Installation & Assembly

SEHWII011007
builder, engineer, architect or consumer, who are better able to evaluate their expected results, based on site-related
conditions and performance requirements. The general information provided below describes common, non-
engineered joists and subfloor decking systems. Engineered subflooring systems may allow for wider spacing of
engineered beam support systems; and alternative subfloor decking materials, while also providing equal
performance characteristics to the systems discussed below.
Approved Subfloor Types:
1. APA approved 5/8” minimum thickness, preferred 3/4” or thicker exterior grade plywood, on 16”center 2”x10”joists.
NOTE: When installing and fastening approved plywood, please refer to specific structural panel manufacturer’s
instructions.
2. 3/4” (23/32”) OSB on 16” center, 2”x10” floor joists properly nailed. When installing hardwood over engineered
joists and truss systems that are spaced wider than 16” on center, it may be necessary to add an additional layer of sub
flooring or use additional cross bracing to stiffen the system, reducing excessive deflection.
3. Concrete slab-Shaw Engineered Hardwood Flooring Products can be installed on all grade levels. Concrete slabs
must be clean and dry- less than 3 lbs. /1000 sf. / 24 hr.- per CCTM.
4. Existing Hardwood wood floors (installed at right angle, only over existing wood sub floors).
5. Resilient tile and sheet vinyl only over an above mentioned and approved subfloor.
Subfloor must be:
y CLEAN - Scraped or sanded, swept, free of wax, grease, paint, oil and other debris
y SMOOTH/FLAT - Within 1/8” in a 6’span. Sand high areas or fill low areas with cement base leveling compound- no
less than 3000 p.s.i. rating.
y STRUCTURALLY SOUND - Nail or screw any loose areas that squeak or reveal movement. Replace any damaged
subflooring or underlayments.
y DRY - Moisture content of wood subfloor must not exceed 14% prior to installation of wood flooring.
Remember: All moisture testing must be performed before and after, the wood has been acclimated 48 hours and all job site
requirements have been met.
Wood Substrates: Test the moisture of the wood substrate using a calibrated moisture meter approved for testing
wood moisture according to the meter manufacturer. The reading should not exceed 14%, or read more than a 5%
difference than moisture content of products being installed.
Concrete Slabs: All concrete sub floors must be tested for moisture content prior to installation of the hardwood
flooring The moisture content of the concrete sub floor must register dry, according to whichever test method is used
to determine the slab condition.
Note: Pre-existing, wood panels or strips must be removed from the concrete slab before installing new hardwood.
Below are methods to test to indicate moisture is present in the concrete subfloor:
1) Use an approved calibrated concrete Moisture Meter as a preliminary measurement for moisture such as:
Delmhorst Moisture Meter Model G
Tramex Concrete Encounter
Follow manufacturer’s specific calibration requirements.
2) Perform a polyfilm mat test. Tape down 3’ x 3’ polyfilm squares, in several places on the floor- (one every
200 sf.).