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Serial Number

1EB1618

Questions, problems, missing parts? Before returning to your retailer, call our customer service department at 1-877-888-8225, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST, Monday - Friday.

Purchase Date

ATTACH YOUR RECEIPT HERE

LOCKING ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORING

MODEL #LUO45-78, LUB25-98

Español p. 14

ITEM #0772303, 0772308

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Package Contents ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Safety Information ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Before You Begin ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Important Information .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Pre-Installation and Jobsite Conditions Acclimation ............................................................................................................................ 4

Pre-InstallationSubfloorMoistureTesting ........................................................................................................................................... 4

SubfloorRequirements ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4

General Tips – Tapping planks together .............................................................................................................................................. 6

Preparation .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Floating Installation ..............................................................................................................................................................................7

Glue-Down Installation .........................................................................................................................................................................7

Fasten-Down Installation ......................................................................................................................................................................8

Floating Installation Instructions .................................................................................................................................................................. 9

Glue-Down Installation Instructions ........................................................................................................................................................... 10

Fasten-Down Installation Instructions.........................................................................................................................................................11

Care and Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................................................. 13

Warranty ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

PACKAGE CONTENTS

PART DESCRIPTION QUANTITYA Plank 23.25sq.ft.perctn.

A

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Please read and understand this entire manual before attempting to assemble or install the product.

WARNING: Wood Dust•Cutting,sandingormachiningwoodproductsproduceswooddust.WhilewoodproductsarenothazardousundertheOSHAHazardCommunicationStandard(29CFR1910.1200),theInternationalAgencyforResearchonCancer(IARC)andthestateofCaliforniahaveclassifiedwooddustasahuman carcinogen.

• Airbornewooddustcancauserespiratory,skinandeyeirritation.Powertoolsshouldbeequippedwithadustcollector.Useanappropriate NIOSH-designateddustmask.Avoiddustcontactwithskinandeyes.

•Incaseofirritationflusheyeswithwater.Ifneededseekmedicalattention.Ifdermatitisoccurs,seekmedicalattention.

• PROPOSITION 65 WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer.•TheproductsinthiscartonDO NOT contain asbestos or crystalline silica.• DO NOT MECHANICALLYCHIPORPULVERIZEEXISTINGRESILIENTFLOORING,BACKING,LININGFELT,ASPHALTIC“CUTBACK”ADHESIVESOROTHERADHESIVES.

• DO NOT sandexistingresilienttile,sheetflooring,backingorfeltlinings.Theseproductsmaycontainasbestosfibersthatarenotreadilyidentifiable.Inhalationofasbestosdustcancauseasbestosisorotherseriousbodilyharm.Checkwithlocal,stateandfederallawsforhandlinghazardousmaterialbeforeattemptingtheremovalofthesefloors.

• IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTICE FOR MINNESOTA RESIDENTS ONLY: These building materials emit formaldehyde. Eye, nose and throat irritation, headache, nausea and a variety of asthma-like symptoms, including shortness of breath, have been reported as a result of formaldehyde exposure. Elderlypersonsandyoungchildren,aswellasanyonewithahistoryofasthma,allergiesorlungproblems,maybeatgreaterrisk.Researchiscontinuingonthepossiblelong-termeffectsofexposuretoformaldehyde.Reducedventilationmayallowformaldehydeandothercontaminantstoaccumulateintheindoorair.Highindoortemperaturesandhumidityraiseformaldehydelevels.Whenahomeistobelocatedinareassubjecttoextreme summer temperatures, an air-conditioning system can be used to control indoor temperature levels. Other means of controlled mechanical ventilationcanbeusedtoreducelevelsofformaldehydeandotherindooraircontaminants.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsregardingthehealtheffectsofformaldehyde, consult your doctor or call your local health department.

Important Information•Allworkinvolvingwaterormoisture(plumbing,masonry,wainting,plastering)mustbecompletedpriortoflooringinstallation.Buildingenvelopemustbecompleteandexteriordoorsandwindowsinstalled.ExteriorgradingandgutterdownspoutsshouldbecompletedandpermanentHVACsystemsinoperation.•Precautionsshouldbetakentoprotectfloorsfromothertradework.DO NOT coverfloorswithplastic,redrosin,feltorwaxpaperorpreviouslyused

cardboard. Instead, use a breathable material such as clean, dry, plain uncoated cardboard or craft paper; inks from printed cardboard could damage thehardwoodfloor. Thefloorshouldbethoroughlycleanedbeforecoveringtoremovegritanddebristhatwoulddamagethefinish.ThefloormustbecompletelycoveredtoeliminateunevenamberingfromexposuretoUVlight.

•Roomtemperatureshouldbe60-80°F,withrelativehumiditybetween35-55%.Theseenvironmentalconditionsarespecifiedaspre-installationrequirementsandmustbemaintainedforthelifeoftheproduct.Additionally,anyHVACsystemmustbeinoperationforaminimumof14dayspriortoperforming moisture tests or installation.

•Buildinginteriorsareaffectedbytwodistincthumidityseasons–HeatingandNon-Heating.Careshouldbetakentomaintainhumiditylevelsbetween35-55%yearround.Aswithallwoodflooring,expansionandcontractionwillbeminimizediftheinteriorrelativehumidityisconsistentlymaintainedyearround.Humidificationand/ordehumidificationsystemsmaybenecessarytomaintainyourhomeenvironmenttoprescribedrelativehumidityconditions.

