Installation & Assembly
SEHWII011007
1. Before starting, first measure the width of the room, and then divide the room’s width by the width of the plank.
If this means that the last row of planks will be narrower than 2”, then you will need to cut the first row of planks to
make it narrower. Cut in such a way that both rows of planks (the first and last to be installed in the room) will have
the same approximate width for an overall continuous look. See installing the last row.
Note: To cut the boards, always saw with the teeth cutting down into the face or top of the board. Cutting from the
top down helps protect the surface.Use a carbide tip blade to insure smooth cuts.
2. Begin the installation of the planks in the left-hand corner of the room with the long direction parallel to the
longest wall of the room. Always start so that you will be working left to right when facing starting wall. When
possible, run the length of the planks in the same direction as incoming sunlight.
Be sure to install the first row of engineered planks with the groove side facing the wall (Versa- lock planks – tongue
faces starting wall).
Using the proper spacers (depending on the thickness of the flooring), provide a gap for the seasonal expansion of
the flooring along the walls of the entire room. Always place expansion spacers against the wall every 2-3’. Also
place spacers at each plank end joint connection, as this will make maintaining a good square easier.
Note: Larger rooms require additional expansion space. Add 1/16” to the width of the expansion space for every 3’
the room extends beyond 25’. Dimensions exceeding 40’in length or width, requires the use of a T-Molding for
expansion.
3. If the starting wall is out of square, it will be necessary to scribe the first row to match the wall, allowing the
opposite side of the row to present a true square base for the rest of the floor. When the first row is complete, you
must have a straight, even base established.
Step 2: GLUING THE BOARDS TOGETHER
When installing the Shaw Hardwood
™
Flooring products which have been approved for the floating installation
method, the boards must be side and end glued using Shaw Hardwood
™
Tongue & Groove Adhesive, except for
Versa Lock Hardwoods.
Always apply the adhesive into the bottom of the groove on each board. Do not fill the groove. Apply a continuous
bead , filling the bottom of the groove no more than halfway full. Start & stop adhesive 2” from the ends on the long
side of the board and 1” from the ends on the butt end.
Note: If any excess adhesive squeezes up to the finished surface, wipe it off immediately using a water dampened
cloth or Shaw Adhesive Remover. Then immediately dry the surface and buff with a dry cloth. If the adhesive has
dried, use a soft white cloth moistened with Shaw Adhesive Remover. Do not abrade the wood surface.
Step 3: INSTALLING THE REST OF THE FLOOR
Note: Always stagger approximately 12” to 24” between end joints of adjacent board rows. The end joints should
not repeat visually across the installed floor.
After installing the first row of boards, apply the adhesive to the first board on the second row using the above
gluing instructions. Connect that board to the first row remembering the 12”to 24” stagger between the end joint of
the board on the first row. Tap the boards together with a hammer and a tapping block. Be sure that the tapping block
is against the tongue only and use only a gentle tapping motion to tap the boards together. Excessive force will
damage the board making it difficult to install additional boards.Once the board has been tapped into place check for
a tight fit on sides and ends. To install the rest of the flooring, continue placing the boards from left to right, building
a rack 3 to 4 rows wide, as the installation continues to complete the floor.
Note: When installing around fixed objects, small areas or even in general installation areas, the use of installation
straps may prove helpful for securing boards together. Installation Straps are a handy tool that will insure a tight fit
when used to strap continuous rows of hardwood.
Step 4: INSTALLING THE LAST ROW