Installation Guide

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June 11, 2020
FOR NAIL-DOWN/STAPLE INSTALLATION, YOU WILL ALSO NEED:
• Air stapler/nailer compatible with profile of the flooring material
• 1 ¾” to 2” 16-gauge cleats or staples
• Finish nailer and/or finish nails
• Nail set
• 15 lb. felt or asphalt impregnated Kraft paper
• Crow bar or pry bar
• Color-matching wood putty/filler
GLUE-DOWN INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
The manufacturer recommends the use of a low-VOC, premium, water-free flooring adhesive specifically
recommended by the adhesive manufacturer for use with engineered or solid wood flooring.
Step One - Establish a Starting Point
1. Remove any existing wall base, shoe molding, quarter round or doorway threshold.
2. Determine the direction of the floor joists and run the flooring perpendicular (90°) to the floor joists. Do not run flooring
parallel to floor joists.
3. Flooring may be installed in any direction over a concrete slab.
4. Establish a starting point. We recommend the longest exterior running wall.
5. Measure the total width of the flooring (including the tongue), plus 1/2” for expansion. Measure out this distance in at least 2
places from the starting wall and 12” from the corners. Snap a chalk line parallel to the starting wall.
Step Two - Lay Out
1. Choose the longest and straightest boards and align the plank’s tongue with the working line. Cut the last plank to the proper
length leaving a 1/2” from the end wall. Lay out three additional rows, then move these rows away from the working area.
2. Spread enough adhesive to just cover the area of the first four rows of flooring using the appropriate trowels and installation
technique. Please refer to the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions for application. Never use a “wet-lay” adhesive, as this could trap
moisture under the flooring, causing it to warp.
3. Place flooring onto adhesive, one row at a time, making sure that all joints are tight and parallel. Be sure to use 100-150 lb.
weighted roller to ensure complete transfer of adhesive; always protect the floor when using weighted roller.
4. Allow the adhesive to set per the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendation. It is critical to check your work, making sure the
starting row is properly aligned and straight.
Step Three – Rack the Floor
1. Once the first four rows are in place, continue to lay out the planks. Remain working from at least four open cartons. Be sure to
blend the planks and stagger the end joints a minimum of 6” apart to ensure a favorable appearance. Avoid H-Joint and other
repeating patterns in the floor.
Step Four - Installation of Flooring
1. Once the rows are laid out, begin to trowel out adhesive according to manufacturer’s instructions. Begin placing flooring onto
adhesive, one row at a time, making sure that all joints are tight and parallel.