Installation Guide

Malibu Wide Plank T&G Install Instructions Page 4 of 8

NAILDOWN INSTRUCTIONS

[CAUTION]: Nail flooring in good lighting. After nailing 100 sq ft, stop and inspect the installed floor for any defects or damages.

Stop at 20 sqft for installation under 100sqft. Make adjustments as needed. If satisfied, continue with the installation. When top

nailing pre-finished flooring (the first and last rows, stair treads, and risers) it is recommended to pre-drill and hand nail using a

3/32” drill bit and 6d finish nails. Pneumatic 16ga. finish nail or 18ga. brad nail guns can be used to secure the first and last rows,

but improper use can easily damage the board or finishes. When installing over crawl spaces, basements, or garages use an asphalt

saturated paper as a minimum to provide protection against moisture vapors.

INSTALLATION PREP

Use a manual or electric jamb saw to undercut all door jambs/casing to allow enough clearance for the wood flooring to easily slide

underneath. A credit card thick gap between the top of the wood flooring and bottom of the door jamb is acceptable. Sand down high

areas of the subfloor. Correct low areas (See subfloor prep). Sweep or vacuum the subfloor clean of dust and debris. Install moisture

retardant underlayment, and staple it down to prevent movement/sliding(See underlayments).

STEP 1: THE FIRST THREE ROWS

• 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 including the tongue, plus the expansion space, and place a mark. An expansion gap must be

left around the perimeter and at all vertical obstructions. This gap will be the same as the thickness of the new flooring.

For example; 1/2” flooring requires 1/2” expansion gap.

• Snap a chalk line connecting the two marks. Align the tongue side of the first row of boards on the chalk line with the

groove side towards the starting wall, maintain the expansion space.

• Install the flooring with the tongue side facing away from the starting wall(Use long straight planks for first two rows).

• Pre-drill and top nail the first row of boards using a 3/32” drill bit and 6d finishing nails about an 1” from the back edge.

Pneumatic finish nail guns or brad nail guns can also be used. If hand nailing countersink the finish nail using a nail punch

and fill with close matching wood filler. Blind nail the 2

and 3

rows using the flooring stapler, and seat the staples slightly

above the tongue.

STEP 2: LOOSE LAY (Rack) THE FLOORING

After installation of the first three rows, loose lay about 100sqft of flooring about 4” or 5” away from the last secured row. Pull from

several boxes to mix board color and sizes to create a random look. Visually inspect flooring for defects while racking. Stagger boards

randomly as possible, avoid creating patterns. See picture for proper layout guidance.

Correct Board Stagger Incorrect Stagger circled

STEP 3: INSTALLATION CONTINUED

• After racking out 100sqft of flooring begin nailing the floor. (See fastener recommendations). Visually inspect boards

for defects while nailing. Use proper fastener spacing (See fastener spacing). Continue nailing until you get to the last one

or two rows. The lasts one or two rows will have to be top nailed. Again pre-drill using a 3/32” drill bit and 6d finishing nails.

• The last rows can be pulled tightly together using a floor Jack or pry bar. Protect base boards before using these tools.

• The last row may have to be ripped down in width to fit. If the last row is less than 1” in width use a PVA carpenters

wood glue to join the last piece to the previous row.

STEP 4: FINISHING UP

• Fill in nail holes and minor gaps with close matching wood filler.

• Install any base board molding and shoe molding.

• Install transition moldings.

• Sweep the floor.

• Clean floor with approved cleaner (contact you’re flooring retailer for approved cleaner).

• Use felt pads under furniture legs. Protect floor before moving appliances and heavy furniture.