Installation Guidelines

ManualsBrandsWelles Hardwood ManualsFlooringAmericano Oak 3/8" Thick x 3" Wide x Varying Length Engineered Hardwood Flooring

GENERAL INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR

Wood Flooring

II. “RACKING” THE FLOOR

This process is essential to achieve a random appearance. Start by either using random length planks found in the

carton or by cutting four to ﬁve planks in random lengths, differing by at least 6 inches. Some cartons may contain

“starter” boards with one end cut. These boards will be marked with an arrow facing the direction of the cut end. When

starting these ﬁrst few rows or courses, make certain to always measure from the tongue end of the plank for cutting.

As you continue working across the ﬂoor be sure to maintain a 6 inch minimum stagger between end joints on all

adjacent rows when installing up to 5 inch width plank. For products wider than 5 inch, the planks should be staggered

at least the width of the plank.

Randomly install different lengths to avoid a patterned appearance. Stair step pattern should be avoided. Never waste

materials; the ends cut from starter rows should be used at the opposite side of the room to complete rows or may also

be used to start the new row.

NOTE: It is extremely important to blend planks from several cartons to ensure a good balance of color and graining.

For products containing planks longer than 4’ and/or Wider than 5 inches

Longer and wider plank formats have been well received for their appearance and ease of installation. We consider a

longer and wider format to be any product with planks longer than 4 feet and/or wider than 5 inches. Please note when

installing this format certain precautions should be taken to ensure a trouble-free installation. With longer length or

wider width products, it is imperative to pre-check the planks and inspect for slight deformations. In manufacturing we

make every attempt to remove any defective board. With the longer plank occasionally, you will ﬁnd a board that may

exhibit some crowning bow or end lift. This is to be considered normal for long length boards. The following are some

tips for installing these boards and key recommendations:

• Long boards with slight deformation can be made installable by simply cutting in half and using for a starter or ﬁnish

piece within a row. This will allow for an easier plank installation.

• Ambient humidity (RH) should not fall below 35% prior to, during, or post installation.

• When staple or nailing long plank, it is very strongly recommended to apply a small bead of Mega glue to the bottom

of the end and long side groove. This will reduce the possibility of any popping and squeaking or gapping in the ﬂoor

due to seasonal changes.

• If needed, use a short piece of ﬂooring, a tapping block and hammer to completely draw sides tight.

• For glue down and ﬂoating installations, please use 3M blue tape to hold planks tight until adhesive sets.

• If zero deﬂection or “bounce” in the ﬂoor is a concern, we do not recommend a ﬂoating installation.

• When ﬂoating long and/or wide planks, additional expansion and transition moldings should be used when the area

exceeds 3,000 sq. ft. and is greater than 55 linear feet in length or width.

With us, you’re protected by our exclusive Pre-Installation Limited Warranty. Return any planks you are not satisﬁed

with, uncut, BEFORE installation and we’ll replace them. No questions asked.

We recommend the use of NWFA Certiﬁed Professionals for the installation of your new Hardwood Product. For further

information, please see www.nwfa.org/cp-about.aspx

PRODUCT INSPECTION

Wood is a natural product, containing natural variations in color, tone, and grain. Color variation between planks is to be

expected in a wood ﬂoor. We cannot guarantee against natural variation in each plank, nor minor differences between

samples and the color of the ﬂoor.

We urge you to inspect for color, ﬁnish, and graining BEFORE installation. Care should be taken during installation to

remove or repair particular characteristics you do not desire. We suggest you use cut planks as starter strips to begin

each new row and to “rack” the ﬂooring to ensure a random appearance. (See “racking” instructions below.) Some

starter planks may be included in your carton of Hardwood. Look for planks labeled “Cut End”. These may be used to

start or end a row.

NOTE:We accept no responsibility for costs incurred when a ﬂoor with visible defects has been

permanently installed.

IV. JOB SITE CONDITIONS

While considered a best practice, Engineered Wood ﬂooring products do not need to be acclimated to the job site

unless the ﬂooring will be transported from one extreme temperature or humidity into another. Wood ﬂooring performs

best in climate-controlled interior environments. A permanent HVAC unit should be operational in order to provide

consistent room temperature between 60° and 80°F (16° to 27°C) and a humidity level of 35% to 50%.

Summary of content (7 pages)

PAGE 1
GENERAL INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR Wood Flooring We recommend the use of NWFA Certified Professionals for the installation of your new Hardwood Product. For further information, please see www.nwfa.org/cp-about.aspx I. PRODUCT INSPECTION Wood is a natural product, containing natural variations in color, tone, and grain. Color variation between planks is to be expected in a wood floor.
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Temperature and humidity should be controlled for the life of the flooring. If there is a severe temperature or humidity difference, make sure to condition the cartons of wood flooring and UltraSpread EZ Adhesive™ adhesive, if being used, a minimum of 24 hours before the installation. UltraSpread EZ Adhesive™ has a minimum working temperature of 65ºF. Never use UltraSpread EZ Adhesive™ below this requirement. Open time for UltraSpread EZ Adhesive™ is affected by temperature and humidity.
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Suspended, above-grade concrete subfloors often require extended drying time to lose initial moisture. Suspended, pre-formed concrete plank construction requires a minimum of 1 1/2 inch concrete topping to make it suitable for wood floor products. This type of construction may also require extended drying time. Curing and drying time will vary depending on the type of concrete mix and the environment in which it is placed.
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10. Retain a few leftover planks in case a repair is ever required. Clean any adhesive with mineral spirits and UltraClean spray cleanser. Roll floor with a 100-lb. roller. Remove releasable blue tape within 4 hours after installation. Cleanup Clean UltraSpread EZ Adhesive™ adhesive from floor and tools with mineral spirits while still wet. Once the adhesive dries, it’s very difficult to remove. If it dries on the floor’s finish, use a urethane adhesive remover.
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applications. Maximum subfloor moisture should never exceed 14%. As a added alternative we have found applying a small bead of mega glue to the bottom of the groove as a benefit to help eliminate squeaking or gapping. This is strongly recommended for wider and longer plank format (random lengths that exceed 6 ft.) Please refer to the Alternative Fastenting Methods document. When using this new method, you may choose to staple or nail down the hardwood, as either method is acceptable.
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Underlayment sheeting that combines a foam cushion layer and moisture barrier film all in one. It also has a built-in edge sealing system when more than one sheet is needed. Use AquaBarrier™ II for below-grade or on-grade subfloors where moisture is a concern. ComfortBarrier™ omfortBarrier™ is an underlayment foam cushion to be used for above-grade subfloors ONLY where subfloor C moisture is not a concern. Our Whisper Underlayment Invented and Perfected.
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12. Glue the next plank in the same row to the previously glued plank in the previous row. Apply adhesive to both the length and width edges of the plank. 13. Continue to install wood flooring using this stair stepping method, as illustrated. Simply install each plank according to the sequence of numbers shown. 14. At the end wall use a pry bar, if needed, to pull the ends of the planks tight.