Installation Guide

6. Prior to installing the flooring, secure a straight edge (starter
board) inside the chalk line to act as a guide and to prevent the row of
planks from shifting during installation. The straightedge could be a
straight piece of lumber or piece of flooring. This is temporary and
will be replaced as the floor is completed.
Installing the Floor
7. Insert spacers at walls to maintain the expansion space between the
flooring and the wall.
8. Before starting to glue planks, dry lay the first two rows of
flooring. Working from right to left, install planks so that the groove
faces the straight edge (starter board). When reaching the end of the
first row, cut the plank as necessary to fit. On the first 4 rows stagger
end joints a minimum of 16” and then 8” thereafter.
9. Use the remainder of the plank from the first row to start the
second row. If the piece is less than 8” long, cut a new plank in half
and use that piece to start the second row.
10. Lay the remainder of the planks in the second row. Make sure
that the rows are straight and no gapping exists on the sides or
ends. Once you have dry laid the first two rows, remove all the
planks in order. You are ready to begin.
11. Begin gluing the boards; Run a continuous bead of adhesive
along the groove of the short side (width) and the plank’s side groove
(length). Proper alignment is critical. Misaligned starter rows can
cause side and end gaps to appear in proceeding rows of flooring.
12. Install first row of planks with groove facing the straight edge.
Work from right to left. Complete the first row. Make sure there are
no gaps between the boards. Use a tapping block if need to close the
boards together. Immediately wipe away any excessive adhesive with
a clean, slightly dampened cloth.
CAUTION: Adhesive that is allowed to dry on the finish surface
can be difficult to remove and may leave a haze.
13. At the end wall use an end pry bar, if needed, to pull the ends of
the planks tight.
14. Continue to install the floor working right to left, repeating the
process until the completion of the floor. Continue to use the spacers
on all vertical surfaces to maintain the ½” expansion.
DO NOT USE laminate straps as they may damage the flooring
15. The last row will most likely require cutting to width but it should
be no less than 1 ½” wide. To do this, lay the plank face up on top of
the last full row installed. Trace the wall contour on the last plank
using a scrap piece of plank and a pencil.
16. Install cut planks and pull into place with a pry bar. Install
spacing wedges between planks and wall.
17. Remove the straight edge (starter row) and install the last row
using the pry bar.
Allow floor to dry for a minimum of 12 hours before removing all
spacing wedges and allowing foot traffic.
18. Install trim and moldings the following day.
Radiant Heated Subfloors
Refer to Website or Sample board to confirm as an approved
product.
Non Approved products are not warranted for use over Radiant
Heat
 Prior to installation of flooring over radiant heat system it is
important that the guidelines are followed in strict
accordance. Failure to follow the guidelines may produce
unsatisfactory results.
 Floating installation method only, direct glue down is NOT
recommended.
 Sub floor must be flat to 3/16” in 10’ or 1/8” in 6’
 Prior to installation moisture testing must be conducted and
documented per ASTM test method 1869-89 for concrete
or using a pin type meter for wood sub floors.
 The moisture content for concrete sub floors registered
after a calcium chloride test must not be greater than 2
pounds per 1000 square feet of area. If it exceeds these
limits, DO NOT install the flooring.
 Relative humidity of the jobsite must be maintained
between 35-55% relative humidity. Use of humidification
system may be required to maintain the proper humidity
level. Failure to maintain proper humidity level can result
in excessive dryness of flooring.
 It is highly recommended that the radiant heat system be
designed specifically to accept a wood floor
1. Use of an in floor temperature sensor as well as a separate
thermostat for the individual room is required.
2. An outdoor temperature sensor should be used to adjust
water temperature according to anticipated heat loss.
JOBSITE REQUIREMENTS
Prior to installation of flooring the radiant system must be installed
per manufacturer’s instructions.
Before installation of flooring material the follow conditions are
required
1. Moisture content of concrete must not exceed 2.0 lbs. per CaCl
test method (ASTM1869-89) Wood sub floors not to exceed
12% and be within 4% of the wood flooring.
2. Concrete must be allowed to properly cure and dry a minimum
of 4 weeks prior to operation of radiant heat system
3. Operation of radiant heat system should be set to run at 2/3
maximum output for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to installation
of flooring to further allow moisture from concrete to dissipate
and reach a final moisture content. This must be done in both
heating and non-heating seasons.
4. Prior to installation (4 days) reduce to a temperature of 65°.
5. Floating Installation - Install flooring according to floating floor
installation guidelines. Use of a 2 in 1 underlayment is required.
6. When gluing planks run a continuous bead of adhesive in the
groove on both the end and length of the board.
7. Remove any excess glue that squeezes out onto surface of the
planks with a clean damp rag. Change rags and water
periodically to avoid leaving a haze on surface.
AFTER INSTALLATION & SEASONAL OPERATION
 48 hours after completion of installation, slowly raise
temperature of the heating system to its preferred operating
level over a period of 5 days. Do not allow the surface
temperature to exceed 80°
 Humidity level must be maintained between 35%-55% R.H.
 Seasonal gapping should be expected.
 Surface checking can be expected if the proper humidity level
is not properly maintained between 35-55% R. H. or if the
floor’s surface temperature exceeds 80°.
COMPLETING THE JOB – ALL
INSTALLATIONS
 Sweep or vacuum floor
 Clean the floor with proper hardwood floor cleaner
 Install transition pieces -i.e. – thresholds, t-moldings, base
boards and quarter round. Nail moldings to wall, not the floor.
 Inspect final floor for nicks and or minor gaps – fill with
appropriate color wood putty.
 Unused material should be left with owner and stored in a dry
place in case of future repairs are needed.
 Use plywood or hardboard when moving heavy appliances or
furniture across floor.
Final Inspection: After the floor has been cleaned, inspect the
floor for nicks, scratches, gaps or planks that may have moved during
installation, as well as any other imperfections that need attention.
Touch up nicks and scratches with touch-up products. In typical
climates, the new floor can accept foot traffic within 24 hours. In