Home Legend Solid T-G User Manual

Products Included

Approved Grade Levels

Approved Installation Methods

Solid Hardwood Tongue and Groove

On Grade.

Above Grade

Primary Methods: Nail/Cleat/Staple or Full

Spread Glue

CAUTION: CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
This product can create wood dust which is known to the State of California to cause cancer.

CAUTION: ASBESTOS IN EXISTING FLOOR

Home Legend product does not contain asbestos. Existing installed resilient flooring and asphaltic adhesive may contain asbestos fillers
or crystalline silica. Do not sand, dry sweep, dry scrape, drill, saw, bead-blast, or mechanically chip or pulverize existing resilient
flooring, backing, lining felt, asphaltic “cutback” adhesive or other adhesive. See “Recommended Work Practices for Removal of

Resilient Floor Coverings” (rfci.com) for detailed information and instructions on removing all resilient covering structures.

CAUTION: WOOD DUST
Sawing, sanding and machining wood products can produce wood dust. It causes respiratory, skin and eye irritation. Avoid prolonged
exposure to wood dust. Power tools should be equipped with a dust collector. If possible, perform wood dust generating activities
outdoors. If high dust levels are encountered, use an appropriate NIOSH-designated dust mask.

Installation Instructions

Solid Hardwood Flooring

Visit homelegend.com for latest version of installation instructions.

Owner/Installer Responsibility

The owner is advised to be at home during the installation for consultation/direction. The owner and installer should discuss installation
and layout to maximize satisfaction. If this is not possible, consultation should be done prior to installation. Installers should be familiar
with installation guidelines from the National Wood Flooring Association (woodfloors.org).
The owner/installer assumes all responsibility for product quality of completed installation.

PERFORM PRE-INSTALL INSPECTION. FOR CLAIMS PURPOSES, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO OPEN UP TO 4 BOXES FOR PRODUCT INSPECTION. DO NOT OPEN
ALL THE BOXES. OPENING ALL THE BOXES CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE PRODUCT. INSPECT ALL THE PLANKS IN THESE 4 BOXES CAREFULLY.
EXAMINE FLOORING FOR COLOR, FINISH AND QUALITY. IF YOU DISCOVER THAT PRODUCTS ARE DEFECTIVE, OR IF MATERIAL IS QUESTIONABLE, YOU
SHOULD CONTACT THE RETAILER. IF YOU ARE SATISFIED, PROCEED WITH INSTALLATION.

The length of the each plank in any box can vary from 12 inches to the maximum full length stated on the packaging or other product
descriptions. Each box can contain all full length boards or a combination of full length and shorter boards. There is no specific percentage
of product length distribution.

Prior to installation, rack up floor from several boxes to ensure uniform distribution of color, shades and characters in the installed floor.
Planks having similar widths should be placed together in the same row to minimize gaps between boards.
Wood floors are natural products containing natural variations. Variations in color, tone, grain, mineral streaks, small knots and other
characters are found from plank to plank. Similar variations exist between sample, pictures and purchased flooring. They are normal and it
does not mean the product is defective.
Flooring to be installed in one large area should be purchased at the same time. Product purchased at a later time than the first purchase
may vary beyond your expectations.
Accessories, trims and moldings are manufactured to coordinate with the varied appearances of the floor planks. Any exact matches are
coincidental. Non-matching accessories are not defective products.
This product is manufactured according to strict quality standards. In the event that defects are discovered in the field, the industry
standards permit a defect tolerance not to exceed 5%. The defects may be of any type, whether manufactured or natural. Order an
additional 5% extra for cutting wastage and grading allowances (10% for diagonal installations).
During installation, inspect the planks continuously. Defects that can be seen from a standing position should be cut off or hold out the
plank. Installing defective planks implies acceptance.
Squeaking and clicking noises are the result of interactions among flooring, joists and subfloors when they move. Limiting the movements
of the flooring system usually eliminates most of these noises. Sometimes, it is impossible to eliminate them completely and minor
squeaking or clicking noises are to be accepted as normal flooring phenomenon. Minor scratches can generally be repaired with the use of
putty, stain or filler. It is an industry standard practice of wood flooring installation and it should be accepted as normal by the home owner.

