Instructions / Assembly

15. The last row will most likely require cutting to width but it should
be no less than 1 ½” wide. To do this, lay the plank face up on top of
the last full row installed. Trace the wall contour on the last plank using
a scrap piece of plank and a pencil.
16. Install cut planks and pull into place with a pry bar. Install spacing
wedges between planks and wall.
17. Remove the straight edge (starter row) and install the last row using
the pry bar.
Allow floor to dry for a minimum of 12 hours before removing all
spacing wedges and allowing foot traffic.
18. Install trim and moldings the following day.
Radiant Heated Subfloors
Refer to Website or Sample board to confirm as an approved product.
Non Approved products are not warranted for use over Radiant Heat
 Prior to installation of flooring over radiant heat system it is
important that the guidelines are followed in strict
accordance. Failure to follow the guidelines may produce
unsatisfactory results.
 Floating installation method only, direct glue down is NOT
recommended.
 Sub floor must be flat to 3/16” in 10’ or 1/8” in 6’
 Prior to installation moisture testing must be conducted and
documented per ASTM test method 1869-89 for concrete or
using a pin type meter for wood sub floors.
 The moisture content for concrete sub floors registered after
a calcium chloride test must not be greater than 2 pounds
per 1000 square feet of area. If it exceeds these limits, DO
NOT install the flooring.
 Relative humidity of the jobsite must be maintained between
35-55% relative humidity. Use of humidification system may
be required to maintain the proper humidity level. Failure to
maintain proper humidity level can result in excessive
dryness of flooring.
 It is highly recommended that the radiant heat system be
designed specifically to accept a wood floor
1. Use of an in floor temperature sensor as well as a separate
thermostat for the individual room is required.
2. An outdoor temperature sensor should be used to adjust
water temperature according to anticipated heat loss.
JOBSITE REQUIREMENTS
Prior to installation of flooring the radiant system must be installed per
manufacturer’s instructions.
Before installation of flooring material the follow conditions are
required
1. Moisture content of concrete must not exceed 2.0 lbs. per CaCl
test method (ASTM1869-89) Wood sub floors not to exceed 12%
and be within 4% of the wood flooring.
2. Concrete must be allowed to properly cure and dry a minimum of
4 weeks prior to operation of radiant heat system
3. Operation of radiant heat system should be set to run at 2/3
maximum output for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to installation
of flooring to further allow moisture from concrete to dissipate
and reach a final moisture content. This must be done in both
heating and non-heating seasons.
4. Prior to installation (4 days) reduce to a temperature of 65°.
5. Floating Installation - Install flooring according to floating floor
installation guidelines. Use of a 2 in 1 underlayment is required.
6. When gluing planks run a continuous bead of adhesive in the
groove on both the end and length of the board.
7. Remove any excess glue that squeezes out onto surface of the
planks with a clean damp rag. Change rags and water periodically
to avoid leaving a haze on surface.
AFTER INSTALLATION & SEASONAL OPERATION
 48 hours after completion of installation, slowly raise
temperature of the heating system to its preferred operating level
over a period of 5 days. Do not allow the surface temperature
to exceed 80°
 Humidity level must be maintained between 35%-55% R.H.
 Seasonal gapping should be expected.
 Surface checking can be expected if the proper humidity level is
not properly maintained between 35-55% R. H. or if the floor’s
surface temperature exceeds 80°.
COMPLETING THE JOB – ALL INSTALLATIONS
 Sweep or vacuum floor
 Clean the floor with proper hardwood floor cleaner
 Install transition pieces -i.e. – thresholds, t-moldings, base boards
and quarter round. Nail moldings to wall, not the floor.
 Inspect final floor for nicks and or minor gaps – fill with
appropriate color wood putty.
 Unused material should be left with owner and stored in a dry
place in case of future repairs are needed.
 Use plywood or hardboard when moving heavy appliances or
furniture across floor.
Floor Protection During Construction
After installation, if you choose to protectively cover the floor, cover the
floor completely, since some species are light-sensitive and uncovered
areas may change color. Use a covering material with a vapor permeance
(perm rating) of 1 perm or more (tested I accordance with ASTM E-96)
to avoid trapping moisture/vapor on or within the floor. Any covering
should be taped, using a low-adhesion tape, to base or shoe moldings.
