Whiskey & Wine 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 boxes 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 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

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

Expansion Space

Leave a minimum 1/2" expansion space around all perimeter walls and vertical objects. Never install under permanent cabinetry. Order 8% extra material for waste and grading.

Floating Installation

Underlayment

Install an approved underlayment and moisture barrier over the subfloor. On concrete, a combination underlayment/moisture barrier is required.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Install underlayment per manufacturer's instructions. Tape all seams securely.

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 each plank tongue before connecting.

Step 4: Angle the tongue into the groove and press down. Use a tapping block and rubber mallet to fully seat each plank.

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

Step 6: For the last row, rip planks to width maintaining 1/2" expansion gap.

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

Glue-Down Installation

Installation Steps

Step 1: Use Titebond 675+ or equivalent urethane adhesive. Prepare subfloor — flat, clean, free of debris.

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 per manufacturer's guidelines.

Step 4: Press planks firmly into adhesive. 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

Nail-down is suitable for wood subfloors only and provides a secure, permanent attachment.

Installation Steps

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

Step 2: Use a pneumatic flooring nailer with 18-gauge cleats. Blind-nail through the tongue at 45°. Fasten every 6"–8".

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

Step 4: Face-nail the last two rows and fill holes with matching wood filler.

Step 5: Install baseboards, quarter-round, and transition moldings.

Care & Maintenance

• Sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft-bristle broom or hardwood floor vacuum setting.
• Damp mop with pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner. No wet mops or steam mops.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
• Use felt pads under furniture legs and protective mats under rolling chairs.
• Maintain temperature 60°F–80°F, humidity 30%–50%.
• Use blinds or curtains to reduce UV exposure.