If You Need More Information

To assure the warranty is not inadvertently voided, before proceeding with any activity that is not covered in this manual, please contact
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our Technical Support Department.

Acclimation and In-service Conditions

Acclimation is the process of adjusting (conditioning) the moisture content of hardwood flooring to the environment in which it is expected
to perform. The hardwood flooring is fully acclimated when its moisture content and dimensions (width and length) are stable. For
example, the averaged dimensions and moisture content remain constant for 3 consecutive days. Flooring must acclimate for as long as
necessary to reach fully acclimated stage. Acclimation time varies depending on geographical area, interior climate control and time of the
year. Minimum acclimation time is 3 days.
This product must be acclimated with the box and plastic wrap, if any, cut open. Elevate planks from the floor by placing them on 2”X 2”
lumber or equivalence. Place spacers (3/4” to 1” sticks) between each layer or cross stack the layers for maximum exposure to ambient
conditions. Acclimation temperature range is 60°F-80°F and relative humidity (RH) of 35%-55%. Conditions in which the floor was
acclimated should be maintained continuously thereafter. Document as much acclimation information as possible below.

Date: ______________
Relative Humidity (%):______
Temperature (°F): _____
Subfloor Type:______________________
Subfloor Avg. Moisture Content (%):_______
Acclimation Period: ___________

Pre-acclimation Flooring Avg. Moisture
Content (%): _______
Pre-acclimation Flooring Width: __________
Pre-acclimation Flooring Length: _________

Post-acclimation Flooring Avg. Moisture
Content (%): _______
Post-acclimation Flooring Width: _________
Post-acclimation Flooring Length: _________

Job Site Condition

Prior to installation, the installer must ensure that at the time of installation, the job site conditions including subfloor/substrate, ambient
temperature, relative humidity, and all impacting variables will not negatively affect floor. Home Legend will decline responsibility for
damages associated with improper installation or poor site conditions.

Storage and Conditions

Do not store wood flooring in uncontrolled environmental conditions. For example, garages and exterior patios are not acceptable areas to
store flooring. Handle and unload wood flooring with care and store within the environmentally controlled site in which it is expected to
perform. Flooring stored on concrete floors should be elevated at least four inches to allow air circulation under cartons.

Existing Home

Existing home should have a consistent room temperature of 60°F - 80°F and relative humidity (RH) of 35% - 55%. Continual deviation from
these conditions will affect the dimensions of flooring, especially solid wood and bamboo. During the heating season, humidity may be
much lower than the acceptable range. During the heating season, a humidifier is recommended to prevent excess shrinkage in wood
flooring due to low humidity levels. During the non-heating season, humidity levels can be maintained by using an air conditioner,
dehumidifier, or by turning on your heating system periodically.

New Construction or Remodel

All work involving water, such as pouring basement concrete floors, drywall, plasterwork, plumbing, etc., must be completed well in
advance of the floor delivery. Ensure that the building is enclosed. Where building codes allow, permanent heating and/or air conditioning
systems should be operating at least five days preceding the installation to promote proper acclimation and climate should be maintained
during and after installation. If it is not possible for the permanent heating and/or air conditioning system to be operating before, during
and after installation, a temporary heating and/or dehumidification system that simulate normal living (occupied) conditions can enable the
installation to proceed until the permanent heating and/or air conditioning system is fully operational.
Your job site should have a consistent temperature of 60°F-80°F and relative humidity (RH) of 35%-55% which should be maintained
continuously thereafter.

Basements and Crawl Spaces

Concrete slab or ground must be dry. The ground in the crawl spaces must be completely covered using 6 mil black polyethylene. Crawl
space clearance between the earth and underside of joists should be no less than 18 inches and the perimeter vent area should be equal to

1.5% of the total square footage of the crawl space or as mandated by code.

Concrete Subfloor Requirements

It must have minimum rated strength of 3000 psi.
It must be flat. It should be flat to within 1/8” in a 6 foot span or 3/16” in a 10 foot span; no bumps or low spots. High spots can be
removed by grinding; depressions can be filled with patching compound formulated for use in floor installation.
It must be clean; no construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on/or adhering to the floor; if necessary, scrape and sweep away
before the installation; no protrusions of nails, debris, metals should remain.
before the installation; no protrusions of nails, debris, metals should remain.
New concrete slab must cure for at least 60 days. It must have a minimum 10 mil polyethylene sheet between the ground and the concrete.
It must meet concrete moisture requirement below.
It must be free from moisture related conditions which can damage the installed flooring.

