CALI Mendocino Oak Hardwoods Meritage Installation Guide

CALI Mendocino Oak Hardwoods Meritage

Specifications

• Product Name: CALI hardwoods Meritage Mendocino Oak
• Collection: Flooring Systems
• Plank Dimensions: 9-1/2″ W x 3/5″ H, Random length up to 86-3/5″

Product Usage Instructions

Pre-Installation

Before starting the installation process, follow the P.A.C.E. checklist.

• PREPARE THE SUBFLOOR: Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level.
• ACCLIMATE FLOORING: Allow the flooring to acclimate for 72 hours in the installation area.
• MOISTURE BARRIER: Use a moisture barrier on concrete subfloors.

Control Environment

• Ensure the following environmental conditions are met.
• Relative Humidity: Maintain humidity levels between 30% to 55%.
• Expansion Gaps: Leave at least a 5/8″ expansion gap between flooring and vertical objects.

Important Notes

Proper installation and maintenance are essential for optimal results. Follow all guidelines provided by CALI for success.
Contact technical support for specific installation questions.

FAQ

Q: What should I do if I encounter issues like gapping or warping on the floor?

A: In case of issues like gapping, cracking, cupping, warping, checking, or veneer delamination, consider using a humidification/dehumidification system to maintain proper humidity levels.

The Collection

Flooring Systems

• Extra Wide T &G
  • 9-1/2” Wide
• Plank Dims:
  • Random length up to 86-3/5” 9-1/2” W x 3/5” H

Flooring Accessories

Pre-Installation

• Before you begin installation, remember to P.A.C.E. yourself with the checklist below.
• Full installation instructions and maintenance guidelines can also be found online at www.CALIFloors.com

PACE PREPARE THE SUBFLOOR

Use a Moisture Barrier on Concrete

• Make sure the subfloor is flat, level, clean, and free of debris. New concrete must be cured for at least 60 days.
• Test the subfloor moisture prior to installation and apply an appropriate moisture barrier.
• CALI recommends Titebond® 531+ on concrete subfloors.
• Although, other moisture barriers are available.

PACE ACCLIMATE FLOORING

Acclimate Your Engineered Flooring For 72 Hours

For Engineered flooring, lay boxes on the floor and only open box ends as shown above. Acclimate your floor as close to the installation area as possible, for 72 hours in normal living conditions.

PACE CONTROL ENVIRONMENT

Engineered flooring can be used in areas ranging from 30% to 55% relative humidity.

PACE EXPANSION GAPS

• Leave at least 5/8” expansion spaces between flooring and ALL vertical objects (walls, cabinets, pipes, etc.) Large flooring runs may require additional expansion space.
• For floating floors, use transition moldings between rooms and doorways 3ft. or less.
• Undercut door jambs and casings to provide adequate expansion space. Do not screw or nail cabinetry or other permanent fixtures to a floating floor.

Prepare Job Site, Acclimation, Control Subfloor Moisture, Environmental Conditions

• Proper installation and maintenance are key elements in achieving the best flooring results. It is the responsibility of the installer/owner to follow all guidelines provided by CALI for success.
• Please read through this document completely, additional installation materials such as videos, illustrations, and more can also be found at www.CALIbrands.com.

Important Pre-Installation Notes

• Note: Flooring not used for its intended purpose will not be covered under warranty.

• The following information provided by CALI is intended to serve as a reference guide only. Please carefully read CALI’s installation, maintenance, and warranty documentation before installation. Follow the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)

• Installation Guidelines when installing your floor.

• CALI offers in-house technical support as a courtesy to our customers. Consult with one of our flooring experts to find answers to your specific installation questions unique to your application.

• Contact us by email: customerservice@caliwood.com; or by phone: 1(877) 237-2254 ext. 2.

• Determine the best installation method that suits your application. Flooring installed on subfloors over crawl spaces or over basements must be Glued down.

• Flooring installed in above-grade applications NOT on subfloors over crawl spaces or over basements can be Glued down or Nailed with Glue Assist.

• Upon ordering of wood floor material consider adding an additional 8% to allow for cutting waste (5%) and grading allowance (3%).

• CALI flooring is manufactured in accordance with accepted industry standards, which permit manufacturing, grading and natural deficiencies not to exceed 5%. If more than 5% of the material is unusable, do not install
  the flooring. Immediately contact the distributor/retailer from which the flooring was purchased. No claim will be accepted for materials with visible defects once they are installed. Installation of any material serves as acceptance of the material delivered.

• Installer/Owner assumes all responsibility to inspect all flooring before installation. Boards deemed unacceptable in appearance can be placed in closets, near walls or simply not be used.

• Pieces with glaring defects that can be seen from a standing position should be cut off or not be used as use constitutes acceptance. The use of putty, filler sticks or markers to touch-up flooring during installation is considered normal practice.

