3/4” Solid Hardwood Flooring
Installation Instructions
Solid Hardwood Flooring can be installed over most properly prepared subfloors, making them suitable for installation on or above
grade levels where moisture conditions do not exist. We continuously make technological advancements that improve product
performance or installation techniques and methods. To confirm you have the most recent installation instructions, please visit our
website www.mohawkflooring.com
or contact Technical Services at 888-387-9881, Option 3
Caution: Wood Dust
Cutting, sanding or machining wood products produces wood dust. While wood
products are not hazardous under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29
CFR 1910.1200), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the
State of California have classified wood dust as a human carcinogen.
Precautionary Measures: Airborne wood dust can cause respiratory, skin and eye
irritation. Power tools should be equipped with a dust collector. Use an appropriate NIOSHdesignated dust mask. Avoid dust contact with skin and eyes.
First Aid Measures in case of irritation: In case of irritation flush eyes with water. If
needed seek medical attention. If dermatitis occurs, seek medical attention.
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the state of
California to cause cancer and/or reproductive harm.
To request a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), call 888.387.9881, Option 3.
INSTALLER / OWNER RESPONSIBILITY:
It is the responsibility of the installer and owner to ensure that job site
environmental, sub-floor and subsurface conditions involved meet or
exceed all requirements as outlined in installation instructions prior to
installation. Manufacturer declines all responsibility for product
performance or installation failure due to sub-floor, substrate or
environmental deficiencies or jobsite conditions.
Manufacturer requires Solid Hardwood products acclimate for a
minimum 72 hours prior to installation. Additional time may be
required for 5” wide or wider products as determined by moisture
content. Acclimation allows flooring to achieve equilibrium moisture
content (EMC) with the installation environment. All wood continually
expands and contracts until it reaches moisture equilibrium with the
environment in which it’s installed. As with all wood flooring, expansion
and contraction will be minimized if climate control is consistently
maintaine
species, because denser woods experience more significant
shrinkage in low moisture / low humidity environments.
All work involving water or moisture (plumbing, masonry, painting,
plastering) must be completed prior to flooring being delivered.
Building envelope must be complete and exterior doors and windows
installed. Exterior grading and gutter downspouts should be
completed and permanent HVAC systems operational.
Precautions should be taken to protect floors from other trade work.
Do not cover floors with plastic, red rosin, felt or wax paper or
previously used cardboard. Instead use a breathable material
such as clean, dry, plain, uncoated cardboard or Kraft paper.
Inks from printed cardboard could stain the hardwood floor. The
floor should be thoroughly cleaned before covering to remove grit and
debris that would damage the finish. The floor must be completely
covered to eliminate uneven ambering from exposure to UV light.
Room temperature should be 60 – 80
between 35 – 55%. These environmental conditions are specified
as pre-installation requirements and must be maintained for the
life of the product. The HVAC system should be in operation for
a minimum of 14 days prior to performing moisture tests or
installation.
d year round. This is especially important with tropical
0
F, with relative humidity
3.4 Solid Rev 031814 Page 1
WARNING! DO NOT MECHANICALLY CHIP OR PULVERIZE
EXISTING RESILIENT FLOORING, BACKING, LINING FELT,
ASPHALTIC “CUTBACK” ADHESIVES OR OTHER ADHESIVES.
Previously installed resilient floor covering products and the asphaltic or
cutback adhesives used to install them may contain either asbestos
fibers and/or crystalline silica. The products in this carton do not
contain asbestos. Avoid creating dust. Inhalation of such dust is a
cancer and respiratory tract hazard. Smoking by individuals exposed to
asbestos fibers greatly increases the risk of serious bodily harm. Unless
positively certain that the product is a non-asbestos containing material,
you must presume it contains asbestos. Regulations may require the
material be tested to determine asbestos content and m ay govern the
removal and disposal of material. See current edition of the Resilient
Floor Covering Institut
Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings” for detailed
information and instructions on removing all resilient covering structures.
e (RFCI) publication “Recommended Work
Building interiors are affected by two distinct humidity seasons –
Heating and Non- Heating. Care should be taken to maintain year
round humidity levels between 35-55%.
Manufacturer warranties do not cover natural expansion and
contraction which results in separation between planks or
damage caused by excessively low or high humidity. Seasonal
gapping is not a manufacturing defect.
