Installation Guide

Grade Levels
Above Grade, On Grade,
Below Grade
Installation Methods
oating
Model #1001765440
Item #34243 RS
Installation Instructions
12mm Sawmill Oak
For Assistance, Call: 1-800-986-3460
Homedepot.com/homedecorators
Products Description
Laminate Flooring
WARNING: CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: This product can create wood dust and emit formaldehyde of which are known to
the State of California to cause cancer.
CAUTION: ASBESTOS IN EXISTING FLOOR: Home Decorators Collection’s product does not contain asbestos. Existing
installed resilient ooring and asphaltic adhesive may contain asbestos llers or crystalline silica. Do not sand, dry
sweep, dry scrape, drill, saw, bead-blast, or mechanically chip or pulverize existing resilient ooring, backing, lining
felt, asphaltic “cutback” adhesive or other adhesive. See “Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor
Coverings” (rfci.com) for detailed information and instructions on removing all resilient covering structures.
Safety and Health Precautions
Power tools can be dangerous. Operate in strict accordance to manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety precautions. Unsafe and
improper use can cause serious injuries. Avoid inhalation and exposures to wood dust by mechanical means and by wearing personal
protective equipment. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes NIOSH or OSHA-approved dust masks, safety
goggles and work gloves.
This ooring product comes with a manufacturer Limited Wear Warranty. The warranty applies to the original purchaser of the ooring for
the duration of the stated warranty from the date of purchase.
Manufacturer guarantees that:
□ The decorative laminate surface will not wear through.
□ The surface of the plank will resist staining.
□ The surface of the plank will not fade or discolour, due to natural or articial lightning.
Warranty
Pre-Installation
OWNER/INSTALLER RESPONSIBILITY
The owner is advised to be at home during the installation for consultation/direction. The owner and installer should discuss installation
and layout to maximize satisfaction. If this is not possible, consultation should be done prior to installation. Installers should be familiar
with installation guidelines. The owner/installer assumes all responsibility for product quality of completed installation.
Please inspect the ooring panels carefully for any possible damage or defects before installation. During installation, inspect the
planks continuously. Defects that can be seen from a standing position should be cut off or held out. Installing defective planks implies
acceptance. No complaints regarding visual defects will be accepted after the ooring is installed. If you discover apparent defects in the
ooring panels you should stop the installation immediately and call us at 1-800-986-3460.
It is recommended that kitchen cabinets be installed prior to installing laminate ooring. Install the plank up to the kick plate of the
cabinets, leaving a minimum 1/2 in. expansion space. Cover the expansion space with a quarter round molding.
Purchase ooring to be installed in one large area at the same time. Product purchased at a later time than the rst purchase may vary
beyond your expectations.
This product is manufactured according to strict quality standards. An additional 10% should be factored in for cutting wastage and
grading allowances.
Squeaking and clicking noises are the result of interactions among ooring, joists and suboors when they move. Limiting
the movements of the ooring system usually eliminates most of these noises. Sometimes, it is impossible to eliminate them
completely and minor squeaking or clicking noises are to be accepted as normal ooring phenomenon.
Minor scratches can generally be repaired with the use of putty, stain or ller. It is an industry standard practice of ooring installation and
it should be accepted as normal by the home owner.
To assure the warranty is not inadvertently voided, before proceeding with any activity that is not covered in this manual, please contact
our Customer Support Team at 1-800-986-3460.
ACCLIMATION AND IN-SERVICE CONDITIONS
NOTE: To obtain accurate moisture content readings, one must use a moisture meter designed for use with ooring.
Acclimation is the process of adjusting (conditioning) the moisture content of ooring to the environment in which it is expected to perform.
The ooring is fully acclimated when its moisture content and dimensions (width and length) are stable. For example, the averaged
dimensions and moisture content remain constant for 2 consecutive days. Flooring must acclimate for as long as necessary to reach fully
acclimated stage. Acclimation time varies depending on geographical area, interior climate control and time of the year. Store unopened
boxes at in the room where the ooring is to be installed. Minimum acclimation time is 48 hours.
SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS
Suboors must:
□ Remove any existing damp/porous oor covering rst (carpet, needle felt, etc.).
□ Variance of the suboor must not exeed 3 mm per 1 m (1/8 in. in a 3 ft. span). High spots can be removed by grinding; depressions
can be lled with patching compound formulated for use in oor installation.
□ Be clean; no construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on or adhering to the suboor; if necessary, scrape and sweep
away before the installation; no protrusions of nails, debris, or metals should remain.
□ Be free from moisture related conditions which can damage the installed ooring.
□ Wood suboors must be structurally sound and screwed or nailed to supporting beams. No deection of the suboor is allowed.
Suboor must be in comliance with the local building code.
□ Crawl space should be dry and vented as per local building code.
Concrete Suboors must:
□ New concrete slab must cure for at least 60 days. It must have a minimum 10 mil polyethylene sheet between the ground and the
concrete.
□ Have minimum rated strength of 3000 psi.
□ A new concrete oor must dry at least 1 week per 1 cm (3/8 in.) thickness up to 4 cm (1.5 in.). Thicknesses over 4 cm (1.5 in.)
require twice as much drying time. For example, a 6 cm (2.5 in.) concrete suboor must dry for at least 8 weeks.
□ It must have a minimum 10 mil polyethylene sheet between the ground and the concrete.
□ Be free from moisture related conditions which can damage the installed ooring.
CONCRETE MOISTURE
NOTE: Concrete moisture content may be acceptable at the time of the test. These tests do not guarantee a perpetual
“dry” concrete slab. The concrete slab moisture content can vary at other times of the year. We are not responsible for
moisture-related damage to installed ooring.
Test all concrete suboors for moisture content and document the results. Visual checks are not reliable.
Perform tests at locations around exterior doorways, near walls containing plumbing, near foundation walls and in the center of the room.
Minimum sample size is 3 samples per 1000 sq. ft. of area and one test for every additional 1000 sq. ft. thereafter.
Moisture content should meet one of the following criteria:
□ Less than 3 pounds per 1000 sq. ft. per 24 hours when using Calcium Chloride test (ASTM F 1869).
□ The moisture content must be less than 2.5% (CM method) or less than 5 lbs/24 hour per 1000 sq. ft.
GENERAL TIPS
□ Make sure your work area is well lit. Good visibility ensures that color is consistent and that visually defective planks are detected
and removed.
□ The minimum length of the rst and last plank is 12 in. If the last plank will be less than 12 in., adjust the length of the rst plank.
The remainder of the last plank can be used as a starter board on the following rows.
□ Using a shorter piece at undercut door jams will help when tting ooring in place.
Helpful Pointers
Installation
Preparing for Installation
ASSEMBLING FLOORING PANELS:
1. Install appropriate underlayment as per the underlayment manufacturer’s guidelines.
2. For the rst row of panels, cut off the tongue of the plank. Lay the rst plank with the trimmed tongue
edge on the long side of the plank facing the wall while taking special care to maintain proper expansion
as explained above.
3. Assemble the end joints by lowering the tongue (left end) into the groove (right end) of the previous
plank. Glue the short sides of the panels on the rst and last rows with wood glue and weigh them down
for approximately one hour until the glue sets.
4. To start the second row, use the remainder of the last plank of the rst row if it is longer than 30 cm (12
in.) long, otherwise, cut a new plank in half and proceed. To ensure structural integrity of your oor, it is
mandatory to ALWAYS STAGGER THE END JOINTS FROM ROW TO ROW BY AT LEAST 40 cm (16 in.).
5. Angle the tongue of the long side of the plank into the groove of the rst panel of the rst row at an
angle of approx. 25° and lower the panel to lock it into place.