•Allheatingmethodscreatedry,lowhumidityconditions.Humidifiersarerecommendedtopreventexcessiveshrinkageorgappinginwoodfloorsduetoseasonal periods of low humidity.•Duringthenon-heatingseasonproperhumiditylevelsshouldbemaintainedbyusinganairconditionerordehumidifier.• DO NOT install this product in full bathrooms.•Purchaseanadditional5%offlooringtoallowforcutsandadditional10%ifinstallingdiagonally.

SAFETY INFORMATION

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Pre-Installation and Jobsite Conditions Acclimation•Manufacturerrequiresengineeredhardwoodproductstobeacclimatedforaminimumof48hourspriortoinstallation.Acclimationallowsflooringtoachieveequilibriummoisturecontent(EMC)withtheinstallationenvironment.Allwoodcontinuallyexpandsandcontractsuntilitreachesmoistureequilibriumwiththeenvironmentinwhichit’sinstalled.

• Do not deliverwoodflooringtothejobsiteorinstallwoodflooringuntilappropriatetemperatureandhumidityconditionshavebeenachieved.FlooringshouldbedeliveredandstoredinsidetheHVACcontrolledportionofthejobsiteforaminimumof48hourspriortoinstallationtoallowtheproducttoacclimate.Flooringshouldbestackedwithatleasta4in.airspaceunderthecartons.Removeanyandallplasticwrapthatmayhavebeenusedtoship the material.

•Makecertaintheroomtemperaturewheretheproductisacclimatedissettonormallivingconditionsasdescribedabove.Toreducetheriskofmoisturerelatedfailures,thesubfloorandwoodflooringmustbeofsimilarmoisturecontent.Testthesubfloorbytakingaminimumof20moisturecontentreadingsper1000squarefeetofsubfloorusingapin-typemoisturemeter.AveragethesereadingsandrecordtheminthePre-InstallationSubfloorMoistureTestingsectionbelow.

•Likewise,checkthewoodflooringmoisturecontentandrecordonthesamesheet.Whenboththesubfloorandflooringarebelow12%moisturecontentandtheflooringiswithin4%ofthesubfloormoisture,acclimationiscomplete.Theflooringisacclimatedandreadyforinstallationonlywhenithasreachedamoisturecontentlevelconsistentwiththejobsiteandnormallivingconditions. DO NOTinstalltheflooruntilthesemoistureconditionsaremet.

Note: Toincreasereliability,subfloorappropriatemoisturetestingshouldbeperformedaftertheHVACsystemhasbeeninoperationforaminimumof14days.Excessmoistureonanyflooringsubstrateifnotidentifiedandcorrectedpriortoinstallationwillcausefloorcoveringfailure.WarrantiesDO NOT cover any problems due to moisture levels that exceed these guidelines.

Pre-Installation Subfloor Moisture testingUse this section to record pre-installation moisture content readings.

Wood SubfloorDate: _____________ Installation Company: ______________________________

Moisture readings taken by: ____________________________________________

MoistureContent:_______%AverageMoistureContentofSubfloor

_______%AverageMoistureContentofHardwood

_______%Differencebetweensubfloorandflooring

Concrete SubfloorDate: _____________ Installation Company: _______________________________

Moisture readings taken by: _____________________________________________

Testmethodused:____CalciumChloride(ASTMF1869)___RH(ASTMF2170-02)1869_____ElectronicMeter(Tramexorequivalent)

MoistureReadings:_____________________________________________

_______________ _______________ _______________

Subfloor Requirements•Theserecommendationsarenotintendedtosupersedefederal,stateorlocalbuildingcodes,butaswithmanyotherinteriorfinishproducts,mayrequiremodifyingexistingstructuralcomponentsforasuccessfulinstallation.Hardwoodflooringisnotastructuralcomponent.Theproductwarrantydoesnotprotectagainstlosscausedbyinadequatesubfloors,flooringsubstructuresorimproperinstallationofsaidsubstructures.

All subfloors should be:•Clean–Subfloormustbecleanandfreeofdirt,curingcompounds,drywallmud,wax,paint,oil,sealers,adhesivesandotherdebris.Thesemaybe

removed mechanically. Do not install over chemically cleaned substrates.•Flat–Mustbe3/16in.with10ft.radiusand/or1/8in.with6ft.radius.Sandhighareasorjoints.Filllowareaswithahigh-compressivestrength(3000PSImin.)cement-basedunderlaymentfiller.

•Dry–Woodfloormoistureshouldbeevaluatedusingtheguidancesuppliedaboveundertheheading“Acclimation”.Concretesubfloorsmustbecuredforaminimumof30days.ThemoisturecontentofaconcretesubfloorshouldbetestedusingaCalciumChloridetest(ASTM-F-1869orASTMF-710)andshownogreaterthan3lbs.per1,000squarefeetin24hoursorinaccordancewithASTMF2170latestversionRHin-situprobe.Ifmoisturelevelsexceedthese limits, DO NOTinstalltheflooringuntilappropriatecorrectionsaremade.

Structurally Sound Wood Subfloors•Screwdownanyareasthatarelooseorsqueak.Woodpanelsshouldexhibitanadequatefasteningpattern,glued/screwedornailedasthatsystemrequires,usinganacceptablenailingpattern.Typical:6in.alongbearingedgesand12in.alongintermediatesupports.Flattenedgeswellasnecessary.Replaceanywater-damaged,swollenordelaminatedsubflooringorunderlayment.

•Buildingcodesestablishrequirementsforstructuralsupportcomponentsofflooringsystemsthatmaynotprovideadequaterigidityandsupportforproperinstallationandperformanceofahardwoodfloor.Wheneverpossible,installflooringperpendiculartothefloorjoistsformaximumstability.

