HARDWOOD INSTALLATION GUIDE

HARDWOOD INSTALLATION GUIDE:

PREP:

1.Sketch out the installation

Determine starting point or wall and the direction in which boards will be installed. Boards should be installed perpendicular or at 45° to joists.

2. Lay felt paper

Lay felt paper [or equivalent] over the entire floor surface.

3. Open a few boxes and lay out boards in the same position they will be installed

To create a more pleasing appearance, lay boards across the entire room as they will be installed to ensure a good mix of colors and nuances. Remove or reposition any boards you find less attractive. Select boards that go best with the transition moldings you will be installing.

4. Draw a line marking the first row

Using a chalk line, mark a guideline parallel to the starting wall, taking into account the width of the boards plus an additional 3/4" [19 mm] for the expansion gap and tongue. Select the longest and straightest boards for the first row.

LAYING BOARDS:

1.Place, drill, and nail the first row

Align the first board with tongue side along starting line and grooved side facing the starting wall; leave a 1/4" [6 mm] gap from the right side wall [perpendicular to starting line]. Drill and nail boards from above, as close to the wall as possible. Install subsequent boards from right to left until ready to trim row end boards.

2. Use trimmed boards to start next row

To minimize trim waste, select row end boards that are long enough for their trimmed ends to be used to start subsequent rows. Leave a 1/4" [6 mm] gap between the wall and the end of each row. The first board of the second row must be at least 6" [150 mm] shorter or longer than the one used in the first row, to avoid lining up the joints.

3. Nail first rows by hand

Since wall proximity prohibits the use of a stapler, use a hammer and nail punch to drive finishing nails approximately every 4" [100 mm] along the tongue for the first few rows.

4. Use floor stapler as soon as possible

Subsequent rows should be installed the same way, using the stapler.

5. Nail last rows by hand

The last 4 or 5 rows should be installed the same way as the first rows due to the proximity of the wall. You may have to trim the boards closest to the wall to leave the 1/2" [12 mm] required for the expansion gap.