This installation guide is intended to aid in the installation of hardwood plank flooring. In addition to this guide, installation should be performed in accordance with NWFA and NOFMA installation standards for 3/4" hardwood plank flooring.
Considerations:
First, it is important to determine the intended installation space is suitable for a quality plank flooring installation. The primary rule of hardwood flooring is that wood and water don't mix with water defined as any type of moisture from standing puddles, to the moisture content of the subfloor, to the current and future humidity levels of the space. As such, the intended installation space must be fully enclosed and environmentally controlled to maintain humidity levels between 35-60%. In addition, unless extraordinary precautions are taken with regard to moisture and humidity, solid hardwood flooring should never be installed below grade.
Hardwood plank flooring is extremely versitle and depending on the specie, lumber cutting technique and plank width may be used in applications ranging from summer lake cottages in the mid-west to environmentally controlled living spaces for allergy sufferers. That said, some floor styles may work well for the intended installation space while others may not. Disregarding the natural tendencies of the different types of plank flooring strictly for design consideration may cause disasterous results. Thoroughly discuss your living space requirements with the sales person prior to selecting your plank floor style. Marriage of design and practicality is key to a long lasting floor and happy owner.
When installing hardwood flooring in a new structure, moisture emissions from concrete, drywall and paint cause elevated humidity levels for an extended period of time. Acclimation and installation of the plank flooring should not occure until the relative humidity of the installation space is controlled between 35-60%. Installation of high capacity dehumidifiers is strongly recommended.
Installation Space Requirements:
Subfloor:
Suitable subfloor construction:
Solid Board
Concrete
Humidity Level and Control:
The relative humidity of the installation space must be maintained between 35 - 60%. The relative Humidity should be measured using a hygrometer under the same temperature and humidity conditions in which the installation space will be maintained after the flooring has been installed. Installation of high capacity dehumidifiers is strongly recommended.
Basement / Crawl Space:
The basement / crawl space must have effective vapor barriers, ventilation and dehumidification. The relative humidity must be maintained between 35 - 60% at all times. If the relative humidity is not controlled, elevated humidity levels will cause the floor to cup and / or buckle.
Acclimation is a critical aspect of a quality plank flooring installation. Please read the acclimation instructions prior to installation.
Frame Hardwoods does not suggest utilization of the Glue Assist installation method for
any Chelsea Plank Flooring Products, no matter the width. Glue Assist can prevent
cupping. However, it does not prevent hardwood from expanding when it absorbs
moisture.
We feel cupping is the floor naturally telling the homeowner there is a moisture problem
that needs to be addressed. If the source of the moisture is identified and mitigated, mild
to moderate cupping will correct itself naturally.
Conversely, if cupping is prevented and the floor is forced to expand laterally, it may
cause structural damage. As example, the width of a 20' wide Hickory flooring installation
will expand by 1" for every percentage point of moisture the floor absorbs after
installation.
Installation:
Important Note: Standard hardwood flooring nail and staple guns should have the "Factory Finished" shoe installed to the tool. The "Factory Finished" shoe shifts the impact of the hammer blow from the beveled edge of the plank to the front of the tongue to prevent plank damage during installation If a "factory Finished" shoe is unavailable, add a thin felt pad to the plate of the gun and avoid using the plate to drive planks together.
Installation - Special Applications:
Concrete / Light Weight Concrete:
Installation of hardwood plank flooring to concrete must follow NWFA specifications relating to concrete and site conditions as well as the adhesive manufacturer's specifications and instructions. For additional information regarding NWFA specifications and adhesive manufacturers please follow the links provided below.
Radiant Heat:
Hardwood plank flooring may be installed over radiant heating systems provided the surface temperature of the subfloor does not exceed 85° F (30° C). Installation should be performed in accordance with the heating system manufacturer's requirements. In addition to the manufacturer's requirements, we require the use of a whole house humidification system to maintain relative humidity between 35-60%. This will minimize gapping between the planks and possible grain separation during the heating season.
In most cases, to avoid damaging the tubing of the radiant heating system, plank flooring is secured to the subfloor with adhesive. Check with the manufacturer of the radiant heating system as well as the manufacturer of the adhesive to ensure the two systems will work in conjunction for your application. For additional information regarding adhesive manufacturers, please follow the links provided below.
Equipment Sources:
**The manufacturers / products listed above are suggestions only and should not be construed as endorsements. Please consult the manufacturer for propert application prior to installation**