Engineered Hardwood Flooring Odyssey Installation Guide (888) 788-2254 www.CaliBrands.
The Collection Flooring Systems Wide T&G 5-1/2” Wide Plank Dims: Random length up to 82-11/16” 5-1/2” W x 1/2” H Wide+ T&G 7-1/2” Wide Plank Dims: Random length up to 82-11/16” 7-1/2” W x 1/2” H Flooring Accessories Quarter Round 1/2” Reducer T-Molding Odyssey Flooring Installation Guide 1/2” Threshold 1/2” Stair Nosing Questions? (888) 788-2254 www.CaliBrands.
Pre-Installation Before you begin installation, remember to P.A.C.E. yourself with the checklist below. Full installation instructions and maintenance guidelines can also be found online at www.CaliBrands.com PA C E PREPARE THE SUBFLOOR PA C E ACCLIMATE FLOORING MOISTURE BARRIER Use a Moisture Barrier on Concrete Acclimate Your Engineered Flooring For 72 Hours Make sure the subfloor is flat, level, clean and free of debris. New concrete must be cured for at least 60 days.
Pre-Installation Prepare Job Site, Acclimation, Control Subfloor Moisture, Environmental Conditions Proper installation and maintenance are key elements in achieving best flooring results. It is the responsibility of the installer/owner to follow all guidelines provided by CALI for success. Please read through this document completely, additional installation materials such as videos, illustrations and more can also be found at www.calibrands.com.
Pre-Installation • Cali Hardwoods will perform best when the indoor environment is controlled to stay within a temperature range of 60°- 80°F and 30 - 55% humidity. Humidity levels below 30% and above 55% highly increase the probability of movement in the floor leading to such issues as gapping, cracking, cupping, warping, checking and veneer delamination.
Pre-Installation Moisture Testing Subfloor General: Test the subfloor for moisture content before installation. If high moisture readings are found, identify the moisture source and correct the problem. Extend acclimation time and increase ventilation until the proper conditions have been met. Apply a moisture barrier. Please note that test results are only applicable the day of testing and will not ensure that moisture will not fluctuate with seasonal changes.
Pre-Installation Optimum Flooring Moisture Content (%) by U.S. Region This map is provided by the NWFA and relates to all hardwood flooring species. For each region, the average equilibrium moisture content (EMC) for hardwood is identified for both January and July. The EMC is the MC (%) that the floor will reach once it has fully acclimated to its environment. This is also the optimum MC for installation, and will provide a general idea of what acclimation measures to take.
Pre-Installation Here is an example of how to use the Moisture Content of Wood chart: • My home is normally and currently maintained at an average temperature of: 70°F • My home is normally and currently maintained at an average relative humidity of: 40% RH • The combination of 70°F and 40%RH on the chart shows that the floor should be acclimated moisture content of: 7.7% • The value of 7.7% MC falls within the shaded area on the chart.
Installation Installation of CALI Flooring General Guidelines - All Installation Types • Follow CALI Care & Maintenance Guidelines to keep your floor looking its best after installation. • Save extra flooring for future repairs. • Do not install permanent of fixed cabinetry if you are using the floating method to install. This will automatically void structural warranty. If gluing or nailing the floor this is still not a recommended practice, however, it will not void warranty.
Installation Nail-Down T&G Installation Method The nail-down method is suitable for wood subfloors. Before you start, ensure that the job site, subfloor and environmental conditions are acceptable for installation of CALI engineered hardwood flooring. All requirements specified in CALI’s Installation Guidelines must be met. Recommended Tools The selection and use of any nailer is at the discretion and responsibility of the installer/ homeowner.
Installation Glue-Down T&G Installation Method Recommended Adhesive Products The selection, use and suitability of any adhesive/moisture control system is at the discretion and responsibility of the installer. Always use a moisture barrier and adhesive system manufactured by the same company – never mix products. CALI recommends using Titebond flooring adhesive and moisture barrier systems in accordance with manufactures specifications to receive Titebond’s Platinum installation warranty.
Installation Floating T&G Installation Method Recommended Floating T&G Floor Tools • • • • • • • Titebond® Tongue & Groove Flooring Glue Underlayment (see “Moisture Barrier Requirements”) Tapping block (trimmed piece of flooring) Wood or plastic spacers (1/2-inch) Flat bar or pull bar Miter saw (chop-saw) 3M blue painter’s tape #2080 • • • • • • • Undercut or jamb saw Hammer Tape Measure Pencil Chalk line Earplugs & safety glasses Tablesaw CALI highly recommends using Titebond Ton
