the first plank of the last row to length (if necessary to follow stagger pattern). Place directly on top
of the previously installed row. Then, take another plank and place it against the wall on top of the plank to be
cut for width. Mark the plank (length-wise), cut to size. Remember to allow for the ¼" expansion gap against
fixed objects.
Install the plank with the cut side always facing the wall. Continue to cut and install remainder of the planks in
the last row.
Note: Be sure to leave a minimum of ¼" expansion space around all fi
xed objects, cabinetry, and metal door
jambs.
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