The following is a brief overview of installation. For comprehensive instructions find your product listed below and follow the link.

• Engineered 5/8" or 9/16" for Floating or Glue Down installation (PDF)
• Engineered 5/8" or 9/16" for Staple or Glue Down installation (PDF)
• Solid 5/8" or 9/16" for Nail/Staple or Glue Down installation (PDF)

General Information
1. Acceptable Jobsite Conditions
The installation of the Engineered Allwood Floor (Floor) should be one of the last jobs of any construction project. A site inspection should be done before the installation of the Floor. Basically, all the wet work including painting etc. should be thoroughly dry and the room temperature should be 60°F or(15°C) above. The Floor can be installed successfully above, on, and below grade level, assuming the ground is sloped away from the house for proper drainage. For detailed inspection information, please refer to the Hardwood Flooring Installation Guidelines by NWFA or contact your local supplier.

2. Subfloor Guidelines
Subfloor of any kinds must be flat, dry, sound, clean and free of squeaks and free of protruding nails/staples. Tolerance should be flat to within 3/16" in 10' (4.8mm in 3,000mm). The difference of the moisture content of the Floor and the subfloor should be less than 4%. Add moisture barrier before applying underlayment if necessary. Prefer 3/4" (19mm) CDX grade plywood or OSB underlayment with 19.2'1 ( 488mm) o/c joist construction. The sheets should be perpendicular to the floor joist. Leaving a 1/8-1/4" (3- 6mm) spacing between 4'x8' sheets.

For concrete subfloor, start at the center of the panel and working toward the edges use at least 9 nails per 4'x8' panel. Areas with higher humidity may require additional nails. Lightweight concrete is recommended to install with floating method only. Leave a 3/4" (19mm) expansion space at all vertical obstructions.

For wood subfloor, nail every 6" (150mm) on panel edges and every 10" (250mm) intermediate.

Floor Installation Instructions
The floor can be installed using either floating, nail down or glue down method. Floating method allows the floor to move as a unit when humidity changes, so when properly installed, there will be no separation gaps between the boards. The nail-down or glue down method gives you a feeling of solid and are preferred by many customers, but expecting some separation gaps when humidity varies drastically.

Installation:
1. Suggest to lay the floor perpendicular to the joist, and stagger end joints by 20" (500mm) or as desired. Leave a 3/4" (19mm) expansion space between the floor and any vertical obstructions. These spaces will be covered later on by the baseboard.

2. Lay the first long strip with the groove side towards the wall, and insert wooden wedges between the wall and the both sides of the floor (head and longitudinal side).

Floating Method:
3. Apply a continuous line of glue into the topside of the end and side grooves, and tap in using a tapping block. Lay the other long strips in the same way until done.

Nail Down Method:
4. Staple plank using 2" (50mm) 15 or 16 gauge staple with 1/2" (12 mm) crown every 8' (2,440mm) apart. Adhesive can also be applied to the bottom of the floor in this method for double security. Make sure to select the right adhesive for your particular installation environment.

Glue Down Method:
5. Select the right adhesive for your particular installation environment. Apply the adhesive to the back to the floor following the manufacturer's instructions.

Special Installation - Under-Floor Heating:
6.Most floating or engineered floors can be used for under-floor heating. Take into consideration that any flooring may experience extra movement (shrinking or swelling) than normal, especially when the heating system is on. It is recommended to use floating method for installation. When glue down, use the adhesive specifically for under-floor heating and follow the instructions. A 6-8 mil polyethylene vapor barrier should be installed over heating systems. Tape all seams to be sure the barrier is tight. To protect the barrier from rips, lay 1/16 " (1.5mm) thick foam sheeting over the vapor barrier. Expect some heating season separations for glue down and nail down floors. All flooring is covered under a 25 year warranty even when using under floor heating.

7. The floor must be laid when the heating system is turned off and the room temperature should be around 68°F (20°C), and a relative humidity between 45% and 65%. The temperature of the heating system should not exceed 112°F (45°C) and the surface temperature of the floor does not exceed 78°F (25°C).

Maintenance
1. Use felt fitting on all the legs of tables and chairs. When moving heavy objects, a strong piece of wool or felt covering should be used to prevent scratching. Avoid walking on the floor with stiletto heel shoes.
2. Remove any spilled water on the floor immediately.
3. For cleaning, use wood cleaner formulated for the particular finish. Do not use solvents or ammonia to clean the floor.