6. In the case where you are unable to angle panels (eg. under a doorframe or radiator), you must cut
away the locking edge of the lip of the bottom groove by using a wood chisel. Run a bead of glue on the
now modied tongue and groove. Tighten the panels gently with the use of a pull bar and a hammer.
7. If a doorframe must be undercut, lay a plank of ooring next to the doorframe with the patterned side
facing down. Undercut the doorjamb with a saw, then slide the ooring plank under the doorjamb with
the decorative pattern facing upwards. Please note that the oor must be allowed to expand under the
doorjamb and HDC’s recommended expansion gap must be respected.
8. Continue the installation in this manner until you get to the last row. For the last row, measure the
exact width required. To do this, lay a plank of ooring on the second to last row. Then lay a second plank
of ooring on top of this plank with the tongue side of the plank touching the wall. This will allow you to
determine the width needed for the nal row. Make a mark with a pencil and cut with a saw along this
mark. Expansion gap and minimum plank width must be respected!
□ Clean the oor.
□ Use matching putty where necessary.
□ Install or reinstall all wall trim pieces. Nail them through the wall, but not to the suboor to avoid restricting the expansion gap.
□ Install transition trim pieces. Nail them to the suboor, not the ooring.
□ At doorways, transitions should be used to protect the edges of the oor and to provide a decorative transition from one oor type
to another.
□ If the oor is to be covered, use a breathable material such as cardboard. Do not cover with plastic.
DAILY MAINTENANCE
□ Sweep, dust, mop, or vacuum your oor regularly to remove any particles that could cause abrasion or scratch your oor.
Completing the Installation
Care and Maintenance
CAUTION: Vacuums with a beater bar or power rotary brush head can damage a oor and should never be used.
□ Use a damp mop to remove spots and soil. Apply appropriate cleaning solution to the cleaning cloth / mop. Do NOT apply directly to
the oor.
□ For lightly soiled area, clean with distilled water.
□ For moderately soiled areas, use a mild solution of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and distilled water. Dilute the mixture by mixing one
part alcohol and 2 parts distilled water. For tougher spots, use a higher concentration of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. For
extreme cases, a solution of nail polish remover (organic pure acetone) and distilled water can be used.
□ HINT: For best results, clean the oor in the same direction of the planks. When the cleaning cloth/mop becomes soiled, rinse or
replace it with a clean one. Following up with a clean, dry cloth may remove residual streak marks and spots.
□ Do NOT leave any amount of liquids (water, juice, soft drinks, spills, etc.) on the oor. Clean any wet spots immediately.
□ Do NOT use a steam cleaner.
□ Do NOT use a wet mop or douse the oor with water or liquid cleaners. Liquid can seep between the cracks and cause moisture
damage.
□ Do NOT use any cleaning agents containing wax, oil gloss refresher or polish. Leftover residue will form a dull lm.
□ Do NOT use steel wool or scouring powder which will scratch the oor.
BRANDED OR OFF-THE-SHELF FLOOR CARE PRODUCTS
If none of the above are effective and you choose to use a store bought product, test the product in a non-conspicuous area (i.e., closet,
corner, or scrap pieces) for potential adverse side effects.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
□ Protect your oor when using a dolly for moving furniture or appliances. Protective sheets and/or plywood may be needed. Never
slide or roll heavy furniture or appliances across the oor.
□ The use of soft castors (type W according to EN12529) is mandatory.
□ Place protective pads beneath furniture legs and other heavy objects.
□ Avoid excessive exposure to water from being tracked in during periods of inclement weather.
□ Minimize abrasive material and dirt by placing mats on both sides of exterior doors and by using area rugs in high-trafc areas.
□ Rearrange furniture and rugs periodically to avoid uneven color and shade changes from light exposure.
□ Use protective mats beneath rolling chairs and keep furniture casters clean.
□ Keep pets’ nails trimmed.