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Note: Whenjoistspacingexceedsthetraditional16in.center,manufacturerrecommendsyouapplyathinbeadoftonguegroovegluetothebottomsideofthegroovetolockthetongueandgrooveprofileinplace.Thiswillreducethepotentialformovementofthetongueandgroove,whichmaycontributetosqueakingorcrackle.Whenusingthismethodofinstallation,youmaycontinuetochoosetostapleornaildownthehardwood,dependingonyourpreference.

Note: Basementsandcrawlspacesmustbedry.Useofa6milblackpolyethylenemembraneisrequiredtocover100%ofthecrawlspaceearth.Crawlspaceclearancefromgroundtoundersideofjoistshouldbenolessthan18in.andperimeterventspacingshouldbeequalto1.5%ofthetotalsquarefootage of the crawl space area to provide cross ventilation.

Structurally Sound Concrete Subfloor • Concretesubstrateshouldbeatleast30daysold,constructedinaccordancewithASTME1745.Levelsubstrateandfillallcracks,holesandlowspotswithapolymer-modifiedcementpatchorlevelingcompound.Burnishedorsteeltroweledconcretesubstratesmustbeinspectedforporositybyplacingafew drops of water on the surface. If the water is not absorbed within 3 minutes, the substrate should be considered non-porous. Abrade the surface with 30-gritsandpaperuntilporosityisachieved.Glueddownfloorsmaybeappliedtoconcretewitharatingof3000PSIorgreater;glueddownapplicationoverlightweightconcrete(lessthan3000PSI)isnotpermissible.

Wood Subfloors Theapprovedunderlaymentfloorpanelsshouldmeetorexceedthefollowing:•Plywood–MustbeminimumCDXgrade(exposure1)andmeetUSVoluntaryProductStandardPS1performancestandardorCanadianperformancestandardCAN/CSA0325-0-92.Thepreferredthicknessis3/4in.asasubfloor[minimum5/8in.]or3/8in.asfloorpanelunderlayment.

• Oriented Strand Board (OSB)–ConformingtoUSVoluntaryProductStandardPS2orCanadianperformancestandardCAN/CSA0325-0-92constructionsheathing.Checkundersideofpanelforcodes.Whenusedasasubfloor,thepanelsmustbetongue-and-grooveandinstalledsealedsidedown.Minimumthicknesstobe23/32in.whenusedasasubflooror3/8in.asfloorpanelunderlayment.

•Wafer board and Chipboard–ConformingtoUSVoluntaryProductStandardPS2orCanadianperformancestandardCAN/CSA0325-0-92.Mustbe3/4in.thickwhenusedasasubfloorand3/8in.thickwhenusedasfloorpanelunderlayment.

• Particleboard–Floatinginstallationsonly.Mustbeaminimum40lb.density,stampedunderlaymentgradeand3/4in.thick.

Solid Wood Subfloors–Direct Glue or Staple Down Applications•Minimum3/4in.thickwithamaximumwidthof6in.installedata45°angletothefloorjoists.•Group1densesoftwood(Pine,Larch,Douglasfir,etc.)No.2common,kilndriedwithallboardendsbearingonjoists.•Fordirectglue-downapplications,add3/8in.approvedfloorpanelunderlayment.

Existing Wood Flooring–Direct Glue or Staple Down Applications•Existingengineeredflooringmustbewellbonded/fastened.Whengluingoverexistingwoodflooring,thesurfacefinishmustbeabradedorremovedtoallowadequateadhesivebond.

•Existingsolidhardwoodflooringthatexceeds6in.inwidthmustbecoveredwith3/8in.approvedunderlaymentandfastenedasrequired.•DO NOTinstalloversolidorengineeredflooringattacheddirectlytoconcrete.•Woodsubfloorsshouldbewellnailedorsecuredwithscrews.Nailsshouldberingshankandscrewsneedtobecountersunk.Thewoodsubfloorneedstobestructurallysound.Ifsubfloorpanelsareasinglelayer,lessthan3/4in.thick,addanothersinglecrosslayerforstrengthandstability(minimum3/8in.).

•Underlaymentfloorpanelsmustbeinstalledsealedsidedown.Whenusedasasubfloor,allow 1/8in.expansionspacebetweeneachpanel.Ifspacingisinadequate,cutinwithacircularsaw.Donotcutinexpansionspaceontongueandgroovepanels.Wheninstallingparalleltothefloorjoistsitmaybenecessarytoincreaserigidityofthestructuralsub-floorsystembyinstallinganadditionalminimumof3/8in.approvedunderlaymentfloorpanel.

Radiant Heat Subfloors• This product is NOT recommendedforinstallationoverradiantheatfloorsystems.

Concrete Subfloor–Lightweight Concrete•Gluingofengineeredwoodflooringisnotrecommendedoverlightweightconcretesubfloors.Totestforlightweightoracousticalconcrete,scrapeacoinorkeyacrossthesurfaceofthesubfloor.Ifthesurfacepowderseasilyorhasadrydensityofl00poundsorlesspercubicfoot,theflooringshouldnotbeinstalled.

Subfloors other than Wood or Concrete•Perimetergluedresilientvinylandrubbertilesareunacceptableunderlaymentsandmustberemoved.Terrazzo,vinyl,resilienttile,corkandlinoleumorhardsurfacesthataredry,structurallysoundandlevelaresuitableasasubfloor.Asabove,thesurfacemustbesound,tightandfreeofpaint,oil,existingadhesives,wax,greaseanddirt.Terrazzoandceramictilemustbescuffedtoassureadhesion.

