Sub-Floor Preparations:
The sub floor must be completely dry.
- All concrete floors are to measure a maximum of 5 or less on the Tramex concrete encounter.
- Use of an 18’’X18’’ 6 mil poly film taped securely to the concrete for a period of no less than 48 hours should show no change in the color of the concrete. Use of a heavy rubber mat laying flat to the concrete will accomplish the same result.
- The concrete slab will usually take from 90 to 150 days to dry thoroughly depending on the size of the slab and weather conditions.
- The sub floor must be free from any type of paints, oil, greases, dust, and all other types of residues.
- The sub floor should be level in general, however, it must be level with in 1/4’’ over a 10 foot radius, any direction.
- If plywood is used as a sub floor, the moisture content difference should be no more than a 4% between the engineered wood floor and the plywood, and there should be no more than a 2% difference between the solid wood and the plywood. All plywood must be exterior grade CDX, and plywood size for sub floor is suggested to be no larger than 3/4’’ by 48’’X 48’’ and an expansion gap of no less than 1/4’’ between sheets, and installed in an alternate pattern. (not straight rows).
- A suggested moisture barrier for install solid wood floor on a concrete floor is a layer of plastic moisture barrier sheeting, then nail down the plywood to the sub floor every 1 foot along the outside edge, and the same throughout the interior.
All Solid Products:
- Solid wood floors require a minimum of 7 days acclimation in the environment they are going to live in, but in extreme climate zones, they will require 10 days.
- Snap a working line parallel to the starting wall, in multiples of our solid wood flooring width, plus an expansion space of 3/4’’ minimum, to set up the baseline of installation. Be careful to assure you do not end up with a width of less than 2 inches at the final opposing wall. If so, adjust by ripping down the length of the first row.
- Install the first row with the groove side towards the wall using top nails as necessary to hold the first row firm and in place. Adjust as necessary. If any nails are visible, counter sink, and fill accordingly.
- Use adjustable pneumatic power hammer or nailing machine with 1-1/2’’ or 2’’ nails as required by the tool. Nailing pattern should be no less than 1’’ from the end, and every 8’’-10’’ thereafter. Each row must be nailed. Staples with a minimum of 1/4’’ crown and 1-1/2 in length, or more, and coated or are authorized.
- Add and adjust each additional row of wood planks, to offset or stagger the end joints at least 6’’ to prevent repeating the pattern.
- A separation of no less than 6’’ is required for end joints in adjoining rows.
- 3/4’’ expansion space is required in all directions from any.