Varietals 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. Open box ends and break shrink-wrap. Place in the center of the room, away from exterior walls, direct sunlight, and air vents. Flooring moisture content should vary no more than 3% from 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 windows and doors installed
• All wet work must be completed and dry
• HVAC must be running for at least 5 days before installation

Subfloor Requirements

• Must be flat, level, clean. Maximum 3/16" variation over 10 feet.
• Wood subfloors: Structural grade plywood or OSB, minimum 3/4" thick. Moisture within 4% of flooring.
• Concrete: Fully cured (60+ days). Calcium chloride ≤ 3 lbs. In-situ probe ≤ 75% RH.

Expansion Space

Leave 1/2" expansion space around all walls and fixed objects. Order 8% extra material for waste and grading.

Floating Installation

Installation Steps

Step 1: Install underlayment and moisture barrier. Tape all seams.

Step 2: Snap a chalk line 1/2" from the starting wall.

Step 3: Apply wood glue (Titebond II or III) to the tongue of each plank.

Step 4: Angle the tongue into the groove and press down. Use a tapping block and rubber mallet.

Step 5: Stagger end joints by at least 6". Use cut pieces as starters if at least 8" long.

Step 6: Rip the last row to width. Remove spacers and install trim.

Glue-Down Installation

Installation Steps

Step 1: Use Titebond 675+ or equivalent urethane adhesive.

Step 2: Dry-fit first two rows. Apply adhesive with recommended trowel in manageable sections.

Step 3: Allow proper tack time. Press planks firmly into adhesive.

Step 4: Stagger end joints by at least 6". Maintain 1/2" expansion gap.

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

Step 6: Allow 24 hours before foot traffic.

Nail-Down Installation

Suitable for wood subfloors only.

Installation Steps

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

Step 2: Blind-nail through the tongue at 45° using 18-gauge cleats. Fasten every 6"–8".

Step 3: Stagger end joints by at least 6". Apply wood glue to tongues.

Step 4: Face-nail the last two rows. Fill holes with matching filler.

Step 5: Install trim and transition moldings.

Care & Maintenance

• Sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft-bristle broom or hardwood vacuum setting.
• Damp mop with pH-neutral hardwood cleaner. No steam mops or excessive water.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
• Use felt pads under furniture and mats under rolling chairs.
• Maintain temperature 60°F–80°F, humidity 30%–50%.
• Protect from prolonged direct sunlight.