Installation Guide

ManualsBrandsShaw ManualsEngineered HardwoodWestern Hickory Espresso 3/8 in. Thick x 5 in. Wide x Random Length Engineered Hardwood Flooring (23.66 sq. ft. /case)

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.