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN

General tips–tapping the Planks togetherWhen tapping the planks together, the following process works best: •Usingatappingblockwitharubbermallet,lightlytapeachpieceuntiltheplanklaysflat.DO NOT FORCE THE PLANKS DOWN FLAT. Start tapping

in the plank at the opposite end along the length, working from left to right and making sure the plank fully engages as you progress down the length.•Whenendjointisslidintoplaceontheprecedingplank,raisetheplanknowbeinginstalledtoanapproximate45°anglewhilesettingthesidejointinto

place.•Whenyouhavetheplankinplace,lowertheplankwhiletappingituntilplankislyingflatandlockedinplace.•Theinitialrows,whenyouarenotagainstafirmstartingstructure,mayseemmoredifficulttoengagethanthefollowingrows.•Thetappingblockisneededtodistributeequalforceacrossthetonguewithoutanydamage.Forbestresults,slidethetappingblockalongthesubfloor

and row, tapping lightly with a rubber mallet, while using tapping strokes to engage the locking system. If the planks will not go together, check to see if the planksaremovingagainstthewallwiththestrikes.Ifso,adjustwoodwedgestofirmuporusethefasten-downmethodinstead.

Beforebeginninginstallationofproduct,makesureallnecessarymaterialsaregatheredand/orpurchased.

Estimated Installation Time:Variesbasedonsizeofjobsiteaswellasinstaller'sskilllevel.

tools Required for Installation (not included): Safety glasses, NIOSH-approveddustmask,wood/concretemoisturemeter,broomorvacuum,chalkline,startingrowwedges,tappingblock,prybarortrimpuller,tapemeasure,pencil,jambsaw,mitersaw,tablesaw,utilityknife,appropriateadhesive,trowel,woodwedges,coordinatingstain,fillerorputty,plasticscraper.

Accessories Needed: 15lb.feltorrosinpaper,flooringadhesive,coordinatingtransitionstripsormolding,approvedhardwoodflooringcleanerrecommended by the manufacturer.

For All Types of InstallationsUndercutalldoorcasings1/16in.higherthanthethicknessoftheflooringmaterialsbeinginstalled.Todothis,useascrappieceofflooringasaguide.Layitonthesubstrateandcutthecasingwithahandsaworuseapowerjambsawsetatthecorrectheight.Removeallmoldingsandwall-base,andundercut all door casings.• DO NOT installflooringifmoisturetestsresultsexceedrecommendedlimits.•Planyourlayoutanddeterminethedirectionoftheinstallationintheroom.Planksinstalledparalleltowindowsaccentthehardwoodbest.•Blendingofcartons:Toachieveauniforminstallationappearance,preselectandsetasidehardwoodplanksthatblendbestwithalltrimsandmoldings.

Install these planks next to best blended moldings.•Removeallwallmountedmoldingssuchasbaseandquarterround.•Floorshouldbeinstalledblendingplanksfromseveralcartonstoensuregoodcolorandshademixturethroughouttheinstallation.•Beattentivetostaggeringtheendsoftheboardsatleast4-6in.whenpossible,inadjacentrows.•DO NOT usearubbermalletwithoutatappingblocktoinstallflooring.Strikingthesurfacewitharubbermalletmay“burn”thefinishcausingirreparable

damage.

Floating Installation•Underlaymentrequirementsareverycriticaltoafloatinginstallation.Excessivepadcompressionorcompactionisacommoncauseofseamfailure.Laytheunderlaymentonthefloorwiththemoisturebarrierfacingup.Thedirectionoftheunderlaymentshouldbeparalleltothedirectionofthefloorbeinginstalled.Forthefirstrowofflooring,theunderlayment should be placed so that approximately 1 in. overlaps onto all perpendicular walls. Place the following rownexttothefirstrowontopofthelowermoisturebarrieroverlap.Makesuretheunderlaymentfitstogethertightly(don’tleavegaps).Onthelastrow,placetheunderlayment1in.upthewall.Tojoinrollsontheshortsideoftheunderlayment, use a moisture resistant tape to connect the 2 pieces so water cannot penetrate the underlayment.

PREPARATION

1

1 in.Direction of floor

1 in.

MoistureBarrier Side

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Glue-down Installation•Makesurethefloorcoveringmaterialsarewellbondedtothesubfloor/underlaymentwithfullspreadadhesiveandnomorethantwolayersthick,nottoexceed3/16in.Withapprovedwood/woodcompositesub-floors,ifvinylortilesareloose,broken,orinpoorcondition,installa3/8in.approvedsubfloorpaneldirectlyovertheflooringmaterials.Cleantheflooringmaterialsasnecessarytoremovewaxes,sealersorcleaningresiduestoallowagoodadhesivebond.Corkfloorsealersandsurfacetreatmentsmustberemoved.Alwaysperformabondtestpriortobeginningdirectglueinstallation.

•Spreadadhesiveusingrecommendedtrowel,ensuring95to100%adhesivecontact.WetLaymethod:pressflooringfirmlyintoadhesiveimmediatelyaftertroweling.Aftertheflooringisplace,rolltheentireinstallationwitha75lb.smoothroller.

•Inspecttheinstallationandremoveanyadhesivesmudgesordropsimmediatelyusingmineralspirits.•Regulatetemperatureandhumidity72hoursbefore,duringandafterinstallation.•Cleantoolswhileadhesiveisfreshusingaurethaneadhesivecleanerormineralspirits.•Avoidlight/regulartrafficforatleast12hours.Avoidheavytrafficforatleast24hours.•Seeadhesivemanufacturerguidelinesforopen time on the adhesive container.•Properventilationwithintheroommustbeprovided.Anelectricfanishelpful.

