Installation Guide

1 HOMEDEPOT.COM
July 3, 2019 Please contact 1-866-843-8453 for further assistance.
SOLID CORE PLANK AND TILE FLOORING
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Product Description: Solid Core Plank and Tile Flooring
Grade Levels: Above Grade / On Grade / Below Grade
Installation Method: Floating - Drop and Lock
Home Decorators Collection (HDC) Solid Core is intended for interior
use only and is suitable for above grade, on grade, and below grade
applications. DO NOT install in any outside areas, saunas, seasonal
porches, camping trailers, boats, RVs, lanais, rooms that are prone to
flooding, or homes that are not temperature-controlled.
HDC Solid Core is a floating floor and should be allowed to expand and
contract freely. It must not be glued, nailed, or fastened to the subfloor in
any way. Permanent cabinets, vanities, islands and similar items should
be installed first. Then, install HDC Solid Core around them, leaving the
proper expansion gap. HDC Solid Core can be installed under vanities
with legs. HDC Solid Core can be installed under toilets; leave proper
expansion space around flange and use a premium waterproof 100%
silicone caulk. Do not anchor toilet through the material.
HDC Solid Core is a waterproof floating floor, but it should not be used to
seal an existing floor from moisture. It cannot inhibit the growth of mold
or prevent structural problems associated with, or caused by flooding,
excessive moisture, alkalis in the subfloor, or conditions arising from
hydrostatic pressure. Regardless of location, always remove standing
water, urine and other liquids promptly. Job site moisture issues should
be addressed and corrected prior to installation. Fill expansion spaces
around potential wet areas only with premium waterproof 100% silicone
caulk.
Protect HDC Solid Core from exposure to direct sunlight via the use of
window-treatments or UV-tinting on windows.
If the flooring is to be installed by a third party, then it is suggested
that the homeowner be present 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
occur prior to installation. The owner/installer assumes all responsibility
for quality of completed installation.
Tools for Installation:
Utility Knife Straight Edge
Measuring Tape ¼" (6mm) Spacers
Pencils Profiled Tapping Block
Pull Bar Eye Protection
Soft-Faced Hammer Broom
Felt or Nylon Pads
Optional: Jig Saw, Table Saw, Miter Saw, Circular Saw, Hole Saw,
Moisture Meter (wood, concrete, or both)*
*Tools may be available for rent at The Home Depot.
Overage Allowances
Order 10% more flooring than square footage to
account for cuttings and waste
Subfloor Flatness
Tolerances
¼" in 10ft., Slope not more than 1" per 6 ft.
(6mm in 3m, Slope not more than 25mm per 1.8m)
No abrupt height differences. High spots should
be sanded or ground down and low areas should
be filled
Vapor Barrier (6 mil
polyfilm)
Not Required
Should Underlayment
(pad) be used?
No - HDC Solid Core includes a pre-attached
sound-mitigating pad. Do not use any additional
sound suppression underlayment or padding, as
doing so will void the HDC Solid Core Limited
Warranty
Acclimation
Requirements
Residential - Not Required
Transition
Requirements
Required when installing HDC Solid Core in a room
or area that is larger than 100 lineal ft. (30.5m) in
any direction
Installation On Stairs or
Vertical Surfaces (walls)
Voids Warranty
Installation Over
Existing Ceramic Tile
Floors
Filling grout lines less than ¼" not required
(Follow Subfloor Flatness Tolerances)
Glue Down Installation Voids Warranty
Subfloor RH/MVER
Recommendations
85% Relative Humidity / 8 lbs. MVER (Moisture
Vapor Emission Rating
Radiant Heat Approved - See page 3
Expansion Gap
Requirements
¼" (6mm) around perimeter walls & heavy fixed
objects such as cabinetry or baths
Required Interior
Environmental
Conditions
35ºF–100ºF (1.7ºC–38ºC)
Definition of
“Waterproof”
Structural integrity of HDC Solid Core will not
degrade due to contact with moisture/water
KEY INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

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