Installation Guide

INSTALLATION
All suboors and suboor systems must be structurally sound and must be installed following their manufacturer's recommendations. Local building
codes may only establish minimum requirements of the ooring system and may not provide adequate rigidity and support for proper installation and
performance of a hardwood oor. Whenever possible install the planks perpendicular to the oor joists for maximum stability. Our warranties DO NOT
cover any problems caused by inadequate substructures or improper installation of said substructures.
Test wood sub oors and wood ooring for moisture content using a pin-type moisture meter. Take readings of the suboor – minimum of 20 readings
per 1000 sq. ft. and average the results. In most regions, a “dry” suboor that is ready to work on has a moisture content of 12% or less and the wood
should be within 4% of the suboor moisture content.
ASTM F-2170 – in-situ relative humidity – 75% RH or less is acceptable. Readings greater than 75% RH require the use of a proper vapor retarder.
ASTM 1869 - The moisture content for concrete suboors registered after a calcium chloride test should not be greater than 3 pounds per 1000 square
feet of area. If it exceeds these limits, DO NOT install the ooring. Before moisture testing begins, the slab must be cured for a minimum of 30 days.
Basements and crawl spaces must be dry. Use of a 6 mil black polyethylene is required to cover 100% of the crawl space earth. Crawl space clearance
from ground to underside of joist to be no less than 18” and perimeter vent spacing should be equal to 1.5% of the total square footage of the crawl space
area to provide cross ventilation. Where necessary, local regulations prevail.
The suboor must be at, meeting a minimum of 3/16” within 10’ or 1/8” in 6’.
Concrete suboors - Grind high spots. Use cementitious patching and leveling compounds that meet or exceed Shaw’s
maximum moisture level and pH requirements. Use of gypsum-based patching and/or leveling compounds which contain
Portland or high alumina cement and meet or exceed the compressive strength of 3,000 psi are acceptable. Follow the
leveling compound manufacturer’s instruction. Leveling compounds must be allowed to thoroughly cure and dry prior to
installation of wood ooring.
Wood suboors - For staple down application use layers of 15lb. felt or wooden shims to ll low spots. Staples must be able to
penetrate for holding power.
All “wet” work – i.e. – paint, drywall, concrete, masonry, plumbing must be complete and dry well in advance of delivery of hardwood ooring.
Gutters and downspouts should be in place and the exterior grade complete to allow for proper drainage of water away from the building’s exterior
perimeter.
Flooring should not be exposed to extremes of humidity or moisture.
Permanent HVAC should be on and operational a minimum of 5 days and maintained between 65 – 75 degrees and a relative humidity of 35%- 55% prior
to delivery, during, and after installation of the ooring.
If HVAC is not possible at time of installation the environmental conditions must be at or near normal living conditions between 60 – 80 degrees and at
the average yearly relative humidity for the area.
It is the Installer/Owner responsibility to ensure that the conditions are acceptable prior to the installation of the hardwood
oors. The manufacturer declines any and all problems with the hardwood ooring that are related to or attributed to
improper jobsite conditions.

RECOMMENDED SUBFLOOR SURFACES
Concrete Suboor Guidelines
Concrete slabs should be of high compressive strength and constructed to prevent groundwater from permeating the
concrete. Engineered hardwood ooring can be installed on, above, or below-grade. In addition, it can be installed over
above-ground, suspended concrete oors. The suspended concrete must be a minimum of 1 1/2 inches thick and must be
structurally sound. The exception to this is lightweight concrete (which usually contains high amounts of gypsum) having a
density of 100 pounds or less per cubic foot. Test for lightweight concrete by using a nail to scratch the surface of the
concrete. If the concrete crumbles or turns to powder, it is not sound and you should NOT install the hardwood ooring. Use
the oating installation method (5 ply products 3” or wider) only for lightweight concrete suboors.
Wood Suboors Guidelines
Suboor panels should conform to U.S. Voluntary Product Standard PS1-07, Construction and Industrial Plywood and/or US
Voluntary PS 2-04 and/or Canadian performance standard CAN/CSA 0325.0-92 Construction Sheathing. Other CSA standards
also apply.
Acceptable Panel Suboors: Truss/joist spacing will determine the minimum acceptable thickness of the panel
2
shawoors.com
For reference purposes only if printed or downloaded.