Meritage Nail Down with Glue Assist 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. Open box ends and break shrink-wrap. Place boxes in the center of the room, away from exterior walls, sunlight, and vents. Flooring moisture content should be within 3% of the subfloor.

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 all windows and doors installed
• All wet work (cement, plastering, painting) must be completed and dry
• HVAC must be running for at least 5 days before installation

Subfloor Requirements

This method requires a wood subfloor (plywood or OSB). Not suitable for concrete subfloors.

• Structural grade plywood or OSB, minimum 3/4" thick over 16" on-center joists
• Securely fastened with screws — no squeaking
• Flat to 3/16" per 10-foot radius
• Moisture content within 4% of the flooring moisture content
• No particle board, chipboard, or Masonite subfloors

Material Allowance

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

Nail-Down with Glue Assist Installation

This hybrid method provides maximum stability by combining mechanical fastening with adhesive bonding along the tongue-and-groove profile.

Required Tools

• Pneumatic flooring nailer (18-gauge cleats recommended)
• Wood glue (Titebond II or III)
• Rubber mallet and tapping block
• Tape measure, chalk line, and pencil
• Table saw or circular saw for rip cuts
• 1/2" spacers
• Pull bar for final rows

Installation Steps

Step 1: Snap a chalk line 1/2" from the starting wall. This is your expansion gap — leave 1/2" around all walls and fixed objects.

Step 2: Lay the first plank with the tongue facing into the room. Face-nail the first two rows, pre-drilling to prevent splitting. Space nails every 6"–8".

Step 3: Apply a continuous thin bead of wood glue (Titebond II or III) along the top of the tongue before engaging each plank. This creates a moisture-resistant joint and adds rigidity.

Step 4: For the third row onward, use the pneumatic flooring nailer to blind-nail through the tongue at a 45° angle. Place fasteners every 6"–8" along the length and 2" from each end of every plank.

Step 5: Continue applying wood glue to every tongue before engaging. Use a tapping block and rubber mallet to fully seat each plank into the previous row.

Step 6: Stagger end joints by at least 6" between adjacent rows. Work from multiple cartons to ensure good color variation.

Step 7: Wipe excess glue squeeze-out from the surface immediately with a damp cloth.

Step 8: For the last two rows where the nailer cannot reach, face-nail and apply glue. Fill face-nail holes with matching wood filler.

Step 9: Remove all spacers. Install baseboards, quarter-round, and transition moldings to cover the expansion gap.

Care & Maintenance

• Sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft-bristle broom or hardwood floor vacuum setting.
• Damp mop with pH-neutral hardwood cleaner. Never use wet mops, steam mops, or excessive water.
• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent damage.
• Use felt pads under all furniture legs and protective mats under rolling chairs.
• Maintain consistent indoor conditions: temperature 60°F–80°F, humidity 30%–50%.
• Use blinds or curtains to protect from prolonged UV exposure.