Adhesive Selection•Useadhesivesandsealersthatmeetorexceedmanufacturer’sspecificationsasspecifiedbelow.•SelectadhesivebasedonAdhesiveSelectionGuidelineschartprovided.

Note:Followallguidelinessetbytheadhesivemanufactureraswellastheflooringmanufacturer.Bynotadheringtotheguidelines,youcanvoidyourflooringwarranties.

Note: Acceptablesubfloormoistureconditionrequirementswillvarydependentuponyourselectionofadhesive.Adhesivemoisturerequirementsarenotinterchangeablebetweenadhesivesandvarydependentuponthesubfloortypeandconditions.Thesubfloormoisturerequirementandtestforeachadhesive is outlined in the Adhesive Selection Guidelines chart on page 8.

to correct any subfloor conditions concerning moisture, either wait until the subfloor dries to meet specifications or use an appropriate moisture barrier.

Adhesive ApplicationTherearetwowaystoinstallwhenusingamoisturecuredurethanewoodflooringadhesive(wetlay,meaningtolaydirectlyintowetadhesive;anddry-lay,meaningtoallowtheadhesivetoflashortotackup.)•Wet-lay method: Pressflooringfirmlyintoadhesiveimmediatelyaftertroweling.•Dry-lay method: Pressflooringfirmlyintoadhesiveafterithasdevelopedits initialgrab(typically,after15to20minutes).

•Removeanyadhesivesmudgesordropsimmediatelyasadhesiveisverydifficulttoremoveonceallowedtodry.Cleantoolswhileadhesiveisfreshusing a urethane adhesive remover or mineral spirits.

•Usecleanwhiteterryclothtowelswithmineralspiritstocleanasyougo.Itiseasyandconvenienttouse.Adhesivethathascuredonthesurfaceoftheflooringcanbedifficulttoremove.

Note:Urethaneadhesiveisverydifficulttoremoveoncedryandcured.Makeeveryefforttopreventadhesivefromgettingontheflooringsurface.Forbest results, keep a urethane adhesive cleaner or mineral spirits nearby to remove any adhesive smudges or drops during installation.

PREPARATION

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PREPARATION

ADHESIVE SELECTION GUIDELINES

ADHESIVE TYPE SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS USES

LowVOCsalineterminatedpolymer adhesive

Concrete:•Abovegradeconcretesubstrateswhereexcessive

moisture may be present•FloorpHmustnotexceed11

•Forprotectionfromconcrete moistureupto95%RH

•Soundreductioninmulti-storybuildings•Cracksuppressionforinplanecracksupto 1/8in.wide

Hightri-polymerformulaadhesive

Wood:•Woodsubstratesshouldtestlessthan12%usinga

wood moisture meter

Concrete:•Upto85%RHLevelsusingIn-situProbesin

accordance with the latest version of ASTM F 2170.•FloorpHtestresultsmustbebetween7.0-9•Testforsealersandcuringcompounds

•Forprotectionfromconcretemoistureupto85%RH

•Willnotetchthefinishonapre-finishedboard•Maybeusedonproperly

prepared concrete or wood substrates

Moisture curing urethane adhesive

Wood:•Substratesshouldtestlessthan12%usingawoodmoisture meter

Concrete:•Lessthan3lbs/1,000sq.ft./24hrs.CalciumChlorideTest(ASTMF1869)

•Upto75%RHLevelsinConcreteUsingIn-situProbes in accordance with the latest version of ASTM F 2170

•Testforsealersandcuringcompounds

Important: Onlymanufacturerspecifiedtrowelsandapplicationmethodsaretobeusedwith adhesives;otherwise,theproductperformancewarrantiesandliabilitieswillbemadevoid.Useoftheseorproductswithequalorgreaterspecificationsarenecessary for warranty compliance.

Note: ALWAYSREFERTOTHESPECIFICINSTRUCTIONSONTHEFLOORINGADHESIVELABEL.Theinformationgivenhereisfortypicalinstallation.Adjustitaccordingtoadhesivemanufacturer’sinstruction.

Fasten-down Installation Lockingengineeredhardwoodmaybemechanicallyfastenedtothefloorusingflooringcleatsonly.Staplesarenotrecommended.•Therecommendedfloornailerisa20-gauge,L-cleat,pneumaticnailer.•Cleatsmustbeplacedintothelockingportiononthegroovesideedgeoftheplank.•Adjustthenailerforpropercleatplacement.•Adjustairpressureto70PSItostart,thenadjustairpressureaccordinglytogettheproperdepth.

Note: Inadditiontothegroundcoverinthecrawlspace,15lb.feltorrosinpapermustbeinstalledoverthesub-floorpriortotheinstallationoftheengineeredwoodflooringinordertoreducesqueaksandnoisescreatedbytheopposingfloors.

For FLOATING INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, proceed below. For GLUE-DOWN INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, skip to page 10, and for FASTEN-DOWN INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, skip to page 11.

Cleat

Groove

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FLOATING INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

1.Usewoodwedges(notincluded)tocreatea3/8in.expansiongapbetween the walls and installed planks.

Note: An expansion space of at least 3/8in.mustbemaintainedaroundthe perimeter of the room, all pipes, counters,cabinets,fireplacehearths,doorframesandanyotherfixedverticalobjectsintheroom.Doorwayor archways 48 in. or less and rooms largerthana26ft.x33ft.arerequiredtohaveaT-Molding(notincluded).

2. Beginning in left hand corner of the room,placefirstplank(A)withthetonguesidefacingthewallfirmlyagainst the wood wedges.

Note: Often walls are not structurally square.Planksinfirstrowmayneedtobe scribed and cut to contour with the wall. It is important that planks follow wall. Mark plank with a scribing tool (followtheshapeofwall)thencutitlengthwise to follow the line.

