Installation Guide

ManualsBrandsNatural Floors by USFloors ManualsHardwood Flooring70LLBMLE60

Drop & Lock Glueless Floating Floor

Installation Instructions

3580 Corporate Dr. | Dalton, GA 30720 USA

Phone: 800-404-2675 | Fax: 706-733-8120 | www.usfloorsllc.com

ATTENTION! READ BEFORE INSTALLING!

COLOR VARIATION

This flooring is a natural product and color variations are to be expected. For best visual effect, shuffle planks from sever al

cartons and do not install boards varying greatly in color next to one another.

ACCLIMATION

As relative humidity varies in different parts of the country, acclimation of the flooring prior to installation is the most

important precaution to take in order to insure a successful installation. Proper acclimation is necessary to

adapt the

moisture content of the flooring to the conditions of your environment. Improper acclimation can cause the floor to buckle

and/or the boards to shrink or cup after installation.

SUBFLOOR PREPARATION

Subfloor must be level, dry and free of imperfections. An uneven subfloor will make the floor feel unstable and cause

premature damage.

Drop & Lock Glueless Floating Floor

Installation Instructions

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION. IN ADDITION TO THESE

INSTRUCTIONS, WE RECOMMEND THAT THE INSTALLER FOLLOW ALL INSTALLATION GUIDELINES AS SET

FORTH BY THE NATIONAL WOOD FLOORING ASSOCIATION. If the following instructions leave any unanswered

questions or if additional information is required, please call USFloors/Natural Floors toll free at 800-404-2675 (706-733-

6120).

FLOORING MATERIAL SHOULD BE INSPECTED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION

Responsibility for the suitability of USFloors flooring and accompanying products for each indivi

dual installation

cannot be assumed by USFloors, since USFloors has no control over the installer’s proper application. Should

an individual plank be doubtful as to appearance or dimension the installer should not use this piece. USFloors

will send replacement in a timely fashion.

NOTE: USFloors Drop & Lock flooring may be installed with a direct glue-down method on approved wooden (or)

concrete substrates that are on (or) above grade only. Use only USFloors Wood and Bamboo Flooring Adhesive

(or) comparable moisture cured urethane adhesives (i.e. Bostik’s Best). Please consult with adhesive

manufacturer to determine if suitable for use with this material.

PRE-INSTALLATION JOBSITE REQUIREMENTS

USFloors cannot be held responsible for site conditions.

Carefully examine the flooring prior to installation for grade, color, finish and quality. Ensure adequate lighting for proper

inspection. If flooring is not acceptable, contact your supplier immediately and arrange for replacement. USFloors

cannot accept responsibility for flooring installed with visible defects. Prior to installation of any flooring, the installer must

ensure that the jobsite and subfloor meet the requirements of these instructions. USFloors is not responsible for flooring

failure resulting from unsatisfactory jobsite and/or subfloor conditions.

Flooring should be one of the last items installed in any new construction or remodel project. All work involving water or

Summary of content (6 pages)

PAGE 1
Drop & Lock Glueless Floating Floor Installation Instructions ATTENTION! READ BEFORE INSTALLING! COLOR VARIATION This flooring is a natural product and color variations are to be expected. For best visual effect, shuffle planks from sever al cartons and do not install boards varying greatly in color next to one another.
PAGE 2
moisture should be completed before flooring installation. Water and wood do not mix. Installing flooring onto a wet subfloor will most likely cause cupping, tip & edge raising, telegraphing of core and subsequent gapping. Crawl spaces must be a minimum of 18" (46 cm) from the ground to the underside of the joists. A ground cover of 6–20 mil black polyethylene film is essential as a vapor barrier with joints lapped 6" (15 cm) and sealed with moisture resistant tape.
PAGE 3
INSTALLATION TOOLS For all installation methods: • • • • • • • • Tape measure Tapping block (trimmed piece of flooring) Pencil Pry bar or pull bar Chalk line Wood or plastic spacers (3/8") Crosscut power saw ® 3M Blue Tape Acceptable subfloor types: • • • • • • • CDX Underlayment Grade Plywood (at least ½" thick) Underlayment grade particleboard OSB (at least ¾" thick) Concrete slab Existing wood floor Ceramic tile Resilient tile & sheet vinyl STARTING YOUR INSTALLATION Make sure subfloor is tested for
PAGE 4
Before Laying: Measure the room at right angle to the direction of the planks. For best visual effect, planks in the final row should be at least 2 inches wide (half width of plank minimum). For this purpose, planks in the first row can be cut to smaller size. Shuffle planks in order to obtain a pleasant blend of shades. Lay planks preferably following the direction of the main source of light. We recommend laying on wooden floors crossways to the existing floorboard.
PAGE 5
INSTALLING FINAL ROW: 1. The last row may need to be cut lengthwise (ripped). 2. Place the last row of planks to be fit no top of the last row of installed planks. Use a piece of plank as a scribe to trace the contour of the wall. 3. Mark where the board will be cut. If the fit of the wall is simple and straight, simply measure for the correct fit and cut. 4. After boards are cut, position planks and tighten the fit using the pull bar. INSTALLING UNDER A DOOR JAMB: 1.
PAGE 6
thoroughly before laying the rosin paper to ensure that no debris is trapped underneath. DO NOT USE plastic film or other non-breathing coverings as this can cause the floor to become damaged from humidity buildups. • Remove expansion spacers and reinstall base and/or quarter round moldings to cover moldings to cover the expansion space. • Dust mop or vacuum your floor to remove any dirt or debris. • Install any transition pieces that may be needed (reducers, T-moldings, nosing. etc.).