Installation Instructions
042-14 CFS Engineered Hardwood Flooring Installation Instructions Page | 4
Perform a pH Alkalinity Test (a 3% Phenolphthalein in Anhydrous alcohol solution). Chip the concrete at least ¼” deep (do
not apply directly to the concrete surface) and apply several drops of the solution to the chipped area. If any color change
occurs, further testing is required. Using the number method on the test, a pH reading of 6-9 on a pH scale of 1-14 is
considered acceptable. If the tests results exceed this number, the concrete slab should be sealed with an appropriate
sealer such as CFS Complete 3 N 1 Adhesive (which also acts as a sealer when applied with an appropriate spread rate – see
“Installing With Adhesive” below), prior to installation. CFS is not responsible for Hydrostatic, Hygrostatic, or Thermal
dynamics resulting from an improper concrete slab installation. If performing a floating installation over concrete, another
option is to lay out a 6 mil Polyethylene Film or a 2 in 1 Underlayment prior to installing the floor. This will act as the
moisture barrier between the concrete and the hardwood flooring.
STEP 2: Storing the Material Prior to Installation
Once the building meets the conditions in Step 1, the material can be delivered to the site. Handle and unload the flooring with care
and store within the area in which it is expected to perform. Flooring stored on concrete floors should be elevated at least four
inches to allow circulation under the cartons. Cartons must be stored horizontally (parallel to the ground). Never store them
standing on end. Stack the cartons 3-4 high to insure efficient acclimation. Do not store directly upon on grade concrete or next to
outside walls. Cartons should be placed as close to the center of the installation area as possible, away from exterior walls, windows,
and doors. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from air vents. Leave all boxes SEALED while they are acclimating (this allows all
boards to acclimate within the boxes at the same rate). CFS Engineered Hardwood flooring must acclimate for a minimum of 48
hours prior to installation. Extra precautions requiring additional acclimation may be necessary during extreme weather conditions.
STEP 3: Approved Subfloor Types
Radiant Heat Subfloors are Not Approved By CFS and installations of CFS Engineered Hardwood Floors are not warranted over
Radiant Heated Substrates.
It is the sole responsibility of the purchaser to determine that all subfloor types meet the required specifications.
Wood Panel Subfloors
(Truss/joist spacing will determine the minimum acceptable thickness.
On truss/joist spacing of 16” on center or less, use a minimum 5/8”CDX or better grade plywood panel or 23/32” APA E1 PS
2 rated NWFA approved OSB panel.
On truss/joist spacing of more than 16” up to 19.2” on center, use a minimum 3/4” Tongue and Groove CDX or better grade
plywood panel, glued and mechanically fastened, or a minimum ¾” APA E1 PS 2 rated NWFA approved OSB panel, glued
and mechanically fastened.
Truss/joist systems spaced over more than 19.2” up to a maximum of 24” on center require a minimum 7/8” Tongue and
Groove CDX or better grade plywood panel, glued and mechanically fastened, or a minimum 7/8” APA E1 PS 2 rated NWFA
approved OSB panel glued and mechanically fastened.
WARNING: Do not use staples or glue method to install CFS Engineered Hardwood Flooring directly over particle-board
or unapproved OSB (use floating method only for installations over particle board and Unapproved OSB Substrates)
Concrete Substrates
Concrete subfloors on all grade levels must be tested for moisture content prior to installation of the hardwood flooring.
The moisture content of the concrete subfloor must register in the approved range, according to whichever test method is
used to determine the slab condition. (see performing moisture tests above). Concrete must be 60 to 90 days old with a PSI
rating (3000 psi or higher) that is approved by NWFA for installations of Engineered Flooring. Concrete slabs must be totally
flat– less than 3 lbs. /1000 sf. / 24 hr. moisture vapor transmission. Lightweight (Acoustic) Concrete must be solid with a PSI
rating of at least 2000 psi, that has no spalling (loose patches), or friable ,(crumbling), surface areas.
All Concrete subfloors must be:
CLEAN - Scraped or sanded, swept, and free of wax, grease, paint, oil and other debris.
SMOOTH and FLAT - Within 1/8” in a 6’ span. Sand or grind high areas or fill low areas with cement-based levelling
compound with no less than a 3000 psi rating.
Other Subfloors-
Test all substrates for proper adhesive bond prior to the use of GLUE DOWN METHOD and follow all recommendations provided
by the adhesive manufacturer regarding determining proper Substrates, conditions and exclusions.
Existing engineered wood floors (installed perpendicular to new floor) must be fully adhered, level, flat, and abraded to
accept adhesives, if staple installation method is used, the existing engineered floor must be at least 1/2" thick and installed
over a NWFA approved substrate.