Installation Guide

INSTALLATION
NAIL OR STAPLE DOWN INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
Additional Tools and Material Needed:
Drill
Air Hose
15 lb. Roofers Felt
Tapping Block
In-line Air Regulator

Compressor
Pneumatic Nailer / Stapler

Before you begin using the following instructions, please refer to the Pre-Installation Job Prep information above.
NOTE: Our products are not warranted against squeaking, popping or crackling when using staple-down or nail-down
installation methods. Some squeaking, popping or crackling is normal and possible when using staple-down or nail-down
installation methods. These symptoms may be aggravated in arid areas or during dry conditions.
Glue Assist - For products greater than 5” in width, it is recommended to use a combination glue down assist when using
mechanical fasteners. Apply a urethane based wood ooring adhesive to the suboor prior to installing the planks. Follow the
standard fastener schedule. *This installation method doesn’t require the use of a traditional vapor retarder, which enables
the glue to adhere to the suboor rather than the paper.
Set Up and Use of Pneumatic Staplers and Nailers
Minor occasional noises within the ooring are inherent to all staple/ nail-down installations and can change as environmental
changes occur. This is not a manufacturing defect and is therefore not covered under our warranties (see warranty brochure
for complete warranty coverage). You can help reduce squeaking, popping, and crackling by being sure that the suboor is
structurally sound, does not have any loose decking or joists, and is swept clean prior to installation. You should also be sure
that your stapler or nailer is setting the fastener properly, not damaging the planks, and that you are using the correct nailing
schedule.
When used improperly, staples or cleats can damage wood ooring. If the tool is not adjusted properly the staples/ cleats may
not be positioned at the proper angle and cause blistering, peaking, squeaking, or crackling of the oor. Some models may
require the use of an adapter to adjust for proper thickness. Test the tool on a piece of scrap material rst - set the stapler/
nailer ush on the tongue side of the plank and install a staple/ cleat. Should the staple/ cleat penetrate too deeply reduce the
air pressure; if the staple/ cleat is not deep enough then increase the air pressure using an in-line regulator. The crown of the
staple/ cleat should sit ush within the nail pocket to prevent damage to the ooring and to reduce squeaking. The ooring
manufacturer is not responsible for damage caused by the mechanical fasteners.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Only use manufacturer's recommended staples or cleats.
For 3/8” thick products the minimum length staple/ cleat is 1”
For 1/2” thick products the minimum length staple/cleat is 1 ¼”
For 9/16” thick products use a minimum length 1 ½” staple/cleat
For 3/4'' thick products use a minimum1 ½” length staple/cleat
Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for complete set-up and operation of equipment.
Getting Started
1. After the suboor has been properly cleaned and prepped cover the suboor with 15lb. asphalt felt paper. This material will help to keep the oor clean
and help to retard moisture from below (there is no complete moisture barrier system for staple or nail-down applications).
2. Select a starter wall. An outside wall is best: it's most likely to be straight and square with the room. Measure out from this wall, at each end, the overall
width of the plank (board width + tongue + the space needed (3/8” or ½”) for expansion).
3. Snap a chalk line from these points, parallel to that wall.
4. Install the rst row of starter planks along the chalk line/straightedge and secure into position with the tongue facing away from the starter wall
(toward you). Drill pilot holes through the face of the plank every 6” (in the dark grain); approximately 1” from the back edge of the board and secure
planks with 1” nishing nails. Countersink nails and ll with appropriate colored wood ller – remove excess ller from surface.
5
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