Installation Guide

13 | Page
Artistic Finishes, Inc. / 2224 Terminal Road / Roseville, MN 55113 / 888-816-5606 / www.artisticfinishes.com
Installing Square Nose Moldings with a Floating Floor
Application – Completes the end of floating hardwood floors. Ideal for
concealing expansion spaces when the floor runs up to a vertical object
that cannot be framed by wall base or quarter round.
Installation – When installing Square Nose moldings on a floating
floor, it is important not to attach the molding directly to the hardwood
floor as the hardwood floor must be able to expand or contract under
the lip of the molding per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The shim should be placed approximately 1-½ inches from the edge of
the floor to which you are transitioning. 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. Next, install the floating floor over the shim so
that only ¼ to 3/8 inch of shim is showing under the floor. The shim
serves to stabilize the floor from compressing under weight. Lay the
Square Nose molding in place.
Note: The shim should not extend under the base of the Square Nose.
Lay the Square Nose in place. The Square Nose 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 subfloor
and set the molding in place. If nailing, pre-drill the molding 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.
Preventative Maintenance
• Use rugs in high traffic areas to reduce wear
• Keep pets’ nails trimmed and paws clean and
free of dirt, gravel, oil and stains
• Use dirt trapping walk-off mats at all exterior
doors to keep sand, dirt, grit, grease and oil
outside
• Place protective pads beneath furniture legs and
feet to reduce scratches and dents
• Do not use oil soaps, liquid or paste wax
products or other household cleaners that
contain lemon oil, tung oil or ammonia
• Use a dolly and protective sheets of plywood
when moving heavy objects, furniture or
appliances
• Never wet-mop clean your floor with water or
other water-based products as this can severely
damage the flooring
• Make certain furniture casters are clean and
operate properly (a minimum 1 inch width is
recommended)
• Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and
use cleaning products recommended by your
flooring manufacturer
• Remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels
before walking on the floor / moldings
• Sweep or vacuum regularly
• Follow all other preventative recommendations
of the flooring manufacturer