3.Overlaptheendjointofsecondplank(A)ontotheonepreviouslyinstalled. Continue placing succeedingplanks(A)inthesameway to complete row. Cut the last plank(A)accordingly.

Note: Thelastplankofthefirstrowmayhavetobecuttosize.

Note: Ensurethefirstrowisstraightbefore proceeding with the installation.

4.Forfirstplank(A)ofsecondrow,alignthesideofnewplank(A)againstthefirstplank(A)inrow1.Then,settapingblock(notincluded)againstplank(A)andtapitlightlywith rubber mallet against the previouslylaidplank(A)untilit is secure.

Note: Endjointsonadjoiningrowsshould be offset by no less than 6 in. When possible, use leftover plank from thefirstrowtobeginthesecondrow. If the cut piece is shorter than 6 in., DO NOT use. Instead, begin with a new plank that exceeds 6 in.

Note:Refertothetappingblocktipsonpage6.

5.Repeatsteps3and4fortheremainingplanks(A)intherestofthe second row and the remaining rows

Note: Move rows if necessary to ensuretherearenoundesirablejointpatterns.Therow’sendjointsshouldberandomthroughoutthefloor.

Note:Thefirstthreerowsarestaggered, ensuring offset of previous rowwithendjointsarenocloserthan 6 in. from one another. When the planks are being tapped in place, a non-random pyramid or stair step pattern is used to ensure the planks remain engaged through the force of the tapping.

6. Most often, the width of the entire length of the last row will need to be cut so it is narrow enough to fittheremainingspace.Measurethedistancebetweenthefloorfaceedge(excludethetongue)tothewall.Subtract3/8in.fromthismeasurement for expansion gap. Drawalineontheplanks(A).Cuttheplanks(A)using an electric circularsawwithfinishsawblades(notincluded)along the marked line. Discard the excess pieces.

Note: The blade should cut into the face of the board to prevent splinters. Care must be taken to prevent scratching the face of planks.

7. When installing last row of planks (A),useapullbar(notincluded)todrawthelastrowtofittightlyintoprevious row.

Installation is now complete.

2Tongue

1

Wood Wedge

3/8 in.

3/8 in.

2

1

4

Tapping block

3

3

12

1

6 in. minimum

end joint stagger

6 in. minimum

end joint stagger

5

Tapping block

13/8 in.

6

2

1

7

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GLUE-DOWN INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Measure out from wall the width oftwoplanksplus3/8in.fortheexpansion gap and mark each end of the room. It is recommended you start the installation along an exterior wall, as it is more likely tobestraightandsquarewiththeroom.

Note: Use board or spacers during installation to maintain expansion spaceofatleast3/8inandtokeeprows straight.

2.Usingatrowel(notincluded),spread necessary adhesive (see pages11-12)frommarkedlinetothe starter wall.

Note:Useofacorrecttrowelata45°angle is imperative to achieve the proper spread of the adhesive, which creates a proper bond; an improper bond can cause loose or hollow spots. Make sure to change the trowel every 2,000-3,000sq.feet(orsooner,asneeded)astheweardownofthedimples will cause an improper spread of the adhesive.

3.Placethefirstplank(A)withthe tongue side facing the wall, ensuringthereis100%contactbetweentheplank(A)andadhesivebypressingdownfirmlyonplank(A).

Note: Often walls are not structurally square.Planksinfirstrowmayneedtobe scribed and cut to contour with the wall. It is important that planks follow wall. Mark plank with a scribing tool (followtheshapeofwall)thencutitlengthwise to follow the line.

Note: Alignment is critical and can be achieved by securing a straight edgealongthelineorbytopnailingthefirstrowwithfinishingnails(wood subfloor)oradjustablespacers(concretesubfloor).Thispreventsslippageof the planks that can cause misalignment.

Caution: Any adhesive that comes in contact with face of plank should be removed immediately. Use adhesive remover recommended by manufacturer.

4.Overlaptheendjointofsecondplank(A)ontotheboardpreviouslyinstalled. Continue placing succeedingplanks(A)inthesameway to complete row. Cut the last plank(A)accordingly.

Note:Thelastplankofthefirstrowmayhavetobecuttosize.

Note:Ensurethefirstrowisstraightbefore proceeding with the installation

5.Forfirstplank(A)ofsecondrow,alignthesideofnewplank(A)againstthefirstplank(A)inrow1.Then,settapingblock(notincluded)againstplank(A)andtapitlightlywith rubber mallet against the previouslylaidplank(A)untilitissecure.

Note:Endjointsonadjoiningrowsshould be offset by no less than 6 in. When possible, use leftover plank from thefirstrowtobeginthesecondrow.If the cut piece is shorter than 6 in., do not use. Instead, begin with a new plank that exceeds 6 in.

Note:Refertothetappingblocktipsonpage6.

6.Holdnextplank(A)tobeinstalledatabouta45°angleandsetthesidejointinplace.Placetongueintogrooveofplank(A)orstripsandpressfirmlyintoadhesive.Usetappingblocktofitplanks(A)snugtogether at side and butt ends. Continue placing succeeding planks to complete row.

CAUTION: Never slide planks through adhesiveandNEVERworkontopoftheflooring.

7. Once the starter rows are secure, spread2–1/2to3ft.ofadhesivethelength of the room.

CAUTION: Never lay more adhesive than can be covered in approximately 1 hour.

8.Repeatsteps5-7toinstallremainingplanks(A)inrows.

Note: Be sure to stagger ends of plankscorrectlyinadjacentrowstoavoidclusteringendjoints.