□ Remove shoes with cleats, spikes or exceptionally pointy heels before walking on the oor.
□ Place walk off mats and area rugs in main trafc areas and entrances.
CLIMATE MAINTENANCE
NOTE: It is the owners responsibility to maintain their home as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
□ Care should be taken to control humidity levels within the 60% range. Flooring, especially Laminate Flooring, dimensions will be
affected by varying levels of humidity. If the relative humidity is ≥ 50%, it is unlikely that people walking on the Laminate will cause
static electricity.
□ Dry Climates: A humidier is recommended to maintain humidity levels. Wood stoves and electric heat tend to create very dry
conditions during the winter months. This also will cause shrinkage and cracking in ooring.
□ Humid, Wet Climates: Use of an air conditioner, heater, or dehumidier may be required in order to maintain proper manufacturer
guidelines and to prevent excessive expansion due to high moisture content.
FLOOR REPAIR
□ Very light and small surface scratches can be repaired with a staining “touch up” pen of the appropriate color.
□ Slightly deeper scratches can be repaired by means of colored putty. Fill the scratches with the putty. Level with a putty knife. Wipe
off excess putty.
NEVER USE A TAPPING BLOCK OR INSTALLATION KIT DESIGNED FOR OTHER LAMINATE FLOORS. USING THESE
TOOLS WILL DAMAGE YOUR FLOOR AND VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
HDC Laminate ooring is designed to be installed oating. Under no circumstances should ooring panels be
glued, nailed, screwed or otherwise adhered (e.g. door stopper, closet track) to the suboor in any way.
HDC Laminate ooring needs room to expand. An expansion gap of 10–15 mm (3/8 in. to 5/8 in.) should always
be left around the perimeter of the room (e.g. between the ooring panels and the walls or any other xed
elements, such as heating pipes or door jambs). This expansion gap can be covered up with baseboards,
quarter rounds or the appropriate oor trim. T-Mouldings (at least 2 cm (1 in.) in width) must be used between
adjoining rooms, hallways and doorways. T-Mouldings must be used in rooms measuring more than 10 m (33
ft.) in the direction of the panel length and more than 8 m (26 ft.) in the direction of the panel width.
Installation should be carried out at a room temperature of at least 18°C (65°F) and a oor temperature of at
least 15°C (59°F). The relative humidity in the room should be 50-60 %. The temperature difference between
the ooring panels and the suboor should not exceed ±3 degrees.
The suboor must be absolutely level, at, dry, clean and rm. Differences in oor level of more than 3 mm per
1 m span (1/8 in. in a 3 ft. span) must either be sanded down or lled in with suitable oor lling compound.
For installation below grade, or on a concrete suboor, an underlayment with vapour barrier must be used. The
seams of underlayment should overlap by at least 20 cm (8 in.) and must be taped with moisture resistant tape
along the length of this overlap. For more information regarding vapour emission from concrete, please call us
at 1-800-986-3460.
For acoustic insulation, an appropriate underlayment should be used. Underlayment maximum thickness under
HDC Flooring is 4 mm and a minimum density of 53 kg/m3 (3.5 lbs/ft3).
Flooring panels should preferably be installed longitudinally (lengthwise) to the main light source.
Avoid narrow pieces at the nish wall. Measure the distance between the starting wall and the nish wall.
Divide this number by the width of the laminate ooring plank. The remainder must be greater than 6.35 cm
(2.5 in.).
Before installing under the oor heating, please call 1-800-986-3460 for further information. Radiant heated
suboors should never exceed 26°C (79°F).
Your HDC Laminate ooring can be walked on immediately following installation. As soon as part of the
underooring has been installed, the furniture can be moved onto the nished installation.
W & L < 26.25 ft. (8 m)
Gap = 0.5 in. (12 mm)
L
W
W
L
Gap
Gap
>200 mm
overlap
≥ 16 in.
12 mm
12 mm
12 mm
10 mm
F38-00/05-16