Installation Guide

Malibu Wide Plank T&G Install Instructions Page 2 of 8
MOISTURE TESTING PROCESS:
STEP 1: Test the flooring moisture content. Test at least 40 planks per 1000 sqft of flooring, using the meter manufacturers
recommended setting for engineered flooring. Calculate the average moisture content of all 40 readings.
STEP 2: Check the wood subfloor moisture. Set the meter to the recommended setting for that specific type of subfloor. Check
with the meter manufacture for specific settings. Test 20 different locations per 1000sqft area, and calculate the
average moisture content. The wood subfloor should not exceed 12% in moisture. Skip this step if you have a
concrete subfloor.
STEP 3: WOOD SUBFLOOR: It’s recommended for installation to begin when the hardwood flooring moisture content is within
4% of the average wood subfloor moisture content. Flooring should not exceed 12% moisture content. Extend
acclimation time until these conditions are met. Document and Save your moisture testing results.
CONCRETE SUBFLOOR: It’s recommended that vapor emission not exceed 3lbs per 1000sf as measured using a calcium
chloride test or 75% RH when using an in-situ RH (RH=Relative Humidity). It is recommended to use an adhesive with a
vapor retarder or an adhesive system that incorporates a vapor retarder.
WOOD/CONCRETE SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS:
Approved Wood subfloors
Note that joist spacing determines minimum subfloor thickness.
• Joist spacing 16” on center (OC) Plywood: Minimum of (5/8˝) Oriented Strand Board (OSB): Minimum (3/4˝, 23/32”).
• Joist spacing 16” up to 19.2” (OC) Plywood: Minimum of (3/4˝, 23/32”) Oriented Strand Board (OSB): Minimum of (3/4˝, 23/32”).
• Joist spacing over 19.2”up to maximum 24” (OC) Plywood: Minimum of (7/8”) Oriented Strand Board (OSB): Minimum of (1”).
• Do not install flooring directly over floor joist without subflooring. All structural panels/underlayment must be installed sealed-side
down, and provide minimum ¾” perimeter spacing. Square-edged or non-tongue and grooved panels used as a subfloor will require a
minimum 1/8˝ (3 mm) expansion space placed between all plywood seams. Panels must meet minimum CDX grade Exposure 1 and
US Voluntary Product Standard PS1-95, PS2-04 or Canadian performance standard CAN/CSA 0325-0-92 for construction sheathing.
Check panel for codes.
• Pressure-treated plywood may have elevated moisture or latent with rot resistant chemicals, not for interior use.
• Solid-board subflooring should be ¾” x 5 1/2” (1” x 6” nominal), Group 1 dense softwoods, No. 2 Common, kiln-dried to less
than 12% percent moisture content. Add min. 3/8” plywood over solid board subfloors.
• Particleboard, Luan or Masonite is approved for floating installations only and must be covered with a minimum of 3/8˝CDX
plywood when gluing this product to the subfloor.
• Do not install over existing plywood subfloors that are directly installed over concrete without proper moisture
protection between the plywood and the concrete.
• Nail wood flooring perpendicular to the floor joist.
• Nailing wood flooring parallel to the floor joist is an option using a combination of plywood, OSB, Advantech or
similar approved subfloors.
Floor joist (16” to 19.2 oc) The total subfloor thickness minimum must be 1-1/4”.
Floor joist greater than (19.2 up to 24”oc) The total subfloor thickness minimum must be 1-7/16”.
CLEAN: All wood and concrete subfloors must be swept clean or vacuumed to remove dust and debris. For glue down installations
remove all contaminates like paint, old adhesives, sealers, and dry wall mud that could affect the adhesive bond.
FLAT: All wood and concrete subfloors must be flat within 1/8” over a 6’ span, or 3/16” over a 10’ span. All areas of the subfloor
must be check prior to installation. High spots can be sanded or grinded down and low spots fill with appropriate patching
compounds. Never sand and grind materials covered with lead paint, or containing asbestos. Follow local building codes for proper
removal practices of asbestos and lead paints.
DRY: Wood subfloors should be dry. The moisture in wood subfloors should not exceed 12%. If high moisture is present stop
installation until the moisture source has been corrected.
Concrete subfloors must be fully cured for at least 60 days. Concrete subfloors must be tested for moisture by conducting a
Calcium Chloride test (ASTM F 1869) or Relative Humidity In-Situ Probe test (ASTM F 2170). Calcium Chloride test results cannot
exceed 3lbs per 1000sqft in 24hrs. Relative Humidity In-Situ probe test should not exceed 75%. A moisture barrier is required over
all concrete subfloors.
GENERAL INFORMATION (all installations)
• Install flooring in normal proper lighting.
• Save a box of flooring for future repairs.
• Do not install in full bathrooms or areas with steam.
• Inspect subfloor for flatness, squeaks, and moisture.
• Avoid board grouping, board sizes should be intermingled.
• Use breathable materials like paper when protecting a newly installed floor.
• Inspect flooring during installation, select out boards have milling and finish defects.
• The customer is advised to be home during the installation for consultation/direction.
• Customer and installer should discuss installation and layout to maximize satisfaction.
• It is helpful to save the item number found on the packaging box ends for future references.
• Jobsite subfloors can be dry today and wet tomorrow the use of moisture barriers is highly recommended.
• Floor should be installed from several cartons at the same time to ensure good color, shade and appearance.
• Do not install flooring under permanent or fixed cabinetry(should the cabinetry or flooring need to be removed in the future).
• An Expansion space must be left around the perimeter and at all vertical obstructions.