Installation Instructions

042-14 CFS Solid Hardwood Flooring Installation Instructions Page | 5
all nails to ensure the next boards install smoothly. Make sure to use a nail set to countersink the nails – failure to do so can
damage the surface of the wood. Keep blind-nailing the following rows until the nailer can be used.
 REMINDER: Take boards from 5 to 7 boxes while installing. Do not install 2 pieces from the same box side by side or in the
same row – rack or mix the colors and shades while installing to achieve the proper visual effect. Stagger the end-joints of
adjacent rows at least 10” to add structural stability and create a more appealing look for the floor.
 Line up the edge of the first row against the temporary starter board. Install CFS Solid Hardwood Flooring with the groove
side of the plank facing the wall with the installer positioned off the floor when possible. The tongue of the boards should
always be facing the installer except where special circumstances exist.
 Make sure the end-joints of adjacent rows are staggered at least 10” across 4 to 6 rows to establish a random visual and
avoid identifiable patterns forming in the installation, (stair-step appearance).
INSTALLING THE REST OF THE FLOOR:
 Make sure to use the straightest, longest boards available when installing the first two rows.
 Continue to take boards from 5 to 7 boxes while installing. Do not install 2 pieces from the same box in a row – mix the
colors and shades while installing to get a more favorable overall look.
 Stagger the end-joints of adjacent rows at least 10” to add structural stability and create a more appealing look for the
floor.
 When installing individual pieces, connect the end-joints first as close to the long tongue and groove as possible. Then slide
(push) the long tongue and groove together as tightly as possible. You may need to use a scrap piece of the same flooring
product as a tapping block to help align the product, use caution and tap only into the tongue, never the finished edge of
the flooring.
 Double check the edges and ends of your installed planks – all joints should fit tightly together.
 Continue with this method while installing the rest of the floor. In some cases, it may be necessary to cut the flooring
lengthwise in the last row. In order to do so, place the last board over the next-to-last row (Refer to Preparing the
Installation), marking the exact cut and taking into account the 1/2“ gap with regard to the expansion space.
 Once the flooring installation is complete, proceed to install the base boards and trim profiles, which will cover the
expansion gap without obstructing it. Fasten all trim into wall base. Do not nail or staple trim into or through the flooring
surface.
Special Circumstances
 Doorways: Attempting to continue installing rows through a doorway into another room can be difficult because the narrow
opening is a very small base upon which to continue consistent, even rows into the next room. To correctly align plank rows from
room to room, it is best to use a master reference line that runs through the doorway to the far ends of each room
involved. Position the line so that it is perpendicular from the corresponding wall and parallel to the side walls. Use this line
to align the plank rows from room to room.
 Pipes, vents and other fixed objects: Each instance of these items can be unique, but the general rule is to measure very
carefully before you cut and remember to leave a 1/2” expansion gap between the object and the flooring. You will cover
the expansion gaps with molding, vent covers or pipe rings when the floor is complete.
 Installation on Stairs: Working from the top step down, flooring and nosings should be installed using a premium grade
wood flooring adhesive and screw type fasteners or nails for all trim pieces. All stair nose moldings must be glued and
nailed / screwed every 6”, as a safety precaution.
INSTALLING WITH STAPLES/Nails/Cleats (Mechanical Fasteners):
Follow all guidelines outlined earlier regarding pre installation and the general installation process.
CFS requires the use of NWFA approved Staplers with 15-16 Gauge 1/2" crown with 2" Legs or NWFA approved Nailers with 2" Nails
or Cleats to properly fasten the CFS Solid Hardwood Flooring with mechanical fasteners. Most staples have 2 legs that are treated
with thermal adhesives that heat the adhesive when they are forced quickly into the floor and substrate and bond aggressively to
the substrate. They also have divergent points that cause a slight curl at the end of the staple leg, making them much more difficult
to loosen or remove. It is best to use branded staplers or nailers from a well-known manufacturer such as Stanley-Bostich or
Powernail. The Bostich MIII Pneumatic Stapler with 16 gauge staples and the Powernail Pneumatic Nailer with 2" Power Cleats both
have adjustable Foot Adaptors and are popular and reliable.
NWFA approved Nailers and nails designed for installing Solid Flooring may be used by qualified flooring professionals at your
risk. Do not use staplers or nailers specifically designed for Engineered Hardwood Flooring to install CFS Solid Hardwood Flooring.
CFS does not warrant flooring installations, and accepts no liability problems that may arise, including but not limited to loose
flooring, dimpling or distortion of the face, breakage of the core or tongue, and noise when fasteners that are misused, and are
not approved or designed for Solid Flooring , are used to install CFS Solid Hardwood Flooring.
 Use only Stapling and Nailing Equipment and Fasteners designed for Solid Hardwood Flooring Planks over NWFA approved
APA Stamped E1- PS2 Underlayment Grade Subfloors