Note: If the last plank of a row is a full plank, cut off the lower drop lock end.

1

Starting wall

3/8 in.

3/8in.

3/8in.2 plank width

2 plank width

2

Glue area

Wood Wedge

3Tongue

4

2

1

5

Tapping block

3

12

1

6

Tapping block

Glue area

7

8 6 in. minimum

end joint stagger

6 in. minimum

end joint stagger

11Lowes.com

GLUE-DOWN INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

9. Most often, the width of the entire length of the last row will need to be cut so it is narrow enough to fittheremainingspace.Measurethedistancebetweenthefloorfaceedge(excludethetongue)tothewall.Subtract3/8in.fromthismeasurement for expansion gap. Draw a line on the planks. Cut the planks using an electric circular saw withfinishsawblades(notincluded)along the marked line. Discard the excess pieces.

Note: The blade should cut into the face of the board to prevent splinters. Care must be taken to prevent scratching the face of planks.

10. When installing last row of planks, useapullbar(notincluded)todrawthelastrowtofittightlyintoprevious row.

Installation is now complete.

Note:Lightfoottrafficisallowedafter12 hours

13/8 in.

9

2

1

10

1. Measure out from the ends of your starting wall the width of the plank (A)plus3/8in.forexpansionandmark both ends. Where possible lay theflooringat90°anglestothefloorjoists.

Note:Expansionspaceisrequiredalongtheperimeterofroom(s)ofintended installation; expansion space is dictated by the thickness of the product.

thickness of Product

Expansion Space Required

3/8in.floortile 3/8in.

1/2in.floortile 1/2in

2. Beginning in left hand corner of theroom,placeplank(A)withthetongue side facing the wall against the marked line.

3.Blindnailata45˚anglethroughthetongue 1 to 2 in. from ends and every 4-6 in. along the side.

Note: Pre-drill the holes in the tongue to make blind nailing easier. Or, a brad nailerwith1to1-3/8in.brads(notincluded)canalsobeusedtoblindnail,making pre-drilling unnecessary.

Note: Countersink the nails. Place the nails in a dark grain spot in the board. Fillwithawoodfillerthatblendswith theflooringinstalledifnoshoemoldingisused.Ifbaseorshoemoldingwill be used it will cover the nails when installed after completion of the installation.

4.Overlaptheendjointofsecondplank(A)ontotheonepreviouslyinstalled.Secureplank(A)asinprevious step. Continue placing succeeding planks and secure to complete row.

Note:Thelastplankofthefirstrowmayhavetobecuttosize.

Note:Ensurethefirstrowisstraightbefore proceeding with the installation.

5.Forfirstplank(A)ofsecondrow,alignthesideofnewplank(A)againstthefirstplank(A)inrow1. Then, set tapping block (not included)againstplank(A)andtapit lightly with rubber mallet against thepreviouslylaidplank(A)untilitis secure.

Note: Endjointsonadjoiningrowsshould be offset by no less than 6 in. When possible, use leftover plank from thefirstrowtobeginthesecondrow.If the cut piece is shorter than 6 in., do not use. Instead, begin with a new plank that exceeds 6 in.

Note: Refertothetappingblocktipsonpage6.

FASTEN-DOWN INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

2Tongue

4

3

4-6 in.

1-2 in.

TongueWall

1

Starting wall

Expansion

Space

ExpansionSpace

ExpansionSpace

2

1

5

Tapping block

12Lowes.com

6.Blindnailata45˚anglethroughthe tongue 1 to 2 in. from ends and every 4-6 in. along the side.

Note: Pre-drill the holes in the tongue to make blind nailing easier. Or, a brad nailerwith1to1-3/8in.brads(notincluded)canalsobeusedtoblindnail, making pre-drilling unnecessary.

Note: Countersink the nails. Place the nails in a dark grain spot in the board. Fillwithawoodfillerthatblendswiththeflooring.

7.Withendjointinproperposition,holdnextplank(A)tobeinstalledatabouta45°angleandsetthesidejointinplace.Lowerthe plank(A)whiletappingwiththetappingblockuntilplank(A)islyingflatandlockedinplace.

8.Blindnailata45˚anglealongthe edge groove every 4 to 6 in. Repeatsteps5-7forfirst3rows.

Note: Pre-drill the holes in the tongue to make blind nailing easier. Or, a brad nailerwith1to1-3/8in.brads(notincluded)canalsobeusedtoblindnail, making pre-drilling unnecessary.

Note: Countersink the nails. Place the nails in a dark grain spot in the board. Fillwithawoodfillerthatblendswiththeflooring.

9.Repeatsteps5and7toinstallremaining planks in rows. Secure with bradsorfinishingnails1in.to2in.from ends and every 4-6 in. along the edge of grooves.

Note:45˚blindnailing(doneinstep6)isnotnecessaryafterthefirstthreerowsare installed.

Note: Be sure to stagger ends of boards correctlyinadjacentrowstoavoidclusteringendjoints.

10. Most often, the width of the entire length of the last row will need to be cut so it is narrow enough to fittheremainingspace.Measurethedistancebetweenthefloorfaceedge(excludethetongue)tothewall.Subtract3/8in.fromthismeasurement for expansion gap. Drawalineontheplanks(A).Cuttheplanks(A)usinganelectriccircularsawwithfinishsawblades(notincluded)alongthemarkedline.Discard the excess pieces.

Note: The blade should cut into the face of the board to prevent splinters. Care must be taken to prevent scratching the face of planks.

11. When installing last row of planks (A),useapullbar(notincluded)todrawthelastrowtofittightlyintoprevious row. Secure plank with finishingnailsorbrads.

