Use and Care Guide
Installation Instructions T & G Prefinished Engineered Plank
50 Year Residential Warranty
3 Rev.1RH-16HC
Perform a Relative Humidity test according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The maximum reading is
75%. Three test for the first 1,000 square feet and one test for every 1,000 square feet thereafter.
● Perform a pH alkalinity test according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A pH reading of 6-9 on a pH
number scale of 1-14 is acceptable.
● If the test results exceed this number the concrete slab should be sealed with appropriate sealers to correct
those emissions as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. This must be documented before installation.
Note: If excessive moisture (3-lbs. to 7-lbs.) is present or anticipated, use a moisture retardant system to seal the
concrete or an inexpensive sheet vinyl/slip sheet glued directly to the concrete slab to reduce vapor intrusion.
Follow the instructions of the sheet vinyl manufacturer, using a premium grade alkaline resistant adhesive, and
full spread application system to bond the vinyl to the subfloor. For additional requirements and information, refer
to our Slip Sheet Technical Note.
Note: If a sub floor has been flooded or rained upon, it may not be suitable to install flooring.
INSTALLATION on WOOD SUBSTRATE:
Note: Do not use the glue down or staple down installation method on underlayment grade particleboard.
Sub floor should be constructed of 5/8” (19/32”) or thicker plywood or 3/4“(23/32") OSB when installing directly over
minimum 2 x 10 floor joists 16” on center. For up to 19.2” on center 3/4“(23/32") plywood or OSB should be used. For
19.2” to 24” on center 7/8” plywood or OSB should be used. Structural Panels must be installed sealed side down.
Plywood sheets should be laid with grained outer plies at right angles to joists; adjacent rows staggered four feet and
nailed every 6” along each joist with 7D or larger nails. When installing directly over old wood or strip floor, sand any
high spots, re-nail old floor to eliminate squeaks or loose boards, and install new planks at right angle (perpendicular)
to the old floor, or overlay old floor with 1/4” plywood underlayment. Leave a 1/8” gap at the edges and nail with 7D or
larger nails every 6” at the edges and every 12” in both directions and through the interior of each sheet of plywood.
Edge swell should be flattened. The moisture content of the wood or plywood should not exceed 14%.
INSTALLATION on CONCRETE SLABS:
All concrete sub floors should be tested for moisture content. New concrete slabs require a minimum of 90 days
curing time before installation. Concrete sub floors must be free of existing adhesives, grease, oil, dirt, and curing
compound. These may be removed chemically or mechanically, but do not do not use a solvent based stripper. The
residual solvents can prohibit satisfactory bond of floor adhesives, the concrete, and the flooring. To ensure a lasting
bond make sure the perimeter of the foundation has adequate drainage and vapor retarder.
Apply a liquid based moisture vapor retarter coating to the subfloor. Over concrete use only concrete moisture
sealer systems that are specifically designed for moisture suppression and adhesive bonding properties. Follow
manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations. The underlying floor must be permanently dry and protected
against moisture.If this requirement is not met, the planks can swell, shrink and warp and may void the warranty.
Note: LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE:
Lightweight concrete has a dry density of 100 pounds or less per cubic foot and is only suitable for engineered wood
floors when using the floating installation method. Many products have been developed as self-leveling toppings or
floor underlayment. These include cellular concrete, resin reinforced cementations, underlayments and gypsum-base
materials. Although some of these products may have the necessary qualifications of underlayment for wood flooring
installation, others do not. To test for lightweight concrete, scrape a coin or key across the surface of the sub-floor. If
the surface powders easily or has a dry density of 100 pounds or less per cubic foot, use only the floating installation
method.
INSTALLATION on SUB-FLOORS OTHER THAN WOOD OR CONCRETE:
Do not install over carpets.
Note: Perimeter glued resilient vinyl and rubber tiles are unacceptable underlayments and must be removed.