Installation & Assembly

SEHWII011007
Most often the entire length of the last row will need to be cut so that it is narrow enough to fit the remaining space. When
this occurs, follow this simple procedure:
y Lay a row of boards, unglued, with the tongue toward the wall, directly on top of the last row installed.
y Take a full width scrap piece of the Shaw Hardwood
™
product that is being installed with the face down and the tongue
side against the wall. Use appropriate spacers against the wall to ensure the proper expansion space.
y Draw a line along the row moving down the wall. The resulting line gives the proper width for the last row which, when
cut, can then be wedged into place using the pull bar. Spacers should remain while the adhesive sets.
Note: Floor should remain free of foot traffic for a minimum of 12 hours while adhesive sets.
A drying time of 24 hours is recommended before any damp-dry mopping, cleaning or heavy objects or furniture can
be put back into place.
Make sure when the installation is complete that the spacers are removed and the expansion space is covered with an
appropriate molding as described in MOLDINGS, TRIM & TRANSITION PIECES.
STAPLE OR NAIL DOWN INSTALLATION METHOD
JOB SITE PREPARATION
y Always acclimate the product for 48 hours prior to installation.
y Verify that the floor is level and structurally sound. Repair as needed.
y Undercut door case moldings as needed.
y Remove any existing wall base, shoe molding, quarter round or doorway thresholds.
y Cover the clean surface, wall to wall, with 15 lb. black asphalt saturated felt paper. Butting the edges together.
Note: Per NWFA Red Rosin paper is not recommended.
Step 1: ESTABLISH A STARTING POINT
y Before beginning the actual installation, start a random layout of the flooring by arranging short and long lengths equally
over the areas where the flooring is to be installed.
y Work out of several cartons at a time to insure proper color and shade mixture.
y Align the first row of planks to be sure you have a good straight line from one side of the room to the other. Snap a chalk
line at the desired distance from the wall to help align the planks. The end joints of plank or strip flooring should be
staggered to achieve the best appearance in the finished floor. (Minimum 6-8”for 3”planks, 12-24” for longer, wider 4-7”
planks).
Important: Leave the proper amount of expansion space recommended for expansion at all vertical surface.
(Normal rule of thumb is to have the expansion space equal the thickness of the wood). Example: 9/16 ” thick wood
planks require a 9/16 ” expansion space.
Step 2: INSTALLING THE FLOOR
y Align the first piece on the chalk line. The groove side and end will be facing the starting wall. To avoid splitting the
wood, pre drill holes then drive 7D or 8D finish nails, or 2” pneumatic nails, into the face of the board every 12”
approximately 1/3” - 3/4” from the edge closest to the starting wall and within 2”- 3” from the ends and in the darker grain of
the wood.
y Edge nail the plank by driving the same type fasteners at a 50
o
angle through the tongues of the planks in the first row of
planks, spacing the nails every 8” - 10” and within 2” - 3” from the ends. This process should be repeated for each piece in
the entire first row. Upon completion of the first row, go back and sink the face nails with a nail punch. If it appears that the