• Because wood is a natural product, natural variations in color may occur within and between individual flooring planks. To visualize the range of colors within the flooring style you are considering, compare your samples to the photos on our website.

• During installation, work from several cartons at a time to achieve a uniform appearance across the entire floor. Mix and mingle planks when dry laying the floor for maximum aesthetic appearance.

• Blend moldings to planks that have similar color.

• Natural variations in color are not covered under warranty.

• It is the responsibility of the installer/homeowner to determine if the job site conditions, environmental conditions and subfloor are acceptable for the installation of CALI flooring. Prior to installation, the installer/owner must determine that the job site meets or exceeds all applicable National Wood Flooring Association’s Installation Guidelines. CALI does NOT warrant against failure resulting from or connected with subfloor, job site damage, or environmental deficiencies after installation.

• CALI makes no warranty or guarantee of the quality of the chosen installer’s work or of a particular installation performed by him or her. CALI disclaims all liability for any errors or improprieties in the installation of its products by an installer. Please contact the National Wood Flooring Association (800-422-4556) to find a certified installer in your area, or for more information on installation.

• Controlling flooring moisture content is important for success. Due to the fact that all hardwood flooring is hygroscopic; its size and shape changes naturally with the absorption or release of moisture. The amount of movement varies depending on the preventative steps taken at the time of installation (i.e. acclimation, moisture barrier application, etc.) and the stability home environment thereafter. Care should be taken to control fluctuating levels of moisture indoors.

• CALI Hardwoods will perform best when the indoor environment is controlled to stay within a temperature range of 60° to 80°F and 30% to 55% humidity. Humidity levels below 30% and above 55% highly increase the probability of movement in the floor leading to such issues as gapping, cracking, cupping, warping, checking, and veneer delamination. In some climates, the use of a humidification/dehumidification system may be required to maintain proper humidity levels.

• Floor noise is normal and will vary from one installation type to the next. Occasional noise is due to structural movement and may relate to sub-floor type, flatness, deflection, and/or related to the fasteners, changes in environmental conditions, relative humidity, and the amount of topside pressure applied to the flooring. For these reasons, floor noise is not considered a product or manufacturer defect.

• CALI-engineered flooring is intended for installation above, on or below grade.

Prior to the Installation of CALI Flooring

Job Site Preparation

• Prior to installation, it is the installer’s responsibility to determine that the jobsite, environment, and subfloor conditions all meet the requirements of the National Wood Flooring Association. Do not deliver flooring to jobsite until the building has been enclosed with windows and doors, all cement, plastering, and other “wet” work has been completed, and a consistent room temperature has been reached. Confirm proper drainage exists around the structure. Lack of moisture protection can allow excessive water or moisture to penetrate basement walls, and flow beneath concrete slabs, basement floors, and into crawl spaces. In crawl spaces, exposed earth must be fully covered with a minimum of 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. Crawl space vents must be open.
• A moisture retardant such as 6 mil polyethylene film must be placed in crawl spaces. Heating units or non-insulated ductwork close to the flooring or subfloor may cause “hot spots” which must be eliminated before installation.
• During installation, it is the installer’s responsibility to document all jobsite conditions and measurements including the installation date, flooring moisture content, site relative humidity, temperature, and subfloor moisture content.
• This information must be retained by the installer and left with the property owner as a permanent record. For a complete list of points to address before installation, refer to the NWFA’s Jobsite Checklist.

Subfloor Requirements

• General: The Subfloor must be structurally sound and meet all NWFA guidelines. All subfloors must be flat to a tolerance of 3/16” in a 10’ radius. Use appropriate leveling products for correcting subfloor deficiencies.
• Subfloor surfaces must be smooth, clean, dry, and free of contaminants that would interfere with an adhesive bond. All subfloors should be tested for moisture content (see “Subfloor Moisture Testing”).
• If high moisture readings are found, identify the moisture source and correct the problem before installation. Do not install flooring directly over the floor joist without proper subflooring.

Appropriate Wood subfloor materials:

Joist System Spacing (inches on center)| Minimum Thickness Plywood| Minimum Thickness OSB
---|---|---
12-inches to 16-inches| 5/8-inch| 23/32-inch
16.1-inches to 19.2-inches| 23/32-inch| 7/8-inch
19.3-inches to 24-inches| 7/8-inch| 1-inch

• Concrete Subfloors: Subfloor must meet all the above requirements. Concrete must be fully cured and at least 60 days old. Concrete must be free of dirt, oil, paint, old adhesives, wax, sealers, and curing agents.
• Concrete that is not properly leveled can cause improper adhesive transfer, hollow spots, and squeaks. Sand or grind down high spots. Level low spots with appropriate leveling material; allow extra drying time for the leveling compounds.
• Test subfloor moisture content. To minimize moisture transfer from the slab, apply the Titebond 531+ Moisture Control System.