Heating season – Low Humidity, Dry. All heating methods create
dry, low humidity conditions. Humidifiers are recommended to prevent
excessive shrinkage or gapping in wood floors due to seasonal
periods of low humidity.
Non Heating Season and Coastal or Waterfront Areas –
High Humidity, During the non-heating season proper humidity
levels should be maintained by using an air conditioner, dehumidifier
or by turning on your heating system periodically during the summer
months.
Do not install in full bathrooms or powder rooms. Do not
install over radiant heat. Do not install below grade.
The owner/installer assumes all responsibility for final inspection of
product quality. Examine flooring for color, finish and quality prior
to installation. Check all carton end labels for lot number. Lot
numbers are 9 digit alphanumeric and listed on all carton end labels.
Do not mix different lot numbers within the same installation area. If
material is unacceptable, contact the seller immediately. Wood is a
natural product with characteristics such as variations in color, tone
and graining. Flooring is manufactured in accordance with industry
standards, wh
up to 5% of the total installation. Installer should work from several
cartons at the same time to ensure good color and shade blend.
The installer must use reasonable selectivity and hold out or cut off
pieces with deficiencies. Do not install undesirable pieces. Flooring
warranties DO NOT cover materials with visible defects once they
are installed. Installation is acceptance of product quality.
Purchase an additional 5% of flooring to allow for cuts and an
additional 10% if installing diagonally.
WARRANTY NOTE: Installer should provide owner with carton
end label from each lot number for product installed for warranty
ich allows manufacturing and natural defect tolerances
15# Felt Paper or Rosin Paper
Miter Saw
Broom
Moisture Meter
Chalk Line & String
Pencil
Cleats or Staples (see schedule)
Pry Bar or trim puller
Coordinating stain, filler/putty
Straight Edge
Coordinating trims or moldings
Table Saw
Drill and drill bits
Tape Measure
Hand or Electric Jam Saw
Utility Knife
Construction Adhesive & Caulk Gun
Wood Spacers
Mohawk FloorCare Essential Hardwood Floor Cleaner or
purposes. Owner should retain carton end labels and original
STORAGE AND HANDLING:
Flooring material should be delivered to the job site and stored
in the room(s), prior to installation for a minimum of 72 hours to
allow flooring material to acclimate. Additional time may be
required to allow flooring to recover from prior storage and
transportation conditions. Open carton ends but do not remove
the product from the cartons. Make sure the room temperature
is set at a normal living temperature as described above. The
flooring is acclimated and ready for installation when it has
reached a moisture level consistent with the job site and normal
living conditions.
sales invoice with product style name and style number for their
records. Owner should retain excess flooring and store in a
climate controlled area for future repairs in the event flooring is
damaged.
The use of stain, filler or putty for correction is considered a normal
practice and a routine part of installation.
TOOLS:
BASIC TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES:
10D Nails Mechanical Fastener
Columbia Flooring Hardwood
Is not recommended to be installed below grade installations
Is not to be installed over radiant heat.
Is not to be glued directly to any subfloor surface.
SUBFLOOR PREPARATION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ON
OR ABOVE GRADE ONLY:
We recommend 3 types of sub-floors: plywood/OSB, solid wood
planks (1 x 6 or larger), or sleepers (2 x 4 inch). Each subfloor has
separate installation guidelines.
Solid hardwood flooring may be installed on or above grade provided
the subfloor is:
• CLEAN – all construction debris, soil, mud and any other
objects on or adhering to the floor are scraped and swept
away before installation.
• FLAT – within ¼” in a 10’ radius.
• DRY – always test the subfloor with the appropriate
moisture meter. Installation cannot continue until the subfloor moisture does not exceed 12% and the subfloor and
flooring moisture differ no more than 4%. On 3” or wider,
the subfloor and the flooring being installed should not differ
more than 2%.
• SOUND – all damaged or swollen subflooring should be
replaced. Check the floor for squeaks / loose components,
repair areas by adding fasteners or adhesive.
WOOD SUBFLOOR-
NOTE: As with many other interior finish products, modification
of existing structural components may be required for a
successful installation.
