Cellar Hardwood Flooring Installation Guide

Pre-Installation

Before you begin installation, remember to P.A.C.E. yourself with the checklist below.

Acclimation

Acclimate flooring in the installation room for a minimum of 72 hours before installation. Open box ends and break shrink-wrap covering planks. Place boxes in the center of the installation area, away from exterior walls, direct sunlight, and air vents. Flooring moisture content should vary no more than 3% from the subfloor moisture content.

Environmental Conditions

• Temperature: 60°F–80°F during installation and year-round
• Relative Humidity: 30%–50% during installation and year-round
• Building must be enclosed with windows and doors installed
• All wet work (cement, plastering) must be completed and dry
• HVAC must be running for at least 5 days before installation

Subfloor Requirements

Subfloor must be flat, level, clean, and debris-free. Maximum 3/16" variation over 10 feet. New concrete must cure at least 60 days before installation.

• Wood subfloors: Structural grade plywood or OSB, minimum 3/4" thick over 16" on-center joists. Securely fasten with screws. Moisture content must be within 4% of flooring.
• Concrete subfloors: Apply moisture barrier. Calcium chloride test must not exceed 3 lbs per 1000 sq. ft. per 24 hours. In-situ probe must not exceed 75% RH.

Expansion Space

Leave a minimum 1/2" expansion space around all perimeter walls and vertical objects. Never install permanent cabinetry over floating hardwood floors.

Material Allowance

Order 8% extra material — 5% for cutting waste plus 3% for grading allowance. Install from multiple cartons simultaneously for the best color and shade variation.

Floating Installation

The floating method allows the floor to expand and contract freely. This is the most DIY-friendly option.

Underlayment

Install an approved underlayment and moisture barrier over the subfloor. On concrete, a combination underlayment/moisture barrier is required. Do not use multiple layers.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Install underlayment/moisture barrier per manufacturer's instructions. Tape all seams.

Step 2: Snap a chalk line 1/2" from the starting wall. Begin along the longest, straightest wall.

Step 3: Apply a thin bead of wood glue (Titebond II or III) to the tongue of each plank before connecting for a moisture-resistant joint.

Step 4: Engage planks by angling the tongue into the groove of the previous row and pressing down. Use a tapping block and rubber mallet to fully seat each plank.

Step 5: Stagger end joints by at least 6" between rows. Use cut pieces as starters for the next row if at least 8" long.

Step 6: For the last row, rip planks to width maintaining the 1/2" expansion gap. Use a pull bar for tight spaces.

Step 7: Remove spacers. Install baseboards, quarter-round, and transition moldings.

Glue-Down Installation

Glue-down provides a solid, stable installation ideal for large rooms and commercial applications.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Use Titebond 675+ or equivalent urethane adhesive rated for engineered hardwood.

Step 2: Snap a chalk line and dry-fit the first two rows. Apply adhesive with recommended trowel.

Step 3: Allow adhesive to reach proper tack before laying planks.

Step 4: Press planks firmly into adhesive. Stagger end joints by at least 6". Maintain 1/2" expansion gap.

Step 5: Roll the floor with a 100-lb roller. Clean any adhesive from the surface immediately.

Step 6: Allow 24 hours before foot traffic. Install baseboards and transition moldings after adhesive cures.

Nail-Down Installation

Nail-down provides a secure, permanent attachment to wood subfloors only.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Snap a chalk line 1/2" from the starting wall. Face-nail the first two rows (pre-drill to prevent splitting).

Step 2: Use a pneumatic flooring nailer (18-gauge cleats) to blind-nail through the tongue at 45°. Fasten every 6"–8" along the length and 2" from each end.

Step 3: Apply wood glue to the tongue for added stability.

Step 4: Stagger end joints by at least 6". Install from multiple cartons for color blend.

Step 5: Face-nail the last two rows. Fill holes with matching wood filler.

Step 6: Install baseboards, quarter-round, and transition moldings. Allow 24 hours before placing heavy furniture.

Care & Maintenance

• Sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft-bristle broom or vacuum with hardwood floor setting.
• Damp mop with pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner. Do not use wet mops, steam mops, or excessive water.
• Wipe up spills immediately — standing water can damage hardwood.
• Use felt pads under furniture legs. Use protective mats under rolling chairs.
• Maintain temperature 60°F–80°F, humidity 30%–50% year-round.
• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight — use blinds or curtains to prevent UV discoloration.