Installation Guide

Doc. ID: 124 Rev: 2 Effective: 2/24/2014 Page | 4
Tape measure • Moisture meter (for wood and/or concrete) • Chalk line & chalk • Hammer • Power saw • Carbide tipped saw blade for fine
cut • NIOSH-designated dust mask • Hand saw or jamb saw • Eye protection • Straight edge • Pry Bar • Mallet • Broom • Color matched
putty • Tapping block • Pull bar
Additional Supplies for Nail-Down Method:
Electric drill and bits • Compressor and hose with in-line regulator for pneumatic tools • Power nailer for flooring with height adapter to
match floor thickness • Pneumatic finish nailer • Nail set
Additional Supplies for Glue-Down Method:
Flooring adhesive • Trowels • Adhesive remover for selected adhesive • Clean rags • Weight roller • 3M Blue tape
Floor Damage Prevention
It is extremely important to take precautionary actions to prevent damage to the floor during installation. ALWAYS TEST FIRE NAILER TO
ENSURE PROPER SETTINGS. Use proper nailer, floor thickness adapters, face plates and cleats. Improper fasteners, machines and air
pressure can cause severe damage to the flooring. Forcing or pounding floor boards together with a rubber mallet during assembly may
bruise or damage board edges. Home Legend is not responsible for installation damages. Tongue fracture and surface dimpling are
common installation damage. They are not product defects.
Damage can be minimized by one or more of the following:
• Change the angle of nail entry.
• Use thinner cleats or nails (18-20 gauge).
• Use an over-size base or foot plate to distribute the nailing force.
• Pre-drilling pilot holes and hand nailing may be required.
• As a last resort, use glue-down method instead.
Fastening Failure
Fastening failure is NOT a flooring product defect. Inappropriate fastener may cause mechanical failure. It will fail to hold the floor
attached to the subfloor. Do not mix fasteners of different length or gauge. Always check with fastener manufacturer to insure the correct
method and size fastener are being used to install the floor to the existing floor subfloor.
Bond Failure
Bond failure is NOT flooring product defect. Most installation failures, including bond failure, result from jobsite moisture. Do not unpack
or deliver flooring to the jobsite until moisture problems are corrected. Read adhesive manufacturer’s instruction carefully. Certain wood
flooring adhesives may have special requirements and limitations of use. Some existing floor may not be acceptable. Not following the
adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations can lead to installation failure or product damage and will void your warranty.
Glue Spots on Face of Finished Floor
Adhesive can damage the floor’s finish, especially when it has dried. It is extremely important to take precautionary steps NOT to leave
finger prints or footprints glue marks on the face of the board. If glue marks are left on the face of the board, remove immediately with the
adhesive remover recommended by the adhesive manufacturer. Use clean towels, changing frequently to prevent haze and adhesive
residue. If the spot removal damages the appearance of the boards, replace the board.
Helpful Pointers
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 preferred minimum length of the first and last plank is 12”.
• Using a shorter piece at undercut door jams will help when fitting flooring in place.
Nail-Down Installation Tips
• Make sure power cleats are approved for use in OSB if plywood is not used as a substrate.
• First and last rows require hand nailing because the pneumatic or power nailer cannot be used safely.
• First and last rows require pre-drilling through the face, nailing with finish nails, countersinking the nails and using matching color putty to
fill holes.
• Until power nailer can be used safely, additional rows may require pre-drilling through the tongue; blind nailing it with 8d nails;
countersinking the nails.
• Use a spline or slip tongue whenever a change of board direction is needed. Splines should be glued to the groove and nailed into place.
• If the last row is less than 1” wide, it should first be glued at the joints to the previous uninstalled row and the joined unit should be face-
nailed as one.
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 include NIOSH or OSHA approve dust masks, safety goggle and work gloves.