Moisture Testing Subfloor

• General: Test the subfloor for moisture content before installation. If high moisture readings are found, identify the moisture source and correct the problem.
• Extend acclimation time and increase ventilation until the proper conditions have been met. Apply a moisture barrier.
• Please note that test results are only applicable on the day of testing and will not ensure that moisture will not fluctuate with seasonal changes.
• Regardless of subfloor moisture content, the use of a moisture/vapor barrier is required for all installations over a crawl space or basement. CALI does not warrant against moisture-related problems.
• Wood Subfloors: Wood Subfloors: Use a moisture meter to test wood subfloor moisture content. If results show moisture vapor at or exceeding 12%, determine its source and correct the problem.
• Do not install the floor without a vapor barrier. CALI always recommends using a moisture/vapor barrier, especially if the moisture content of the flooring and subfloor varies greater than 3%.
• Concrete Subfloors: Concrete subfloors must be tested for moisture vapor pressure in more than one place for consistent readings.
• If test results show moisture vapor exceeds the minimum requirements below, do not install the floor without an impermeable vapor retarder with a perm rating of less than .13 designed to permanently block this moisture.
• Calcium Chloride Test (ASTM F 1869): Maximum vapor emissions cannot exceed 3lbs/1000SF in 24 hours
• Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter: Moisture readings should not exceed 4% on the upper scale
• In-Situ Probe Method (ASTM F 2170) : Relative Humidity levels should not exceed 75%

Moisture Testing Wood Floor

• Use a reliable moisture meter that will accurately read the specific wood species being installed. Examples of acceptable moisture meters include Delmhorst or a Lignomat SDM.
• If needed contact the moisture meter manufacturer to verify settings for specific species being installed.

Moisture Barrier Requirements

• General: Unexpected changes to subfloor moisture content may cause dimensional changes to the floor.
• To ensure a lifetime of satisfaction, it is strongly recommended that CALI flooring be installed over a moisture barrier or vapor retarder (following manufacturer guidelines) per the following specifications.
• Wood Subfloors: For best results, use a moisture barrier/vapor retarder with a perm rating between 0.7 and 50 when tested under ASTM E-96 Method A. Install as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Concrete Subfloors: For concrete applications, a moisture barrier/vapor retarder should be chosen based on concrete moisture content. For unlimited moisture protection, CALI recommends the use of the Titebond® 531+ Moisture Control System.
• Install as recommended by the manufacturer.

Acclimation & Conditioning of CALI Flooring

• The goal of acclimation is to allow the moisture content (MC) of the flooring to fully adjust to its new surroundings before installation.
• Determine Normal Living Conditions – Ideal interior environmental conditions vary from region to region and job site to job site. It is the installer’s responsibility to know what the “ideal” climate conditions are and customize the acclimation of the floor around those conditions. For a general view of moisture content averages by region, see the map below.
• Control Home Conditions Accordingly – Acclimation should occur in normal living conditions. Before opening the cartons, the indoor environment should reflect the room temperature and relative humidity levels expected to be present before, during, and most importantly, after installation. Operate temperature / humidity control systems as normal. Allow normal ventilation through rooms.
• For Meritage Engineered Hardwood Flooring: CALI recommends simply opening the ends of each box and breaking the shrinkwrap covering the flooring planks.
• Acceptable Areas for Acclimation – Acclimate the flooring as close to the center of the installation area as possible. Do not store flooring next to outside walls, in direct sunlight, near air vents or under conditions that don’t reflect the normal home environment. Garages, and exterior patios, for example, are not acceptable areas to store wood flooring during acclimation.
• Determine Appropriate Acclimation Time Frame – CALI-engineered hardwood flooring should be allowed to acclimate on the job site for 72 hours.

Optimum Flooring Moisture Content (%) by U.S. Region

• This map is provided by the NWFA and relates to all hardwood flooring species. For each region, the average equilibrium moisture content (EMC) for hardwood is identified for both January and July.
• The EMC is the MC (%) that the floor will reach once it has fully acclimated to its environment. This is also the optimum MC for installation and will provide a general idea of what acclimation measures to take.
• In each pair of figures, the first number is the average EMC during January; the second is the average EMC during July.
• Note: Actual moisture content conditions in any location may differ significantly from these numbers. This map cannot be reliably used as a basis for installation.
• The most reliable moisture-content numbers can be obtained at the job site.
• Take moisture content readings of the flooring, subfloor, and relative humidity to be sure.
• To better understand the specific acclimation requirements for your home, refer to the chart below for correlations between relative humidity (RH), temperature, and flooring moisture content (%). Referencing the weather conditions in your area, find the combination of temperature and RH on the chart. This value represents the flooring moisture content to achieve during acclimation for best results.
• Values within chart’s shaded area represent environments with relative humidity (RH) and temperature capable of maintaining the delivered moisture content of 6% to 10%. These are optimum conditions for maximum flooring stability.
• For environments outside of this range, allow more time for acclimation. Depending on your local in-home conditions, the use of humidification/dehumidification equipment may be recommended to maintain proper in-home environment.

