Installation Guide

facing the starting wall.

5. Install the second plank in the row by angling the end tongue into the end groove of the first plank. Be careful not to bend the corner

of the plank. Maintain an expansion gap of approximately 5/16" - 8mm from the wall. Start the second row by cutting a plank to the

desired length. Keep in mind that the plank must not be shorter than 6" (15cm) to achieve the best appearance.

6. Install the first plank in the second row by inserting the long side tongue into the groove of the plank in the first row. This is

best done with a low angle of the plank. Maintain pressure into the side seam as you rotate the plank to the subfloor. Install

the second plank in the second row by inserting the short end tongue into the previously installed plank groove. Align the plank

so that the long side tongue tip is positioned just over the groove lip of the plank in the first row. Working from the end seam, at

a low angle, insert the long tongue into the groove of the adjoining plank. Very little force is required to seat the tongue into the

groove. You should feel the tongue lock into the groove.

7. Work across the length of the room installing planks along the wall in the first row and then aligning the planks in the second

row. It is critical to keep these two rows straight and square, as they are the “foundation” for the rest of the installation. Check

squareness and straightness often.

8. Cut the last plank in the first row and leave an expansion gap of around 5/16" - 8mm. Planks may be cut with a utility knife

using the “score and snap” technique. The leftover of this plank may be used to start the third row if it’s a minimum 6" - 15cm

long.

9. Continue installing planks and make sure to achieve a random appearance with end pieces of minimum 6" - 15cm. Check that

all planks are fully engaged; if a slight gapping is found, the gap can be tapped together by using a tapping block and a scrap

of flooring to cover the tapping block in order to avoid damages on the planks.

10. When fitting under door casings, etc., the flexibility and convenient connection of VersaLock becomes evident. If necessary, a

flat pull bar may be used to assist in locking the planks.

11. When fitting around obstacles or into irregular spaces, planks can be cut easily and cleanly using a utility knife with a sharp

blade. It is often beneficial to make a cardboard template of the area and transfer this pattern to the plank.

12. Protect all exposed edges of the flooring by installing wall moulding and/or transition strips. Make sure that no plank will be

secured in any way to the sub floor.

13. For wet areas such as bathrooms caulk the perimeter of the floor with a silicone caulk.

14. Protect the finished flooring from exposure to direct sunlight to reduce fading and thermal expansion.

IV. REPAIRS

1. VersaLock plank flooring is tough and durable; however, if a plank becomes damaged, it can be replaced. If the damaged

plank is along the perimeter of the room, the easiest technique is to disconnect the planks until the damaged plank is removed.

Replace the plank and reassemble the planks. If it is impractical to disconnect and reassemble the flooring, the following

procedure should be followed:

2. It’s recommended to use painters tape along the sides of the board to be replaced to prevent damage to the adjoining boards.

3. Using a Utility Knife, cut through the center of the damaged plank, running the length of the plank.

4. Carefully remove cut pieces from the insert. You can use a utility knife to remove the pieces from the floor. Clean up any debris from

opening area.

5. To prepare replacement plank. Cut and remove tongue from the long side and the short end of the plank. This can be

accomplished by using a Utility knife.

6. Using a Utility Knife, remove approximately 1.5 inches of the groove on the long side of the plank from the tongue end.

7. Apply a small bead of super glue (Ethyl Cyanoacrylate adhesive) to the groove of the boards in the floor.

8. Insert replacement plank, locking the long side joint (groove side) into the existing floor. NOTE: The tongue end of the

replacement plank will overlap the existing floor prior to be fully inserted.

9. Using a scrap piece of plank as a tapping device, tap the groove end into place. Insert the blade of a Utility knife on the

opposite side to lift and adjust the end as it is being tapped into place.

10. Place a weight on the plank until the adhesive sets. (Shaw recommends minimum 6-8 hours).

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