Installation Guide
4
June 11, 2020
• Minimum acclimation time is 72 hours. The manufacturer recommends 7-10 days acclimation time for
optimization. Be sure to check moisture content periodically to ensure it has reached its optimum content with
little to no change.
• If you do not allow the flooring sufficient time to acclimate and the moisture content of the flooring exceeds that
of the subfloor, the flooring will continue to contract after installation and gaps may develop between the flooring.
Likewise, if the moisture content of the flooring is less than that of the subfloor, the flooring may expand and/or
cupping may develop.
Blending of Cartons
To achieve a uniform appearance across the entire floor, we require that you open and work from a minimum of
four cartons at a time and lay out the flooring ahead of time. Be sure to mix the planks for the best aesthetic
appearance. Make certain the room is well lit to ensure color is consistent and that any visual defects can be seen
and removed prior to installation. “Racking the Floor” is essential to achieve a random appearance. Start by cutting
several boards in random lengths, differing the lengths by at least six inches. As you continue working across the
floor remember to maintain a six-inch minimum space between the end joints. Randomly install different lengths
to avoid a patterned appearance. Never waste materials; the end cuts from starter rows should be used at the
opposite side of the room to complete rows or may be used to start the next row.
Undercut Door Casings
Undercut all door casings 1/16” higher than the thickness of the flooring being installed. To do this, use a scrap
piece of flooring as a guide. Lay it on the substrate and cut the casing with a handsaw or use a power jamb saw set
at the correct height. Failure to undercut casings will result in automatic void in warranty coverage.
Expansion Space
An expansion space of 1/2” must be left around the perimeter of the room and at all vertical obstructions. More or
less spacing may be needed depending on the geographical region, interior climate, and or time of the year. Your
wood flooring WILL move/shrink/expand. This is a normal occurrence of a natural product.
Coordinating Transition Moldings
Always have all necessary transition moldings on site prior to beginning installation. Make sure all transitions and
moldings have been coordinated with planks that have similar color and graining. Set them aside for use when a
transitioning is necessary. The manufacturer cannot be held liable for color variations that may exist between
flooring and coordinating trim accessories under any circumstances.
Adhesive
The manufacturer recommends the use of a low-VOC, premium, water-free flooring adhesive specifically
recommended by the adhesive manufacturer for use with engineered wood flooring. Please refer to adhesive
manufacturer’s instructions for appropriate trowel size and installation tips.
Floor Protection During Construction
Always protect the surface of the installed flooring during construction. Cover the floor with quality rosin paper or
other paper that will allow the floor to breathe and secure it to the baseboards; never tape directly to the wood.
Do not use plastic or polyethylene sheeting to cover the floor since they will trap moisture that will damage the
flooring. The flooring must be cleaned and completely free of any and all debris to minimize damage.
If you have any questions regarding installation of flooring not addressed in our guidelines, always refer to the
most recent NWFA installation guidelines.