Wood subfloors should be well nailed or secured with screws. Nails
should be ring shank and screws need to be counter sunk. The wood
The subfloor and flooring should be tested with an appropriate
moisture meter. The subfloor moisture level must not exceed
12%. The difference between the moisture content of the wood
subfloor and the hardwood flooring must not exceed 4%. For
hardwood products greater than 3” wide, the moisture content
of the wood subfloor and hardwood floor should not differ more
than 2%.
PRE-INSTALLATION & JOB SITE CONDITIONS
SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS:
The following subfloor recommendations are intende d to
complement the installation of hardwood flooring as an interior
finish. Hardwood flooring is not a structural component. These
recommendations are not intended to supersede federal, state or
local building codes, but as with many other interior finish
products, may require modifying existing structural components
for a successful installation.
Building codes establish requirements for structural support
components of flooring systems which may not provide adequate
rigidity and support for proper installation and performance of a
hardwood floor. Whenever possible, install flooring perpendicular to
the floor joists for maximum stability.
NOTE: Avoid subfloors with excessive vertical movement or
deflection. If the subfloor has excessive vertical movement
(deflection) before installation of the flooring, it is likely it will do so
after installation of the flooring is complete. Indications of excessive
deflection are uneven finish wear, fastener release, squeaking,
compromised or damaged locking systems, sectional contours such
as bowing or dipping in floors and uneven flooring material. Nail or
screw subfloor panels to secure boards with excessive vertical
movement or deflection.
Our warranties DO NOT cover any problems created by failure to
modify substructure for installation of a solid wood floor.
Mohawk Solid Hardwood Flooring
subfloor needs to be structurally sound (meaning subfloors without
loose boards, vinyl or tile). If sub-floor panels are a single layer, less
than ¾” thick, add another single cross layer for strength and stability
(minimum ½” thick). Underlayment floor panels must be installed
sealed side down. When used as a subfloor, allow 1/8” (3mm)
expansion space between each panel. If spacing is inadequate, cut
in with a circular saw. Do not cut in expansion space on tongue and
groov
e panels.
When installing parallel to the floor joists it may be necessary to
increase rigidity of the structural subfloor system by installing
an additional minimum of 1/2” (13mm) approved underlayment
floor panel.
Approved underlayment floor panels should meet or exceed the
following:
Plywood: Must be a minimum CDX grade (exposure1) and meet US
Voluntary Product Standard PS1 performance standard or Canadian
performance standard CAN/CSA 0325-0-92. The preferred thickness
is ¾” (19mm) as a subfloor (minimum 5/8” (16 mm) or 1/2” (13mm) as
a floor panel underlayment.
Oriented Strand Board (OSB): conforming to US Voluntary Product
Standard PS2 or Canadian performance standard CAN/CSA 0325-092 construction sheathing. Check the underside of panel for codes.
When used as a subfloor, the panels must be tongue and groove and
installed sealed side down. Minimum thickness to be 23/32” (18 mm)
thick when used as a subfloor or 1/2” (13mm) as floor panel
underlayment.
Wafer board and Chipboard: Conforming to US Voluntary Product
Standard PS2 or Canadian performance standard CAN/CSA 0325-0-
092. It must be ¾” (19mm) thick when used as a subfloor and 1/2”
(12.7mm) thick when used as a floor panel underlayment.
Wood Subfloor Moisture Check:
NOTE: To increase reliability, moisture testing should be
performed after the HVAC system has been in operation for a
minimum of 14 days. Excess moisture on any flooring
substrate if not identified and corrected prior to installation will
cause floor covering failure. Warranties DO NOT cover
3.4 Solid Rev 031814 Page 2
content of the wood subfloor and the hardwood flooring must not
7.
Install flooring perpendicular to the direction of the floor joists.
exceed 4%. For hardwood products greater than 3” wide, the moisture
8.
Occasionally, a plank may be slightly bowed. Nail one end first,
products installed over improperly prepared subfloors,
substrates or environmental related deficiencies.
DO NOT INSTALL FLOORING IF MOISTURE TESTS
RESULTS EXCEED RECOMMENDED LIMITS.
Wood Subfloor Moisture Content
Test both wood subfloor and wood flooring for moisture content using
a reliable pin type moisture meter. The subfloor material must not
exceed 12% moisture content. The difference between the moisture
2. Make sure mechanical fastener is approved for use in OSB if
plywood is not used as a substrate.
3. Lay out several cartons to check quality and grading and “rack”
or stagger the end joints in random lengths.
