Installation Instructions
042-14 CFS Solid Hardwood Flooring Installation Instructions Page | 3
approved suspended wood subfloors, although they are not recommended for full bathroom installations. Basements and crawl
spaces must be dry. Crawl spaces must be a minimum of 18” from the ground to the underside of the joists with cross ventilation
equal to 1.5 square feet of vent openings per 1000 square feet of the flooring area. A vapor inhibitor (6-8 mil black polyethylene
film) must be put in crawl spaces with joints overlapped and taped. Sub-floors must be checked for moisture content using the
appropriate metering device for wood substrates.
Performing Moisture Tests:
WOOD SUBSTRATES:
Test the moisture of the wood sub-floor using a calibrated moisture meter approved for testing wood moisture according to the
meter manufacturer. The reading should not exceed 12%, or read more than 5% different than the moisture content of the product
being installed.
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. CFS Solid 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 Solid 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 Solid Hardwood Flooring directly over particle-board or
unapproved OSB
STEP 4: Preparing the Sub-floor
For wood panel subfloors:
Ensure that there is proper expansion space (1/8”) between the panels. If the panels are not tongue and grooved, and if
there is not sufficient expansion space, use a circular saw to create the necessary space. Do not saw through tongue and
groove joints on T&G subfloors.
Ensure they are structurally sound: Replace any water-damaged, swollen or delaminated sub-flooring or underlayment that
is unable to properly hold fasteners. When possible, plywood sheets should be laid with grained outer plies at right angles
to joists; adjacent rows staggered four feet and nailed every 6" along each joist with 7d or larger nails. Leave a 1/8" gap at
the edges and nail with 7d or larger nails every 6" at the edges and every 12" in both directions and through the interior of
each sheet of plywood. It is normal for mechanically (staple/nail/cleat) fastened floors to make minor occasional noises
such as popping, squeaking, or crackling which can change as environmental changes occur. Noise from subfloors is not
considered a manufacturing related issue and is not warranted by CFS. You can help reduce popping, squeaking, or
crackling by being sure that the subfloor is secured properly (as explained above) and is structurally sound, that there is no
loose joists or decking, and is swept very thoroughly prior to installation.
All Sub-floors must be:
CLEAN: scraped, sanded, or swept; free of wax, grease, paint, oil, and other debris.
SMOOTH/FLAT: within 3/16” over 10’ and/or 1/8” over 6’. Sand high areas or joints. Fill low areas (no more than 1/8”) with
a cement type filler.