Acclimate Flooring

48 hours before installation place the flooring in the room to be installed and horizontally score the unopened packages. Once packages are open, planks should be installed immediately. Check all planks to be installed. Claims for defective planks that have been installed cannot beconsidered.

Installation

Planks can be installed over concrete, vinyl, linoleum, wood, ceramic tile, marble or stone. Existing carpet should be removed.

1. Clean the sub floor and make sure that it is level and dry. The sub floor cannot vary more than 3/16" in 8'; moisture content of the wood sub floor should be no more than 10%, with a maximum of 5 lbs vapor emissions for concrete sub floors.
2. Concrete sub floors must be covered with 6 mil polyethylene film. New concrete must be cured for at least 6 weeks before installation. Existing concrete with flooring already installed such as vinyl or ceramic must be covered with 6 mil polyethylene film. Overlap seams by 8". Seams do not have to be taped.
3. Do not use polyethylene film over wood sub floors.
4. Remove all existing trims and wall base as necessary.
5. To ensure that your first and last row of planks is of equal width, measure the width of the room and divide the width of the room by the width of the plank. If the width of the last row of planks will be less than 21/2" cut the first row of planks to make it narrower to achieve an approximate equal width in the first and last rows.
6. If possible, install planks with the long direction parallel to the incoming sunlight source or to the longest wall of the room.
7. Leave a minimum 1/8" expansion area around walls and obstacles in the floor.
8. Begin installation at the left-hand corner. Place the first plank with the tongue side towards the wall, being sure to allow 1/8" for expansion. We recommend cutting off the tongue on this first row to avoid any problem with the expansion gap. Insert the second plank into the first at an angle pressing the short ends together; then press it down. Repeat the same procedure down the row. Measure and cut the last plank of the row (decorative side up if using a hand saw, decorative side down if using and electric saw). Set the remaining piece aside.
9. To start the second row, use the piece left over from the last plank of the first row. If it is too short, cut a new plank in half and use one half to start the second row. Insert the first plank of the second row at an angle into the first row; press in and down at the same time until the plank locks in place. Repeat this step with the next piece, keeping the short joints of these two pieces as close to each other as possible without actually engaging them. Using a tapping block, tap the second piece into the first. Continue installation in this manner. From the second row onward use a pull bar to engage the short edge of the last plank.

After installing three rows, check to see if the wall is straight. If not, trace the contour of the wall on the first row of planks, number the planks of the first three rows, cut the planks to shape and reinstall.

For surfaces greater than 1,000 sf, 40 ft in length, or 26 ft in width, include an expansion area.

To adjust the width of the last row of planks, place the last plank on top of the last installed row, trace the wall contour on the last plank and cut the last row of planks as needed. Remember to leave an expansion area. Remove spacers, install the trims or wall molding without forcing or nailing them against the floor.

Other Installation Recommendations

• When filling under the door frame— before sliding the plank below the frame, lightly sand the larger part of the groove and the interior part of thetongue. Do not install the plank at an angle but tap it slightly to introduce it into the previously installed row, or use a pull bar to join the planks.
• Always leave an expansion area.
• To replace planks that have been previously installed if one becomes damaged, raise the last installed row about 1" to pick off the longitudinaledge of the previous row. Once you have loosened the whole row, remove all of the planks by sliding the short edge plank by plank until youreach the target plank.

Cleaning and Maintenance

For daily cleaning we recommend using a vacuum cleaner or a slightly damp mop. Only non-abrasive detergents should be used. Do not use soapy products on your floor. Felt pads under furniture legs are recommended and floor mats are recommended at all exterior doorways.