4. Leave ¾” at all perimeter walls and vertical structures to allow for
expansion.
5. The mechanical fastener cannot be used on the first and last few
rows. Pre-drill, nail with 10D nails, countersink nails and use
matching putty to fill nail holes.
6. Rows to be hand nailed may be drilled at an angle through the
top of the tongue to hide nail heads.
content of the wood subfloor and hardwood floor should not differ more
than 2%.
Installer should record moisture test results in the space provided on
the page 5 of this document and leave with the owner for their records.
NOTE: Basements and crawl spaces must be dry. Use of a 6 mil black
polyethylene membrane is required to cover 100% of the crawl space
earth and run approximately 6” up the foundation walls. The seams
of the 6-mil poly should overlap 4” to 6” and should be taped to the
foundation walls using an aggressive tape such as duct tape. This will
help retard moisture from below that is emitted from the soil. Crawl
space clearance from ground to underside of joist should be no less
than 18” and perimeter vent spacing should be equal to 1.5% of the
tot
al square footage of the crawl space area to provide cross
ventilation.
To correct any subfloor conditions concerning moisture, either wait
until the subfloor dries to meet specifications or use an appropriate
moisture barrier. For more information concerning moisture
conditions, contact Technical Service Department at 888-387-9881
Option 3.
BEFORE YOU START:
• Plan your layout and determine the direction of the
installation in the room. Planks installed parallel to windows
accent the hardwood best.
• Remove existing base, shoe molding or threshold carefully.
They can be used to cover the ¾” expansion gap left around
the perimeter of the room.
• Undercut doors and casings usin g a handsaw laid flat on a
piece of scrap flooring. This will eliminate difficult scribe
cuts.
• Sub-floors should be clean prior to the floor installation.
• Make sure the subfloor is dry to 12% moisture content or
• Install 15 lb. felt paper to help reduce squeaks.
• Blend cartons: To achieve a uniform installation
• Install planks from several cartons at the same time to
• Be attentive to staggering the ends of the boards at least 4”
• All cartons scheduled to install are to be checked for
INSTALLATION HELPFUL HINTS
1. Use solid flooring only on or above ground level only.
3.4 Solid Rev 031814 Page 3
Sweep the area to remove all dust and debris.
less.
appearance, preselect and set aside hardwood planks that
blend best with all trims and moldings. Install these planks
next to best blended moldings.
ensure good color and shade mixture throughout the
installation.
-6” (10-15 cm) when possible in adjacent rows.
consistency of the lot numbers. Do not install from multiple
pallets without checking for color and lot number
compatibility.
and then use the pry bar to push the other end in place.
9. Using shorter pieces at undercut door jams will help when fitting
flooring in place.
MULTI WIDTH INSTALLATION:
Installing planks of multiple widths requires special consideration.
Multi Width products arrive in the same carton, so m easure material
needs as you normally would.
Always start installation with the widest plank and install in descending
widths (example 5”, 3”, 5” 3”).
Do not try to “mix” widths within a row.
INSTALLATION
“Racking the Floor”
Start by using random length planks from the carton or by cutting four
to five planks in random lengths, differing by at least 6”. As you
continue working across the floor, be sure to maintain the 6” minimum
stagger between end joints on all adjacent rows. Never waste material;
use the left over pieces from the fill cuts to start the
next row or to complete a row.
Note: When installing a pre-finished wood floor be sure to blend the
wood from several cartons to ensure a good grain and shading
mixture throughout the installation.
Step 1 – LAYOUT
• Measure and mark 3”
From the wall at two
spots near each end
of the room. Drive a
nail at each spot.
Stretch string and tie
each end of the string
around the nails so the
nails become posts
Use the string as your
flooring guide.
Note: This dimension should be
4” when installing 3 ¼” wide flooring. When a room is greater than 20
ft. in width, the direction of the installation should start near the center
of the room and work out towards the walls placing a loose spline
where the two grooves come together.
Step 2 – INSTALL FIRST ROW
Subfloor (Beneath Felt)
String
Guide
15# Felt Nail
¾”
• Using the string as a straight
edge lay the first row of flooring
in place with the tongue facing
the center of the room. Leaving
a ¾” gap at the wall, pre-drill and
face nail using 10D nails.
