INSTALLING THE FLOOR: Glue-Down Installation
An exterior wall is usually the straightest and best reference line to start the installation. Direction of finished flooring should
be at right angles to the floor joists whenever possible. Establish a starting point by leaving a minimum 1/2" expansion gap
around all vertical obstructions. Measure this distance from the starting wall (in at least two places) close to the starting wall’s
opposite corners. Mark these points and snap a working
chalk line parallel to the starting wall allowing the required
expansion space between the starting wall and the edge of
the first row of flooring. To maintain the expansion gap
throughout the installation, use 1/2" spacers between floor
board and wall or object.
Apply recommended urethane adhesive with a 1/4" x 1/8" x
1/4" square-notch trowel if using StrateStuff Urethane
Adhesive
(if other adhesive, use suggested trowel as
recommended by the adhesive manufacturer). Follow
manufacturer’s recommendations for the application of the
adhesive. DO NOT USE A WATER-BASED ADHESIVE WITH
THIS HARDWOOD FLOORING PRODUCT.
Boards should be installed left to right with the edge of the groove lined up against the chalk line, side-tongue facing out to the
right. Whenever possible, the tongue along with width and length of the board should be facing out so that the tapping block
or pull tool always uses the tongue of the flooring. If the groove is facing out and a tapping block or pull tool is used, the edge
of the board may be damaged.
Firmly seat the first row in the adhesive, as additional rows will be pushed back to this original row. When installing boards,
avoid sliding materials through adhesive when placing them in position. Engage the end joint first, as close as possible to
side tongue-and-groove, and fit boards together. Check for a tight fit between all edges and ends of each board.
Occasionally lift a board to check for adequate adhesive transfer. Stagger the ends of boards at least 6" in adjacent rows
creating a stair-step pattern (see figure 1).
3-M Blue Tape should be used to hold planks tightly together and reduce minor shifting of floors during installation.
Remove all adhesive from the surface of the flooring with urethane adhesive remover or mineral spirits as you
go. Adhesive is very difficult to remove from prefinished hardwood floors if allowed to dry and may damage
finish on flooring.
All adhesive must be removed from flooring surfaces prior to applying 3-M Blue Tape. Remove 3-M
Blue Tape within 24 hours.
Allow a 1/2" minimum expansion gap around all vertical obstructions. Wood expands and contracts with changes in
humidity. Wood will buckle and/or cup if an adequate expansion space is not provided. Always allow for expansion when
making end or side cuts around vertical objects.
Continue across the room until finished; remember to provide adequate spacing for expansion gap. Once completed install
molding and trim. Thoroughly clean, sweep, and vacuum installed floor before further use. If floor is to be covered, use a
breathable material such as cardboard or rosin paper. Do not cover with plastic.
(continued)
8/30/04
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Casanova
Engineered
78
(800) 525-BR111(2711)
•
Fax (800) 577-2711
•
www.br111.com
Figure 1.
Spacers