Installation is now complete.

6 in. minimum

end joint stagger

6 in. minimum

end joint stagger

9

4-6 in.

1-2 in.

13/8 in.

10

2

1

11

FASTEN-DOWN INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

3

12

1

7

Tapping block

6

4-6 in.

1-2 in.

8

4-6 in.

•Installthepropertrimmoldingatthedoorwaystoachievethetransitionandalongthewallstocovertheedgesofanygapsalongthewallduetoirregularity.

•Completethejobbyusingthewoodfillerthatcoordinateswiththeinstalledengineeredflooringtofillanygappingalongthejointsorareaswherebradnailswereusedinthetrimortheflooring.

•Cleanthefinishedfloorwithmanufacturerreccommendedcleaner.

FINISHING TOUCHES (OPTIONAL)

13Lowes.com

Thebestwaytocareforthenewflooristoscheduleroutinemaintenance,whichincludessweepingtheentireflooratleastonceaweektoremovedirtanddebristhatmayscratchthefloor.Hightrafficareassuchasentrances,doorwaysandtrafficlaneswillrequirecleaningmorefrequently.• Applyamanufacturerrecommendedcleanertoaterryclothormicrofibermop;donotspraydirectlyontothefloor.Useabackandforthmotionwiththemop.Whentheterryclothormicrofibercoverbecomessoiled,simplyreplaceitwithacleanone.Cleaningthefloorwithasoiledcovercouldcause streaking. The covers are re-usable; throw the cover in the wash and dry like a towel. DO NOT use fabric softener when washing terry cloth or microfibercovers.

•Sweepregularlywithasoftbristlebroomoravacuumdesignedforhardwoodfloors.

CAUTION:Vacuumswithabeaterbar,powerrotarybrushheadoranysteamcleaningdevicecandamageawoodfloorandshouldneverbeused.•Removespillspromptly.•Usefeltprotectorsunderheavypiecesoffurnitureandchairs.•Useprotectivematsatallexteriorentrances.•NEVERuserubberorlatexbackedrugsonthefloor.Rugpadsshouldextendallthewaytotheedgesoftherugtoworkproperly.Regularlyclean

under rugs and rug pads.•Spikedheelsorshoesinneedofrepaircanseverelydamagefloor.•Replacehardplastic,metalcastersorwheelsonfurniturewithsoftrubbercastersoruseaprotectivematunderthecasters.•NEVERwetordampmopthefloors.•NEVERusesteamcleanersonthefloor.Thiswillforcemoistureintothefinishandcausedamagetothefloor.•NEVERuseoilsoaps,wax,liquidorotherhouseholdproductstocleanthefloor.•Keeppetnailstrimmedasrecommendedbyyourveterinarian.•Protectthefloorbyusingaclean,soft-rubbertireddollyformovingfurnitureorappliances.•UseprotectivewindowcoveringstoprotecthardwoodfloorsfromUVdamageduringperiodsofdirectsunlight.

Transition MatsTransitionmatsshouldbeusedatallexteriorentrancestominimizetracked-insoilandreducemoistureduringinclementweather.

Theowner/installerassumesallresponsibilityforfinalinspectionofproductquality.Examineflooringforcolor,finishandstyleprior to installation. If material is unacceptable, contact the seller immediately. Wood is a natural product and contains characteristics such as variations in color, tone and graining.Flooringismanufacturedinaccordancewithindustrystandards,whichallowsmanufacturingandnaturaldeficiencytolerancesupto5%ofthe total installation. Installer should work from minimum of 3 cartons at the same time to ensure good color and shade blend. The installer must use reasonableselectivityandholdoutorcutoffpiecewithdeficiencies.DO NOT install undesirable pieces. Flooring warranties DO NOT cover materials withvisibledefectsoncetheyareinstalled.Installationisacceptanceofproductquality.

Itistheresponsibilityoftheinstallerandownertoensurethatjobsite,environmental,subfloorandsubsurfaceconditionsinvolvedmeetorexceedallrequirementsasoutlinedininstallationinstructionspriortoinstallation.Manufacturerdeclinesallresponsibilityforproductperformanceorinstallationfailureduetosubfloor,substrateorenvironmentaldeficienciesorjobsiteconditions.

Manufacturerwarrantsthefactoryappliedfinishwillnotwearthroughorwillnotlackfinishadhesionasaresultofnormaluse.Additionalstructuralwarranty and moisture warranty may be applicable to this engineered hardwood.

WARRANTY NOTE: Installer should provide owner with one carton end label from product installed along with the pre-installation moisture content readings for warranty purposes. Owner should retain carton end label and copy of invoice with product style name and style number for their records andattachtothefinalpageoftheseinstructions.Ownershouldretainexcessflooringandstoreinaclimatecontrolledareaforfuturerepairsintheeventflooringisdamaged.

not covered under warranty:•Hardwoodcontainscertaintypesofacidsintheircellularstructure.Withexposuretosunlighttheseacidsbegintoamber.Thecolorchangeisreferred

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 of thehardwood,amountofacidsandthelevelofsunlight.Theentirefloorwillreachthesamepatinalevelovertime.Thisisoftennoticedafterarugisremovedandthefloorisnoticeablydifferentincolorunderneath.Ifyouremovetherugandexposetheentirefloortothesameamountoflight,itwilleven out over time and become uniform in color.

•Manufacturerwarrantiesdonotcovernaturalexpansionandcontractionthatresultsinseparationbetweenplanks,ordamagecausedbyexcessivelylow or high humidity. Seasonal gapping is not considered a manufacturing defect.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

WARRANTY

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