Avoid taping to finished flooring. When taping paper or sheets together,
tape them to each other, not to the floor.
Moldings Help You Make Easy Transitions
T-Moldings: Used to create a transition between floor coverings of
similar heights or to cover an expansion gap.
Stair Nosing: Used in conjunction with flooring installed on steps or
provide a finished edge. Secure by gluing and nailing/ screwing down
into place. Predrill holes to avoid splitting.
Reducer Strips: Used to transition floor coverings of differing heights-
wood floor to vinyl, vinyl composition tile, or low-pile carpet. Can also
be used to border a fireplace.
Thresholds: Used to transition floor coverings or to create a break
between floor coverings – wood to carpet, can be used as a trim
molding around fireplaces or sliding glass doors.
Shoe Base Moldings: Used to cover the expansion space between the
floor and vertical surfaces. Can be used as a substitute for Quarter
Round moldings when space is a limitation.
Quarter Round Moldings: Used to cover the expansion space between
the Wall Base and your hardwood floor. You can also use them to
make smooth transitions between the floor and cabinetry.
Wall Base Moldings: Can be stained and finished to the color of the
flooring to be used an alternative to painted baseboards.
Floor Care and Maintenance
Remember, like any floor covering, our factory finished wood floors will
show signs of wear over time, depending on the size and lifestyle of your
family. By observing a few precautions and setting up a regular cleaning
routine and maintenance program, you can expect years of beauty from
your floor. The following are examples of the reasonable and necessary
maintenance you are expected to perform. They are not intended to be
an exclusive list.
1. Sweep or vacuum regularly since built-up grit can damage the
surface of the wood. The vacuum head must be a brush or felt type.
Be certain the wheels of the vacuum are clean and do not damage
the finish. Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar head.
2. Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and cleaning products
recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Never wet-mop, damp-mop, or clean your floor with water or other
products. This can severely damage the flooring and will void the
warranties. Do not use hardwood floor cleaning machines or steam
cleaners. See section on Improper Maintenance.
4. Use the manufacturer’s recommended Hardwood floor cleaners
with a clean terry cloth mop. Always sweep or vacuum the floors
prior to using wood floor cleaners. Do not allow excess cleaner to
remain on the floors surface as this may permanently damage the
wood fiber.
5. Important: Do not use oil soaps, liquid or paste wax products or
other household cleaners that contain citrus oils, lemon oil, tung
oil, silicon, or ammonia since these warranties do not cover damage
caused by non-recommended products. Use of these and other such
products will harm the long-term performance of your floor and
may also affect its recoat ability.
6. Do not use 2 in 1 cleaners with polish that may contain acrylics or
urethane polish to restore gloss – the use of these products will void
the finish warranty and may produce unsatisfactory results when
not applied properly.
7. Keep pets’ nails trimmed, and paws clean and free of dirt, gravel,
grease, oil, and stains.
8. Place protective felt pads beneath furniture legs and feet to reduce
scratches and dents. Replace pads as needed.
9. Use a dolly and protective sheets of plywood when moving heavy
objects, furniture, or appliances.
10. Make certain furniture casters are clean and operate properly (a
minimum 1” wide vinyl surface where it comes in contact with
wood is recommended). Clean wheels periodically to remove dirt
and debris.
11. Remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels before walking on
floor.
12. Exposure to the sun and its UV rays accelerates the oxidation and
aging of wood. This can cause the stain and/or wood to fade and/or
to change color. We recommend that you rearrange rugs and
furniture periodically so the floor ages evenly. Exotic species such
as Brazilian Cherry are more susceptible to color change during the
aging process. These warranties do not cover damage from the sun
and its UV rays.
13. Use area rugs in high traffic areas and pivot points (e.g., stair
landings, room entries, etc.), especially if you have a large family
or indoor pets.
14. Maintain the proper Relative Humidity in your home between 35%
- 55%. The use of a humidifier during heating seasons may help
reduce shrinkage of the wood due to low humidity.
011316Rev.C © Shaw Industries Group, Inc.