Installation & Assembly

Suspended, above-grade concrete subfloors often require extended drying time to lose initial moisture. Suspended,
pre-formed concrete plank construction requires a minimum of 1 1/2 inch concrete topping to make it suitable for
wood floor products. This type of construction may also require extended drying time. Curing and drying time will
vary depending on the type of concrete mix and the environment in which it is placed. New concrete slabs require a
minimum of 6 weeks’ drying time before covering them with a wood floor.
You may install Mannington engineered hardwood floors over concrete subfloors when you are using Mannington Ul-
traSpread EZ Adhesive™ (glue-down method) or Mannington MegaGlue™ adhesive (floating method) if the subfloor
is visually dry and has no history of moisture problems. As a frame of reference, calcium chloride test results should
be 8 lbs. or less moisture vapor transmission.
NOTE: Mannington Wood Floors’ moisture release warranty is in effect only when Mannington UltraSpread EZ
Adhesive™ is used.
NOTE: Moisture tests can only indicate conditions at the time of the test. Neither Mannington nor the flooring
contractor can be responsible if moisture levels change in the future.
NOTE: Mannington does not recommend and cannot be held responsible for any failures related to the use of
plaster-type patching compounds when used on any grade level of concrete underfloor.
E. Glue-Down Installation
Wood planks are glued to the subfloor using urethane-based Mannington UltraSpread EZ Adhesive™ adhesive and
a minimum 3/16 inch x 5/32 inch V-notched trowel. This moisture-cured polyurethane adhesive forms a tenacious
bond. The adhesive is V.O.C. compliant, nonflammable, contains 0% water, and has a very mild odor.
NOTE: Do not adhere Mannington Wood Floors over perimeter installed resilient flooring.
Special Tools
• Mannington UltraSpread EZ Adhesive™
• Mannington PROTVNX trowel 3/16 inch x 5/32 inch V-notched (minimum)
• Releasable blue tape such as 3M 2090 or equivalent
• Tapping block SKU# 801926
• 100-lb. roller
Job Preparation & Installation
1. Before installation, do a calculation to determine the width of the last row of planks. If it is less than 1 1/2 inch wide,
split the difference between the starter row and the last row. In any case, you will most likely be required to cut the
last row of planks to width with a table saw.
2. Select a starter wall. An outside wall is best because it’s more likely to be straight and square with the room.
Measure out from this wall, at each end, the width of two planks.
3. Snap a chalk line from these points, parallel to that wall and perpendicular to the adjacent walls. Since most walls
are not straight, the edge of some planks may have to be trimmed along the wall or cut to fit. (Although It is not
necessary to leave an expansion space for Mannington Hardwood planks, it is considered a best work practice)
NOTE: It is extremely important to blend planks from several cartons to ensure a good balance of color, graining,
and plank length.
4. Spread Mannington UltraSpread EZ Adhesive™ from the chalk line out to the width of two planks with a minimum
3/16 inch x 5/32 inch V-notched trowel. Mannington recommends allowing the adhesive to set for 30 minutes.
If desired, however, you may start laying planks immediately into wet adhesive.
5. Install the first row of starter planks and secure into position with the tongue facing the starter wall. Proper
alignment is critical. Misaligned starter rows can ruin the entire installation. Professional installers sometimes firmly
secure a straightedge along the chalk line (2x4s work well), as a guide and this also helps to prevent planks from
shifting in the wet adhesive.
6. The precise engineering of our Ultra-Fit tongue-and-groove system creates a very stable floor. But, you MUST make
a good connection. Use a tapping block to tap the planks together until the tongue-and-groove “snaps” into place.
7. When the first two starter rows are secure, spread 2 ½ to 3 feet of adhesive across the length of the room. (Never
lay more adhesive than may be covered in approximately 3 hours. If the adhesive has set and will not transfer to
the back of the plank, scrape up the adhesive and apply fresh Ultra- Spread EZ Adhesive™ adhesive.)
8. Place planks into position on top of adhesive and tap into place with a tapping block. Avoid clustering the end
joints. Stagger random lengths so that end joints are no closer than 6 inches.
9. After several rows of planks are down, lay perpendicular strips of Releasable “Blue” tape, 12 inches apart to hold
the planks securely. Repeat this process as the installation progresses. Do not allow tape to remain on the wood for
more than a few hours. Remove tape as soon as possible.
When you have finished installing planks across the work area, go back to the beginning of the installation and
remove straightedges. Spread adhesive to exposed subfloor and use a pry bar to position the final two rows into
place. Be aware that you will have to remove the tongue from the last row to complete the installation.