STEP BY STEP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION

(Glued down application)

STEP *1 – Establish a starting line

 -  For best visual effect, it is recommended that flooring be installed parallel to the longest wall in the room.

 -  Using a chalk line the area between the wall and the chalk line becomes your working area for starting installation, and your last installation area for completing the installation.

 STEP *2 – Spread the adhesive

 -  Apply the recommended adhesive with a trowel according to the manufacturer installation instructions (found on the adhesive pail) for the specific adhesive that is being used.

 STEP *3 – Install the strips

 -  Always select your strips with care. The more deeply colored strips should be installed where they are less visible. Pieces with flaws should be recut.

 - Using the working area to install your flooring, line up the first strip with the tongue facing the wall, then press the strip into the adhesive and against the holding block.

 -  Leave 1/4-inch (6 mm) between the wall and the end of each strip in each row.

 -  Start the second row with a strip of at least 6-inches (15 cm) shorter or longer than the strip used in the first row. This will avoid aligning or clustering the end joints.

 -  Continue with the subsequent rows in the same manner.

 -  To avoid shifting or gaping of the strips during installation, use 3M blue tape to hold them together. Remove the tape within 24 hours. Avoid use of masking tape, which leaves an adhesive residue and may damage the finish.

 -  When you get to the final row you will likely find it necessary to rip-saw the strips to fit against the wall. Install using the pry bar and leave 1/4 -inch (6 mm) minimum expansion spaces.

 STEP *4 – Install the transition pieces

•  Install any transition piece that may be needed, such as stair nosing, and reducers. These products are available prefinished to blend with your flooring. Please install these first so that you can match the next board easier, color match on mouldings cannot be guaranteed due to the natural characteristics of wood flooring.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION

(Nailed/stapled down application)

Set-up and Use of Pneumatic Staplers and Nailers

 -Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for complete set-up and operation of equipment.

 -  Make sure the adapter size for the pneumatic stapler or nailer matches the thickness of the flooring being installed and that the tool’s adapter seats properly in the tongue of the flooring.

 -  Pneumatic nailer: Air pressure should be adjusted adequately for each species of hardwood floor installed and checked regularly (always try it before using).

STEP *1 – Establish a starting line

 •  Using a chalk line, draw a guideline.

 •  It is very important to start straight and square.

STEP *2 – Install the floor

 -  Always select your strips with care. The more deeply colored strips should be installed where they are less visible (i.e. in a closet or under the refrigerator). Pieces with flaws should be recut.

 -  Use the longest, straightest strips available for the first row.

 -  Install the first row of flooring with groove facing starter wall.

 -  The first few rows must be nailed down by hand rather than with the nailing machine because of the vertical wall obstruction. Nailing interval should be at 6 inches. Leave 1/4-inch (6 mm) between the wall and the end of each strip in each row.

 -  Start the second row with a strip of a least 6-inch (15 cm) shorter or longer than the strip used in the first row. This will avoid aligning or clustering the end joints.

 -  When the area is free from wall obstruction, you can repeat the installation using a pneumatic stapler.

 -  It is also likely that you may have to ripsaw the strips to fit the final row against the wall. Leave 1/4 - inch (6 mm) minimum expansion spaces.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION

(Floating application)

STEP *1 – Install underlayments

- Install 6 mil Polyethylene vapor barrier over entire flooring surface. Overlap sheets of Polyethylene 16 inches and tape together creating airtight seal. Run the vapor barrier 1 to 1.5 inches up the walls and secure in place with tape.

- Using underlayment, roll out one roll at a time over the vapor barrier. There are many types of underlayments available today. The use of acoustical underlayment will improve the feel and sound transmission of your flooring.

STEP *2 – Preparing the starter rows

 -It is very important that enough expansion gaps are kept between the flooring and all the walls. This is done by placing ¼ inch (6 mm) spacers every 8 inches apart around all vertical walls.

 -Measure the width of the room – perpendicular to the direction you intend to install the flooring. The last row of flooring should be no less than 1 ½ inch wide. If it is less, you should rip-saw the starter row narrower. Leave 1/4-inch (6 mm) between the wall and the end of each strip in each row.

 -Start the second row with a strip of at least 6-inches (15 cm) shorter or longer than the strip used in the first row. This will avoid aligning or clustering the end joints.

STEP *3 – Gluing the floor

 -In a floating floor installation, the flooring is not glued or nailed to the underlayment but is glued in the board’s side and end grooves only.

 -This is achieved by applying a bead of glue on the upper side of the groove along the entire length and on the end of each plank with silicone-based T & G glue. Turn the board upsidedown when applying the adhesive to achieve proper application, when the board is turned again forinstallation with the finish side up, this will allow the adhesive to flow down and give better coverage.Do not apply adhesive on the top of the tongue.

 -Install the first row of flooring with groove facing starter wall. Use a tapping block and a mallet to gently push or tap the glued strips together until no gaps are seen and making sure that end joints are square.

 -At the end wall use a pry bar, if needed, to pull the ends of the boards tight. Continue laying the floor on top of the underlayment, working left to right, tapping the strips tight together. Make sure to continue using ¼ inch spacers along the wall throughout the installation.

 -To avoid shifting or gapping of the flooring during installation, lay perpendicular strips of 3M blue tape 

- To hold the strips together. Remove the tape within 24 hours. Avoid use of masking tape, which leaves an adhesive residue and may cause damage to the finish.