Elegance Plyquet Wood Floor Installation Guidelines

Moisture Content Check
2. Wood Flooring and Subfloor:
o Solid strip (<3”): ≤4% moisture content difference
o Wider material (≥3”): ≤2% moisture content difference
o Use a species-specific moisture meter and take 20 readings per 1,000 ft² (an additional 4
readings every 100 ft² thereafter) for subfloor and 40 readings for the product (an additional 4
readings every 100 ft² thereafter).
o Subfloors have to be structurally sound. Address any movement, delamination, squeaks/noise,
water damage, physical damage, etc with the homeowner, builder or any responsible party
prior to installation of wood flooring. The installer can address loose fasteners,
squeaks/noises, etc. Some issues are not the responsibility or capability of the installer.
Document any conditions with notes and photographs.
o Subfloors must be flat. Being level is not the same as being flat. We require that the subfloor
needs to be ¼” in 10 feet or 3/16” in 6’. For glue down installation over concrete the
requirement would be 1/8” in 6’ and 3/16” in 10’. Please reference NWFA Installation
guidelines (pg 58-59) to learn how to correct a subfloor that does not meet those guidelines.
o Subfloors must by DRY and CLEAN. If new construction, the Builder is responsible to
control the moisture during the building process. The installer is required to confirm the
moisture contents of the substrate prior to any wood flooring installation. Subfloors need to be
free of drywall compound and consider sanding any seems of the subfloor in order to avoid
problematic peaks in the wood subfloor.
3. Existing Substrates/Flooring
o Existing vinyl, resilient, cork or linoleum floor covering may be installed over if well bonded
to and fasteners must be able to penetrate the wood subfloor by 5/8”.
o Using a glue down method it is imperative to use of an approved adhesive.
o Existing ceramic tile, terrazzo, slate or marble may be glue to if the adhesive manufacturers
guidelines are met.
o Carpet is NEVER acceptable to install our wood flooring over.
4. Concrete Subfloor:
o Slab should be a minimum of 60 days old before testing.
o If the slab is existing, does not mean that it should not be tested for moisture
o Use appropriate devices for moisture testing.
o If excessive moisture is detected, perform further tests (ASTM f-2170 or ASTM 1869).
o If readings exceed 3% calcium chloride or 85% rH, use an adhesive with a moisture
mitigation component.
o A 3,000 psi is the minimum required compressive strength for concrete slabs for direct glue
down wood floor installations. Lightweight concrete less that 3,000 psi is not acceptable for our
flooring to be adhered to using a wood flooring adhesive. Consider applying an approved
cementitious based leveler.
o Subfloor toppings my be used to flatten or smooth the concrete as long as they are approved
by the adhesive manufacturer chosen for the project.
o The slab has to be free of any contaminants the may compromise the adhesives bond, remove
immediately. This includes, but not limited to, curing compounds, waxes, oils, paint, dust,
drywall
o compound, etc. If asbestos is present DO NOT DISTURB. Follow the adhesive requirements
for PH balance and CSP ratings (Concrete Surface Profile)
5. Concrete Surface Preparation:
o Remove non-compatible sealers, waxes, oils, paints, and drywall compounds.
o Apply water drops to test for sealers.
o Screen slick steel trowel slabs with a 30-grit abrasive if necessary.
o Ensure the slab is flat within 1/8” in 6’ and 3/16” in a 10’ radius.
o Grind slab where high or fill where low to maximize flatness
Installation Guidelines
• Before you start your installation you must understand the potential risks to your health by following the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (O.S.H.A.), check this website for your local area
www.osha.gov.
• Personal protective equipment is highly recommended. This includes, but isn’t limited to, eye protection,
ear protection, respiratory protection (avoid inhaling airborne wood dust) equipment, etc.
• Prior to installing, check all saw safety guards to ensure they are in working condition.
• Wood dust can be an irritant to both skin and lungs.
• Exotic species tend to be more-dense and that density can potentially wear down saw blades prematurely.
Nail Down & Glue Down Installation
1. Choose a Starting Wall: Consider the most aesthetically or architecturally important elements in the
room.
2. Expansion Space: Leave a minimum of 1/2” expansion space around the perimeter.
3. Snap a Working Line: Parallel to the starting wall, accounting for the width of the board, tongue,
and expansion space.
4. Starter Board: Install along the edge of the working line and begin installation.
5. Adhesive Application (Glue Down Only): Follow adhesive manufacturer’s instructions regarding
spread rate, trowel size, working time, and flash time.
6. Board Distribution: Avoid H patterns and stair stepping.
7. Stagger End Joints:
o Strip flooring (≤2 ¼”): Minimum 6”
o Plank (3”-5”): 8”-10”
o Plank (>5”): 10”