Continue nailing the entire
length of the room.
• Leave a ¾” expansion gap at
each end. Set nails and fill
holes with matching putty. Remove string and nails.
Step 3 – INSTALL REMAINING ROWS
• Continue the laying process using a mechanical fastener
until the room is complete (See section – Recommended
Pneumatic Floor Stapler or Nailer).
Helpful Hint: Use flooring lengths that offset or stagger the end joints
at least 6” or more for a professional look.
• Carefully cut the last row to leave a ¾” expansion space
• Replace / install trim moldings
Tongue of wood flooring facing
center of room
¾” space for expansion at
ends and against walls
String guide
and nails
NOTE: DO NOT USE A RUBBER MALLET TO INSTALL FLOORING. STRIKING
THE SURFACE WITH A RUBBER MALLET MAY “BURN” THE FINISH CAUSING
IRREPARABLE DAMAGE
I NS TALLI NG ¾” S OLI D H ARDW OOD OVE R CONCRE TE
Solid Hardwood Flooring can be installed on concrete slabs (minimum
3,000 psi) that are on or above grade
slab should be tested with a Calcium Chloride Test and emit less than
3 pounds per 1000 square feet per 24 hours, then the appropriate
subfloor (nailing surface) can be installed. A Installer should record
moisture test results in the space provided on the last page of this
document and leave with the owner as part of their records.
There are several methods by which this can be accomplished:
. The moisture content of the
• ¾” or thicker Exterior Grade Plywood laid over a vapor
retarder of 6 mil poly or two layers of 15# felt and power
nailed into the concrete slab. The ends of the plywood
panels should be staggered ½ panel in alternating rows and
an expansion space of ½” should be left around the
perimeter of the room. An expansion gap of ⅛” must be left
between the panels. The flooring may then be nailed to the
plywood surface using 1½” fasteners.
STAPLE OR NAIL DOWN INSTALLATIONS:
3/4” Solid Hardwood Flooring may be installed over wood sub-floors
using staples or flooring cleats. When installing 3/4” solid wood planks
or strips by nailing or stapling it is necessary to use the proper type of
flooring stapler or nailer made for the thickness of the hardwood
flooring that is being installed. (See fastener schedule)
Step 1
NOTE: It is extremely important to use the proper adapters, face
plates, staples or cleats. Improper fasteners, Stapler, Nailer or air
pressure can damage flooring. Flooring manufacturer is not
responsible for damage caused by improper installation tools,
methods or misuse.
Adjustments of the air pressure may be necessary to provide
adequate penetration of the nail or staple into the nail bed, allowing
the nail to be countersunk into the tongue, flush with the nail pocket.
The nail or cleat must be flush in the nail pocket. Use a scrap piece
of flooring to properly adjust stapler or nail gun before beginning
installation.
Note: An expansion space of ¾” is required along the perimeter
walls and at all vertical structures to allow the flooring to expand.
Place the planks with the tongue facing away from the wall and along
your chalk line. Use 10D nails to secure the starter row along the wall
edge 2” to 3” from the ends and every 6” along the side. Counter sink
the nails and fill with the appropriate filler that blends with the flooring.
Place the nails in a dark grain spot in the board when possible. The
base or quarter round will cover the nails when installed after
completion of the installation.
Blind nail at a 45° angle through the tongue. You can also use a 16
gauge finish nail gun. Nails should be 2” to 3” from end, 6“along the
side.
3.4 Solid Rev 031814 Page 4
• ¾” or thicker Exterior Grade Plywood may also be glued to
the vapor retarder that has been glued to the concrete
floor. The vapor retarder and plywood should be glued
using cutback adhesive or other approved adhesive,
• applied according to the manufacturer’s directions. The
plywood panels should be cut down to 4’ X 4’ or 16” X8’
and the panel joints should be staggered by 2’. Score the
backs of the panels 3/8” deep on a 12” grid, laying the
scored side into the adhesive observing a 1/8” gap
between the panels and a ½” space around the perimeter.
• As an alternative a floating plywood base can be installed.
