Installation Guide

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Artistic Finishes, Inc. / 2224 Terminal Road / Roseville, MN 55113 / 888-816-5606 / www.artisticfinishes.com
Floating Floor Molding Installations
Artistic Finishes offers a full line of quality hardwood moldings for floating floor applications. The following installation
guidelines provide suggestions on how to properly install these moldings for a picture perfect look.
Wall Base – The installation instructions for Wall Base moldings on a floating floor are the
same as a glue down/nail down floor installation. See the “glue down/nail down” section of this
installation guide for instructions on how to install Wall Base.
Quarter Round – The installation instructions for Quarter Round moldings on a floating floor
are the same as a glue down/nail down installation. See the “glue down/nail down” section of
this installation guide for instructions on how to install Quarter Round.
Base Shoe – The installation instructions for Base Shoe moldings on a floating floor are the
same as a glue down/nail down installation. See the “glue down/nail down” section of this
installation guide for instructions on how to install Base Shoe.
Threshold – Artistic Finishes manufactures two sizes of Threshold molding to cover the range
of flooring options. When installing Threshold moldings, it is important not to attach the
molding directly to the hardwood floor, as the hardwood floor must be able to expand and
contract under the lip of the molding in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
Start the installation by installing wood shims wherever you plan to install Threshold moldings
(i.e. against fireplace hearths, sliding glass door tracks, ceramic tile, etc.). The shim should be
placed directly against the vertical object or floor where you plan to install the Threshold
molding. This shim serves as a base or foundation for the molding. Secure the shim in place by
either nailing or gluing it down. Install the pad with the edge of the pad placed directly against
the shim. Install the floating floor so that it overlaps the shim approximately ¾ of an inch. The
shim serves to stabilize the floor from compressing under weight and provides a foundation for
the Threshold molding. Lay the Threshold molding in place. The Threshold molding should
overlap the flooring by ½ to ¾ inch, leaving the balance for required expansion or contraction.
To attach the molding, apply one or two ¼ inch beads of construction adhesive to the shim and
set the molding in place. If nailing, pre-drill the molding and shim to prevent splitting and nail
to the subfloor behind the lip of the molding. Be sure when nailing, not to obstruct the floor’s
expansion space under the molding.