Light Weight Concrete

It is concrete which rated strength is less than 3000 psi.

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Perform a quick check by drawing a nail across the top. If it leaves indentation, it is probably light concrete.
For glue-down application, the concrete must possess shear strength greater than the glue. If concrete rated psi is unknown, contact the
adhesive manufacturer for guidance.

Concrete Moisture

All concrete subfloors should be tested for moisture content and the results documented. Visual checks are not reliable. Perform tests at
locations around exterior doorways, near walls containing plumbing, near foundation walls and in the center of the room. Min imum sample
size is 3 per 1000 square feet of area and one test for every additional 1000 square feet thereafter.
Its moisture content should meet one of the following criteria below:

• 4.5% when tested using Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter

• Less than 3 pounds per 1000 square feet per 24 hours when using Calcium Chloride test (ASTM F 1869)

• 75% when using Relative Humidity Testing (ASTM F-2170).

Please note: Concrete moisture content may be acceptable the time of the test but these tests do not guarantee a perpetual “dry” concrete
slab. The concrete slab moisture content can vary at other times of the year. We are not responsible for moisture related damage to the
installed flooring.

Wood Subfloor Requirements

It must be clean; no presence of construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on or adhering to the floor; no protrusions of nails,
debris, or metals should remain. If necessary, scrape and sweep the subfloor before the installation.
It must be structurally sound and stable: no movements or squeaks; no loose panels or loose nails; no signs of plywood delamination or
other damages. Repair all shortcomings before installation.
It must be flat with no visible bumps or low spots; the subfloor should be flat to within 1/8” in 6 feet span or 3/16” in 10 feet.
Test for moisture using reliable moisture meter. Perform tests at locations around exterior doorways, near foundation walls, near walls
containing plumbing lines and in the center of the room. Measure 20 locations per 1000 square feet.
Moisture content of subfloor should be less than 12%.
Moisture content difference between subfloor and acclimated flooring should be 2% or less.

Plywood or Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Specifications

On truss/joist spacing of 16” (406mm) O/C or less, the industry standard for single-panel subflooring is minimum 5/8” (19/32”, 15.1mm) CD
Exposure 1 plywood subfloor panels (CD Exposure 1) or 23/32” OSB Exposure 1 subfloor panels, 4’ x 8' sheets. Expansion gap between
panels should be 1/8” (3 mm). If panels are not tongue and groove and there is not sufficient spacing or is inadequate, cut in the required
spacing with a circular saw. Do not cut in expansion space on tongue and groove panels.

Particle Board or Fiber Board

Do not use.

Existing Floors

Installation over existing floor requires the installer to consider potential issues related to moisture damage, adhesive failure and fastener
failure. Contact the adhesive and fastener manufacturers respectively for their specific instructions, recommendations and requirements.
For nail down, acceptable sub-floorings include: solid hardwood or linoleum.
For glue down, acceptable sub-floorings include: ceramics, terrazzo, or solid hardwood.

Radiant Heated Subfloor

This product cannot be installed on radiant heated subfloor.

Moisture Barrier and Moisture Retarder

Concrete Subfloor: Use a moisture barrier if moisture level exceeds requirement (see Concrete Moisture section above).

Sound Control Underlayment

Check with sound control manufacturer for application guidelines. Generally, the less compressive underlayment is preferred.

Expansion Gap

Required gap width is 3/4”. It is required around the perimeter of the floor and between floor and all vertical obstructions. Do not place
permanently mounted structures such as kitchen counter/cabinets on the installed floor. On floors wider than 20 feet, more or less spacing
between rows may be needed depending on geographical area, interior climate control and time of the year.

Adhesive

Use premium flooring adhesive which is non-water based, formulated for hardwood flooring installation.
Preferred type: moisture cure urethane floor glue.