In this method a 6 mil poly vapor retarder is laid on the
floor lapping the seams at least 6”. Loose lay 3/8” exterior
grade plywood panels on the floor, allowing 1/8” between
panels and ½” between the panels and walls or other
vertical surfaces and offsetting the ends by ½ panel. Lay a
second layer of plywood at 90º angles to the first layer
allowing 1/8” between the panels and ½” between the
panels and walls or other vertical surfaces and offsetting
the ends ½ panel. Staple the panels together with staples
that have crowns at least ¼” and that do not penetrate the
bottom layer in a pattern not exceeding 6” X 6”. Lay an
additional vapor retardant barrier over the plywood panels
and begin installation o
• Flat, dry Screeds or 2” X 4” boards of Group 1 softwood in
random lengths from 18” to 48” may be used as a nailing
base. The boards must be preservative treated (suitable for
interior use) and dried to no more than 12% moisture. The
screeds should be adhered to the floor using suitable mastic
adhesive at 12” on center. A 6 mil poly vapor retarder is
draped over the screeds and the flooring is nailed directly to
the screeds, provided the flooring is less that 4” wide. For
flooring 4” wide and over a wood subfloor m ust be applied
over the screeds to provide adequate nailing
CDX plywood or ¾” OSB are recommended for this
application. In high moisture conditions such as coastal
areas an additional vapor retarder should be glued directly
to the slab before the screeds are installed in addition to the
vapor retarder over the screed.
f the flooring.
COMPLETING THE JOB – FINISHING TOUCHES
surface. 5/8”
_% Moisture Content of Subfloor
Concrete
Subfloor
Calcium Chloride (ASTM F1869)
Electronic Meter (Tramex or equivalent)
Final Touches:
Install the proper trim molding at the doorways to achieve the transition
and along the walls to cover expansion gap and the edges of any gaps
along the wall due to irregularity. Complete the job by using wood filler
that coordinates with the installed hardwood flooring to fill any gapping
along the joints or areas where brad nails were used in the trim or the
flooring.
Sweep your floor to remove any particles that could scratch your floor.
Use Mohawk FloorCare Essentials to clean the floor.
MAINTENANCE
Mohawk Hardwood Floors are very easily maintained. No wax, no
mess.
The best way to care for your new floor is to perform regularly
scheduled maintenance which includes sweeping the entire floor at
least once a week to remove dirt and debris that may scratch the floor.
High traffic areas such as entrances, doorways, and traffic lanes will
require cleaning more frequently depending upon of the amount of
concentrated foot traffic. Following these easy steps is the key to
keeping your new floor looking beautiful for years to come.
STEP ONE: Routinely sweep your floor with a soft bristle broom or
use a vacuum designed for use on hardwood floors.*
*Warning: Vacuums with a beater bar or power rotary brush head
can damage a wood floor and should never be used.
STEP TWO: Apply Mohawk FloorCare Essentials Hardwood Flooring
& Laminate Cleaner to a terry cloth or micro fiber mop; do not
directly onto the floor. Use a back and forth motion with the mop.
When the terry cloth or micro fiber cover becomes soiled, simply
replace it with a clean one. Cleaning the floor with a soiled cover
causes streaking. The covers are re-usable so simply throw the cover
in the wash and dry it as you would any towel. DO NOT USE FABRIC
SOFTENER when washing terry cloth or micro fiber covers.
Care Tips & Warnings:
• Wipe up spills promptly and use approved hardwood
cleaner.
• Use felt protectors under heavy pieces of furniture and
chairs.
• Never use rubber backed rugs on your floor. We
recommend the use of Mohawk Home® rugs and anti-skid
non-slip rug pads. Rug pads should extend all the way to
the edges of the rug to work properly.
• Always clean under rugs / mats to remove damaging grit
during routine cleaning. Left unattended, dirt
particles can act as an abrasive and de-gloss the flooring
finish.
• Spiked heels or shoes in need of repair can severely
damage flooring.
• Replace hard plastic, metal casters, or wheels on furniture
with soft rubber casters or by using a protective mat under
the casters.
• Never wet mop your wood floors. Excess moisture or
liquids will damage your wood flooring.
• Use only Mohawk FloorCare Essentials Hardwood Cleaner
or Columbia Flooring Hardwood Cleaner.
• Never use oil soaps, wax, or other household products to
clean your floor.
• Never use steam cleaners on your wood floors. This will
force moisture into the wood and cause damage to your
flooring.
• Keep pet nails trimmed as recommended by your
veterinarian.
• Protect your floor when using a dolly for moving furniture
or appliances.
