Hardwood is a natural product. This is what makes it unique and divine for its different shades of colour and variations of grain. Industry standards indicate that there is room for a defect tolerance of 5%, but we believe that Elegance Hardwood Flooring is above standards.
We ask verification of the product's quality before the installation with a quick inspection by the owner as well as the installer. As the warranty indicates, anything that is glued, nailed or stapled is not valid for return. Racking the wood, and looking through it is necessary to make sure the material is satisfactory. If there happens to be something that is defective with the manufacturing of the product, it is necessary to put it aside and contact the Elegance Hardwood Flooring dealer as soon as possible. Make sure that the environment is not high in humidity before delivery, since exposure to the uncontrolled humidity can harm wood. Tools and accessories • Power nailer( ¾) • Mallet • Table Saw or Miter • Tar building paper • Chalk line & Chalk • Safety Equipment (Dust mask & Goggles) • Spacers (1/32 thick for high moisture areas) • Tape Measure • Circular Saw • Prybar • Broom • Hammer • Utility Knife • Nail Punch • Power drill with bit
Step 1: STARTING POINT
• Before beginning the installation, provide proper layout of flooring by distributing short and long lengths equally over the areas where the flooring is to be installed Note: Flooring is to be installed at right angles to the floor joists and if possible, in the direction of the longest dimension of the room. • Spread out several cartons at a time to insure proper colour and shade mixture. • Align the first row of planks to be sure to have a straight line from one side of the room to the other. Snap a chalk line at the desired distance from the wall to help align the planks. The end joints of plank or strip flooring should be staggered to achieve the premium appearance in the finished floor. (Minimum 6). Note: Leave at least ¾ for expansion at all vertical surface or at least what will be covered by the baseboards or trim.
Step 2: INSTALLATION • Align first piece on the chalk line. The groove side and end will be facing the starting wall. Pre-drill holes and drive7D or 8D finish nails or screw type flooring nails into the face of the board every 12 approximately ½ ¾ from the edge closet to the starting wall and within 2 3 from the ends and in the darker grain of the wood. • Edge nail the plank by driving the same type nails at a 50° angle through the tongue of the first piece, spacing the nails every 6 9 and within 2 3 from the ends. This process should be repeated for each piece in the entire first row. Upon completion of the first row, go back and sink the face nails with a nail punch. If it appears that the holes will not be covered by the wall base or trim, fill the holes with putty, which blends with your pre-stained floor. • Begin installing the second row by repeating the edge nailing. (Do not face nail as in the first row.)
Note: Typically the first few rows must be edge nailed by hand rather than with a nailing machine due to a vertical wall obstruction. When clearance allows, an edge-nailing machine, which drive 2 fasteners with an appropriate mallet, can be used to simplify and speed up the nailing process. • Install each succeeding row of planks by edge nailing the tongue side every 6 9 to within 2 3 from board ends. Make sure to staggering the ends of the boards at least 4 5 in adjacent rows to avoid clustering end joints. Upon reaching the last row to be installed, the planks should be ripped to allow a ¾ expansion space. The last rows must be fastened by face nailing approximately ½ ¾ from the back edge of the board every 12. The same process of counter sinking the face nails and applying putty should be repeated. - Helpful hints - • Like a book: In laying flooring, it is more structured working left to right. Left is determined by having your back to the beginning first row. When cutting is needed for the right side, use a piece that is long enough to have a cut-off piece of at least 8 that can start the next row from the left side. • Shorts: Never group up all the shorts in one area. The best display is when long pieces are used at doorways and entrances. Mix all the shorts at random though out the floor. • Obstruction: To obtain exquisite looking floors make sure to contour your obstructions with mouldings or some sort of framing. • Subfloors: Make sure that they are as sound, straight and moisture free. Since the subflooring is important for the lasting quality of the floors. • Equipment: Some of the mention of the equipment in this guideline can be picked-up at most rental shops. (Make sure to get the operational instructions for the equipment.) • Workspace: Keep it clean. Put all tools away when not in use. |