Installation Guide

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natural. Order an additional 5% extra for cutting wastage and grading allowances (10% for diagonal installations).
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.
Squeaking and clicking noises are the result of interactions among flooring, joists and subfloors when they move. Limiting the
movements of the flooring 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 flooring phenomenon. Minor scratches can
generally be repaired with the use of putty, stain or filler. It is an industry standard practice of flooring installation and it should be
accepted as normal by the homeowner.
To assure the warranty is not inadvertently voided, before proceeding with any activity that is not covered in this manual, please
contact our Technical Support Department. Call Toll Free 800-928-6168.
Acclimation and In-service Conditions
Acclimation is the process of adjusting (conditioning) the moisture content of hardwood flooring to the environment in which it is
expected to perform. The hardwood flooring is fully acclimated when its moisture content and dimensions (width and length) are
stable. Engineered hardwood flooring typically does not need acclimation as long as the environment it is being installed in is fully
acclimated. This means the HVAC system is fully operational and the home is being maintained in lived in conditions during and after
the installation. If the temperature and relative humidity falls outside normal ranges of 60°F-80°F and relative humidity (RH) of 30%-
50% then the product must be acclimated for a minimum of 3 days or longer depending on conditions. To properly acclimate you
must open boxes, open plastic wrap. Elevate cartons from the floor by placing them on 2”X 2” lumber or equivalence. Place spacers
(3/4” to 1” sticks) between each layer or cross stack the layers for maximum exposure to ambient conditions. Acclimation
temperature range is 60°F-80°F and relative humidity (RH) of 30%-50%. Conditions in which the floor was acclimated should be
maintained continuously thereafter. Document as much acclimation information as possible below.
Date:
Relative Humidity (%):_
Temperature (°F):
Subfloor Type:
Subfloor Avg. Moisture Content (%):
Acclimation Period:
Pre-acclimation Flooring Avg. Moisture
Content (%):
Pre-acclimation Flooring Width: _______
Pre-acclimation Flooring Length:_______
Post-acclimation Flooring Avg. Moisture
Content (%):
Post-acclimation Flooring Width: _____
Post-acclimation Flooring Length: ____
Job Site Condition
Prior to installation, the installer must ensure that at the time of installation, the job site conditions including subfloor/substrate,
ambient temperature and relative humidity, and all impacting variables will not negatively affect floor. Malibu Wide Plank will
decline responsibility for damages associated with improper installation or poor site conditions.
Storage and Conditions
Do not store flooring in uncontrolled environmental conditions. For example, garages and exterior patios are not acceptable areas to
store flooring. Handle and unload wood flooring with care and store within the environmentally controlled site in which it is
expected to perform. Flooring stored on concrete slab should be elevated at least four inches to allow air circulation under cartons.
Existing Home
Existing home should have a consistent room temperature of 60°F-80°F and relative humidity (RH) of 30%-50%. Continual deviation
from these conditions will affect the dimensions of flooring. During heating season, humidity may be much lower than the
acceptable range. During heating season, a humidifier is recommended to prevent excess shrinkage flooring to low humidity levels.
During the non-heating season, humidity levels can be maintained by using an air conditioner, dehumidifier, or by turning on your
heating system periodically.
New Construction or Remodel
All work involving water, such as pouring basement concrete floors, drywall and plasterwork, plumbing, etc. must be completed well
in advance of the floor delivery. Ensure that the building is enclosed. Where building codes allow, permanent heating and/or air
conditioning systems should be operating at least five days preceding installation to promote proper acclimation and should be
maintained during and after installation. If it is not possible for the permanent heating and/or air conditioning system to be
operating before, during and after installation, a temporary heating and/or dehumidification system that simulate normal living
(occupied) conditions can enable the installation to proceed until the permanent heating and/or air conditioning system is fully
operational.
Your job site should have a consistent temperature of 60°F-80°F and relative humidity (RH) of 30%-50% which should be maintained
continuously thereafter.