Installation Guide

Malibu Wide Plank T&G Install Instructions Page 5 of 8
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.
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.
Sound Control & 2N1 Underlayment – For floating installation the underlayment must be 2mm thick or less and minimum density
of 11.4 lbs. per cubic foot and not to exceed 13 lbs. per cubic foot. Check with sound control manufacturer for application guidelines.
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.