Installation Instructions

INSTALLATION GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS
Your hardwood inlay is a natural organic product which is affected by the humidity levels in the air around it. Both before and after installation it
will absorb or release moisture. Wood is a natural material that seeks to be in balance with its surroundings. Hardwood destined for use in wood
floors are carefully kiln-dried for that purpose. Typically, hardwood will expand during the summer months and shrink in the winter. Acceptable
humidity levels of between 40% and 60% should always be maintained in the room where your inlay is installed. Dry, heated, and well-
ventilated conditions must be maintained throughout shipping, installation, and thereafter.
The following considerations are important, and failure to follow them will void your warranty.
1. Subfloor Moisture Content
Measure the moisture content of the sub floor and the hardwood to be installed using a moisture meter. The moisture reading of the sub floor
must be between 6% and 12%. Hardwood inlays must be under 2% maximum difference when compared to the sub floor. If the moisture
content of the sub-floor is too low or high, postpone installation. Increase ventilation or use a humidifier or dehumidifier to adjust moisture
levels before installation.
2. Subfloor Design
The sub floor must meet the general requirements for the installation of standard ¾” hardwood flooring.
3. Relative Humidity
Drywall, plaster and concrete must be completely dry and the heating system fully operational with the temperature maintained at 22°C for one
to two weeks before the flooring and the inlays are delivered to the site. All concrete in the structure must have cured for at least 30 days.
GLUE-DOWN INSTALLATION
Follow general floor installation guidelines and requirements to install the surrounding flooring.
Use only moisture-cured urethane or rubber adhesive. Check and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for trowel size, and spread rate
to ensure adhesive transfer to substrate and hardwood. Be sure to also check adhesive expiration date. Test a small amount of adhesive on the
concrete to ensure adhesion bonding. Be sure to use a metal trowel as the teeth in a plastic trowel will wear down and cause a difference in
spreading rate. This will directly affect the hardwood’s ability to adhere to the substrate.
NOTE: Bostik’s Best, BST, Franklin 811 works well following their installation guidelines for ½” (13mm) and ¾” (19mm) inlay products. Check with
the adhesive manufacturer for applications used with radiant floor systems. Be sure to follow the installation instructions.