Fastener

Finish nail: 6d-8d
Nail / Cleat Length: 1 1/2″ - 2″ (4–5 cm)
Nail size gauge: 15 - 16 gauge or 18 - 20 gauge; higher gauge is needed if tongue is splitting upon impact.
Face nailing spacing: Every 10”- 12” (position first and last nail between 1”- 3” from ends and 1/2“ from edge)
Blind nailing spacing: Every 6” - 8” (position first and last between 1”- 3” from ends)

Tools and Materials

Basics:

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Tape measure • Moisture meter (for wood and/or concrete) • Chalk line & chalk • Hammer • Power saw • Carbide tipped saw blade for fine

Safety and Health Precautions
Power tools can be dangerous. Operate in strict accordance to manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety precautions. Unsafe and
improper use can cause serious injuries.
Avoid inhalation and exposures to wood dust by mechanical means and by wearing personal protective equipment.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) which include NIOSH or OSHA approve dust masks, safety goggle and work gloves.

cut • NIOSH-designated dust mask • Hand saw or jamb saw • Eye protection • Straight edge • Pry Bar • Mallet • Broom • Color matched
putty • Tapping block • Pull bar

Additional Supplies for Nail-Down Method:

Electric drill and bits • Compressor and hose with in-line regulator for pneumatic tools • Power nailer for flooring with height adapter to
match floor thickness • Pneumatic finish nailer • Nail set

Additional Supplies for Glue-Down Method:

Flooring adhesive • Trowels • Adhesive remover for selected adhesive • Clean rags • Weight roller • 3M Blue tape

Floor Damage Prevention

It is extremely important to take precautionary actions to prevent damage to the floor during installation. ALWAYS TEST FIRE NAILER TO
ENSURE PROPER SETTINGS. Use proper nailer, floor thickness adapters, face plates and cleats. Improper fasteners, machines and air
pressure can cause severe damage to the flooring. Forcing or pounding floor boards together with a rubber mallet during assembly may
bruise or damage board edges. Home Legend is not responsible for installation damages. Tongue fracture and surface dimpling are
common installation damage. They are not product defects.
Damage can be minimized by one or more of the following:

• Change the angle of nail entry.

• Use thinner cleats or nails (18-20 gauge).

• Use an over-size base or foot plate to distribute the nailing force.

• Pre-drilling pilot holes and hand nailing may be required.

• As a last resort, use glue-down method instead.

Fastening Failure

Fastening failure is NOT a flooring product defect. Inappropriate fastener may cause mechanical failure. It will fail to hold the floor
attached to the subfloor. Do not mix fasteners of different length or gauge. Always check with fastener manufacturer to insure the correct
method and size fastener are being used to install the floor to the existing floor subfloor.

Bond Failure

Bond failure is NOT flooring product defect. Most installation failures, including bond failure, result from jobsite moisture. Do not unpack
or deliver flooring to the jobsite until moisture problems are corrected. Read adhesive manufacturer’s instruction carefully. Certain wood
flooring adhesives may have special requirements and limitations of use. Some existing floor may not be acceptable. Not following the
adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations can lead to installation failure or product damage and will void your warranty.

Glue Spots on Face of Finished Floor

Adhesive can damage the floor’s finish, especially when it has dried. It is extremely important to take precautionary steps NOT to leave
finger prints or footprints glue marks on the face of the board. If glue marks are left on the face of the board, remove immediately with the
adhesive remover recommended by the adhesive manufacturer. Use clean towels, changing frequently to prevent haze and adhesive
residue. If the spot removal damages the appearance of the boards, replace the board.

Helpful Pointers
General Tips

• Make sure your work area is well lit. Good visibility ensures that color is consistent and that visually defective planks are detected and

removed.

• The preferred minimum length of the first and last plank is 12”.

• Using a shorter piece at undercut door jams will help when fitting flooring in place.

Nail-Down Installation Tips

• Make sure power cleats are approved for use in OSB if plywood is not used as a substrate.

• First and last rows require hand nailing because the pneumatic or power nailer cannot be used safely.

• First and last rows require pre-drilling through the face, nailing with finish nails, countersinking the nails and using matching color putty to

fill holes.

• Until power nailer can be used safely, additional rows may require pre-drilling through the tongue; blind nailing it with 8d nails;

countersinking the nails.

• Use a spline or slip tongue whenever a change of board direction is needed. Splines should be glued to the groove and nailed into place.

• If the last row is less than 1” wide, it should first be glued at the joints to the previous uninstalled row and the joined unit should be face-

nailed as one.

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