Installation Guide

ManualsBrandsHeritage Mill ManualsEngineered HardwoodOak Shadow 3/8 in. Thick x 4-3/4 in. Wide x Random Length Engineered Click Hardwood Flooring (924 sq. ft. / pallet)

INSTALLATION TIP 1

• Note that slightly bowed (curved) boards can be installed and are not considered

defective. There are a few tips that can help make installing these boards easier:

1. Place the bowed board at a 45 degree angle into the groove area of the

assembled boards on the oor as you would normally. Apply forward and

downward pressure to engage the boards as usual.

2. As you meet resistance, use you left hand placed near to the center of the

bowed board to apply downward pressure in the bowed area.

3. With your right hand, use a tapping block and tap against the long edge of

the bowed board as you apply downward pressure. The tapping action on

the bowed board helps it to engage and lower into the proper at position.

Do not tap too hard as this can damage the groove edge of the board.

NOTE: DO NOT INSTALL FLOORING USING A RUBBER MALLET. STRIKING

THE FLOORING SURFACE WITH A RUBBER MALLET MAY PERMANENTLY

MAR THE FINISH CAUSING DAMAGE THAT CANNOT BE REPAIRED.

4. If the bowed board cannot be installed using this method, this board often

can be cut and used as a starter or ending board elsewhere in the installation.

INSTALLATION TIP 2

• To assist with the stability of the ﬁrst few rows, we recommend that you install

the ﬁrst row, then 2 to 3 boards in the second row, then 1 to 2 boards in the third

row. Go back to the second row and install another 2 boards, then 1 board in the

third row. Complete this “stepping” arrangement until the three rows are complete.

Always stagger the end joints of adjacent rows a minimum of 12”. Try to avoid a

“stair-step” pattern when looking across several rows, and try to avoid “H” patterns

in the installation.

Maintain a 12”

Stagger

INSTALLATION TIP 3

• You cannot force the boards to go together. If they are not laying at when

engaged they are not fully seated. If the boards are not laying at, disengage the

boards and start the step over (to disengage a board, lift long side of the board to

INSTALLATION TIPS:

a 45 degree angle and remove). Insure the edges of both boards meet evenly by

applying equal pressure while rotating the board down. Using a tapping block to

help the boards to go together as they are being engaged in this manner often is the

answer to fully seating the boards together.

INSTALLATION TIP 4

• When working under door jambs or the toe kicks of

cabinets, there will not be enough clearance to achieve the

45 degree angle necessary to engage the board sides. It will

be necessary to trim away the raised portion on the groove

side using a wood chisel and then glue the tongue and groove

together using a high quality carpenter’s glue. A pull bar may be

used to engage these boards.

INSTALLATION TIP 5

• In narrow areas (i.e. hallways) where planks will be installed width wise, the planks

must be staggered to incorporate at least one end joint in every other row. Installing

same length boards side by side without this stagger could cause the ooring to bow

upward or weaken the joints.

INCORRECT CORRECT

INSTALLATION TIP 6

• Transition pieces (moldings), and the oor itself, are made from real wood and

will exhibit all the natural variations of the particular species. Every transition piece

will not match every board of ooring. Therefore, the best results will be achieved

by identifying boards that are complimentary to the transition prior to installation,

setting the boards aside to be installed next to the transition.

FLOOR CARE AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

With today’s ﬁnishes, maintenance of your wood oor could not be easier. Normal

maintenance consists of regular sweeping or vacuuming to collect dirt and grit that

can dull your ﬁnish, along with periodic use of an approved no-wax hardwood oor

cleaner. For Handscraped/Distressed oors, the uneven surface may trap dirt and

dust so we recommend vacuuming more often. Always vacuum thoroughly prior to

the use of approved oor cleaner. Be certain the wheels of the vacuum are clean and

do not damage the ﬁnish. Scrubbing machinery, power scrubbers and steam cleaners

are not recommended to clean the oor.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Aside from those mentioned above, other steps can also be taken to minimize wear

and tear and keep your oor looking new for years to come.

• DO NOT USE liquid or paste wax, oil soaps, or any other cleaners that contain

silicon, lemon oil, tung oil, acrylics or ammonia. Furthermore, avoid ‘home recipes’

found on the internet or other sources. These products and techniques can cause

your oors to become slippery, or cloud and dull the ﬁnish. Use of these and similar

products can harm the performance of your oor and may also affect its re-coat

ability.

• DO NOT USE A VACUUM WITH A BEATER BAR HEAD

• Use throw rugs inside and outside of entryways to prevent dirt and grit from

being tracked in and scratching your ﬁnish. Rugs, mats or backings should not be

abrasive to prevent scratching to the wood oor. Material should be breathable to

avoid trapping moisture underneath.

• Wood and water don’t mix! Never damp mop your oor. Clean up spills promptly

with a soft cloth and recommended cleaning products.

• Place felt-type protectors on the bottom of all furniture and ﬁxture legs to assist

in preventing denting and scratching.

• High heels and sports cleats will likely dent, gouge or scratch hardwood oors,

which is not covered by our warranty.

• Keep pet’s nails trimmed and clean of dirt and debris.

• Avoid sliding or rolling heavy furniture or appliances across the oor. Whenever

possible, lift the item to be moved. If it must be rolled, protect the oor with plywood

or other hard sheeting to prevent dents.

• Use a humidiﬁer/dehumidiﬁer to maintain a consistent year round climate,

keeping wood shrinkage and movement to a minimum.

• The exposure of sun, UV rays and artiﬁcial lighting accelerate the oxidation and

aging of wood. This can cause the wood and/or stain to change color and/or fade

over time. If possible, we recommend that you rearrange ﬁxtures, rugs and furniture

periodically to ensure the ooring ages evenly. Our warranties do not cover damage

from the sun, UV rays or artiﬁcial light. Note: American Cherry and Walnut species

are especially susceptible to the effect of light and may darken or lighten due to

UV or artiﬁcial light exposure. These species change color more rapidly than other

Domestic Species.

• Furniture casters should have wheels constructed with soft, non-marring/marking

material such as soft rubber, or covered with felt. Hard wheeled casters such as

plastic, vinyl or hard rubber can mark or dent hardwood oors. Caster wheel width

and diameter should comply with load guidelines.