Installation Guide

Malibu Wide Plank T&G Install Instructions Page 5 of 8
Glue Down Installation Method:
When gluing down the flooring, install the flooring the same way as you would using the floating installation method. The only
difference is that adhesive will be trowel applied to the subfloor, and the flooring will be laid into the adhesive bonding it to the
subfloor. Always check the adhesive manufactures guidelines on proper subfloor prep, moisture testing, approved substrates, trowel
sizes, cure times, and coverage. A moisture barrier is required over all concrete subfloors. It is strongly advised to use moisture
barriers that offer 100% moisture protection over concrete.
Recommended Adhesives: Use 100% urethane adhesives that are designed for use with engineered wood floors. Technical Data
Sheets for these adhesive can be found on the adhesive manufactures website. Technical data sheets provide the guidelines for
approved subfloors, approved floors, subfloor prep, cure times, and trowel sizes among other information.
Expansion Space: A minimum 1/2” expansion space is required around all fixed objects and walls. T-molding expansion breaks are
not required with glue down installation methods, but can be helpful in minimizing overall floor movement due to seasonal
humidity changes inside the home.
Glue down Install: Start the installation parallel to the longest exterior wall in the room. Spread out only enough adhesive to install
the first row of flooring leaving a min. 1/2” expansion gap at all walls. A laser level or string line can be used to make sure the first
row is straight. Allow the first row to set up before installing additional rows. This helps prevent the first row from moving as the
next rows are installed. Spread out enough adhesive to install 4 rows at a time. Planks must be wet laid into the adhesive. Discard
badly bowed or warped planks. Periodically lift up a plank to verify proper adhesive coverage to the subfloor and bottom of the
plank. After laying 4 rows clean up any glue that gets on the finish right away using the adhesive manufactures recommended
adhesive remover. Use #2080 blue painters tape to hold planks together if needed until the adhesive cures. Don’t leave tape on for
more than 24hrs. Wait 24hrs before placing furniture back onto the flooring.
FLOATING FLOOR INSTRUCTIONS
During installation, Carpenters PVA Floating Floor Wood adhesive should be applied to each groove on the short and long sides
of the planks to ensure bond with the other planks. Two separate continuous beads of glue should be applied: one continuous bead
applied inside the groove, and one continuous bead applied to the top part of the tongue at all seams to ensure a secure bond with the
top and bottom of the tongue. This double-gluing helps to minimize squeaks, board gaps, or separation. Note that seasonal gapping is
normal in wood flooring and does not constitute a product failure. Seasonal gapping can be minimized by keeping the indoor humidity
above 30%.
Floating Installation Method:
Underlayments should be approved for wood and concrete subfloors installations. Caution before installing over concrete a minimum
6 mil polyethylene sheeting moisture barrier must be installed prior to installing the underlayment pad to help protect the flooring
from excessive moisture.
Expansion Space/T-molding Breaks: An expansion break is required to break continuous runs exceeding 40’ in width and 40’ in
length. T-molding transitions are used to filled in the gap required for expansion breaks. A 3/4” gap is required at all walls and fix
objects.
Installations fewer than 30’ in length or width can use a ½” gap at all walls and fixed objects. For room dimensions of greater than
40’ in length or width, the flooring should be glued down using an approved adhesive.
Installation:
• Determine the starting wall, usually the longest or outside foundation wall. At the two opposite ends of this wall, measure out
the width of the board, and place a mark. (Do not include the tongue of the board when measuring). An Expansion gap or space
must be left around the perimeter and at all vertical obstructions.
• Snap a chalk line connecting the two marks. Tack down fern strips or carpet tack strips along the chalk line.
• Install the first row of flooring against the tacked wood strips.
• The flooring should be installed from left to right, tongue side towards the wall, with the groove side facing out from the wall.
• Install the first row end to end until the entire row is complete. Be sure to use PVA carpenters wood glue on all plank butt ends.
• When edge-gluing, ensure that the glue is still wet when the planks are joined. Special attention should be paid to ensure that
there is no excess glue dripping to the subfloor as this could bond the plank to the underlayment and hamper floor movement.
A lightly water dampened rag can also be used to remove any PVA glue.
• Next, install the second row of planks, installing left to right. Each plank should be installed long side first into the previous row.
Make sure carpenters PVA wood glue is applied to all tongue and groove seams. Insert a spacer at the wall, then install the long
side of the plank into the previous row. Once the tongue is inserted into the groove fold the plank down onto the subfloor. The
butt ends will be lightly tapped over from right to left to close the end seams. Be sure to keep a minimum stagger of 6” between
end seams from row to row. Use a pry bar to close the end seam of the last plank installed in each row.