• Use protective window coverings to protect hardwood
floors from excessive heat and during periods of direct
sunlight.
spray
Hardwood flooring will scratch and dent
With today’s active lifestyles it is important to note that hardwood
flooring can, and will, scratch and dent. To prevent excessive abuse
the use of strategically placed mats and area rugs as well as floor
protectors on chair and table legs are recommended.
Transition Mats
Transition Mats should be used at all exterior entrances to minimize
tracked in soil and reduce moisture during inclement weather. Ideally,
the purchase of two sets of transition mats for each exterior entrance
will allow a fresh one to replace the soiled one weekly during routine
cleaning. This will prevent the transition mat from becoming a soil
source.
Hardwoods react to sunlight
Hardwood contains certain types of acids in their cellular structure.
With exposure to sunlight these acids begin to amber. The color
change is referred to as patina. The wood will reach its own natural
warmth and patina level and stop ambering. The amount of patina is
directly related to the species, amount of acids and the level of
sunlight. The entire floor will reach the same patina level over time.
This is often noticed after a rug is removed and the floor is noticeably
different in color underneath. If you remove the rug and expose the
entire floor to the same amount of
become uniform in color.
light, it will even out over time and
WARRANTY
Manufacturer warrants that the factory applied finish will not wear
through or will not lack finish adhesion as a result of normal use.
See product sample or your retailer for specific details and duration
of warranty.
A copy of the Warranty may be obtained through the seller of your
flooring, or by visiting our website www.mohawkflooring.com,
Record moisture readings in the space below and leave
with homeowner as part of their records.
Wood
Moisture Content:
Test Met
hod
Used:
Moisture
Readings
Subfloor
_% Moisture Content of Hardwood
_% Difference between subfloor &
flooring
RH (ASTM F2170-02)1869
:
3.4 Solid Rev 031814 Page 5
FASTENER SCHEDULE
Wood Flooring Type
Size Fastener to be Used
Fastener Spacing
Hardwood flooring must be installed over a proper-floor. Tongue and Groove flooring MUST be blind nailed.
Solid Strip T&G
¾” x less than 3” Wide
Solid Strip T&G
¾” x 3” or wider
*See Note below regarding 5”
width
Solid Strip T&G ½” x 1 ½”,
½” x 2”
Solid Strip T&G 3/8” x 1 ½”,
3/8” x 2”
Solid Strip T&G 5/16”
Subfloor over concrete
1 ½” - 2” fastener, or 6d-8d casing or
finish nails. On slab with ¾”
underlayment use 1 ½” fastener, ½”
crown on staples
1 ½” – 2” fastener, or 6d-8d casing or
finishing nails. On slab with ¾”
underlayment, use 1 1 /2 “fastener. ½”
crown on staples 1”-2” long
1 ½” fastener
1 ¼” fastener
Narrow crowned (under 3/8”) 1”-1 ½”
staples or 1” – 1 ¼” flooring cleats.
Hardened steel pins, 11/4 to 21/8
recommended.
Blind fastener spacing along the length of the
strips, minimum 2 fasteners per piece near the
ends (1”-3”). In addition, every 8”-10” apart for
blind nailing, 10”-12” for face nailing.
Blind fastener spacing along the length of the
strips, minimum 2 fasteners per piece near the
ends (1”-3”). In addition, every 6”-8” apart for
blind nailing, 10”-12” for face nailing. To assist
nailing on planks 5” and wider, options are to
screw and plug the plank ends or to apply
adhesive.
Blind fastener spacing along the length of the
strips, minimum 2 fasteners per piece near the
ends (1”-3”). In addition, apply fastener ever 10”
.
Blind fastener spacing along the length of the
strips, minimum 2 fasteners per piece near the
ends (1”-3”). In addition, apply fastener ever 8”.
Space fasteners at 3”-4” intervals for staples, 4”6” for cleats and within 1”-2” of the end joints.
Minimum of 50% of fastener must penetrate
concrete. Space fasteners one per square foot
or as recommended by fastener manufacturer.
Note:
When installing planks 5” wide or wider, additional spacing is required.
Use a washer or removable spacer every few rows
Or
Omit 15 lb. felt and run a bead of glue in a serpentine pattern along the floor underneath
each plank.
3.4 Solid Rev 031814 Page 6
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