MOISTURE CONTENT OF WOOD AT VARIOUS TEMPERATURES AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY READINGS

30| 1.4| 2.6| 3.7| 4.6| 5.5| 6.3| 7.1| 7.9| 8.7| 9.5| 10.4| 11.3| 12.4| 13.5| 14.9| 16.5| 18.5| 21.0| 24.3| 26.0
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
40| 1.4| 2.6| 3.7| 4.6| 5.5| 6.3| 7.1| 7.9| 8.7| 9.5| 10.4| 11.3| 12.4| 13.5| 14.9| 16.5| 18.5| 21.0| 24.3| 26.0
50| 1.4| 2.6| 3.7| 4.6| 5.5| 6.3| 7.1| 7.9| 8.7| 9.5| 10.4| 11.3| 12.4| 13.5| 14.9| 16.5| 18.5| 21.0| 24.3| 26.0
60| 1.3| 2.5| 3.6| 4.6| 5.4| 6.2| 7.0| 7.8| 8.6| 9.4| 10.2| 11.1| 12.1| 13.3| 14.6| 16.2| 18.2| 20.7| 24.1| 26.8
70| 1.3| 2.5| 3.5| 4.5| 5.4| 6.2| 6.0| 7.7| 8.5| 9.2| 10.1| 11.0| 12.0| 13.1| 14.4| 16.0| 17.9| 20.5| 23.9| 26.6
80| 1.3| 2.4| 3.5| 4.4| 5.3| 6.1| 6.8| 7.6| 8.3| 9.1| 9.9| 10.8| 11.7| 12.0| 14.2| 15.7| 17.7| 20.2| 23.6| 26.3
90| 1.2| 2.3| 3.4| 4.3| 5.1| 5.9| 6.7| 7.4| 8.1| 8.9| 9.7| 10.5| 11.5| 12.6| 13.9| 15.4| 17.3| 19.8| 23.3| 26.0
100| 1.2| 2.3| 3.3| 4.2| 5.0| 5.8| 6.5| 7.2| 7.9| 8.7| 9.5| 10.3| 11.2| 12.3| 13.6| 15.1| 17.0| 19.5| 22.9| 25.6
| 5| 10| 15| 20| 25| 30| 35| 40| 45| 50| 55| 60| 65| 70| 75| 80| 85| 90| 95| 98

Relative Humidity (percent)

Chart taken from Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material (Agriculture Handbook, 72). Forest Products Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Here is an example of how to use the Moisture Content of Wood chart:

• My home is normally and currently maintained at an average temperature of 70°F
• My home is normally and currently maintained at an average relative humidity of 40% RH
• The combination of 70°F and 40%RH on the chart shows that the floor should be acclimated to a moisture content of: 7.7%
• The value of 7.7% MC falls within the shaded area on the chart.
• Continue to acclimate the flooring until the flooring moisture content varies less than 3% from the subfloor (e.g. if the subfloor has a moisture content of 6%, the maximum moisture content of the flooring should be 9%). Testing of the flooring, subfloor, and relative humidity of the job site can determine this (see Subfloor & Flooring Moisture Testing) section.
• Note: Acclimate engineered hardwood flooring for a minimum of 48 hours and a maximum of 72 hours. Not properly acclimating wood flooring may cause excessive expansion, shrinkage, dimensional distortion, or structural damage.
• The worst-case scenario is one in which wood flooring is stored outside of the area in which the wood is to be installed. Acclimation is the responsibility of the installer/homeowner.

Radiant Heat Systems

• CALI flooring is only recommended for use over radiant heat systems if the special requirements specified by the National Wood Flooring Association are met (please refer to the NWFA’s Radiant Heat Guidelines). Ensuring stable job site conditions, subfloor suitability, and proper acclimation are especially important when installing a radiant heat system. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that the recommended environmental conditions are met for installation. Refer to your radiant heat system manufacturer to determine its compatibility with hardwood flooring, and to learn the specific requirements for installation.
• For more detailed information about radiant heat systems, visit the Radiant Heat Professionals Alliance (RPA) at www.radiantprofessionalsalliance.org.
• • Because of the wide variety of systems on the market (Hydronic, embedded in concrete, electrical wire/coil, heating film/mat) each with its features and applications it is recommended that the user consult with the radiant heating provider for best practices, installation methods and proper subfloors.
• If the required fastener schedule cannot be followed due to the radiant heating system used, the full spread glue-down installation is required. Follow all flooring adhesive requirements provided by the adhesive manufacturer.
• The radiant heat system must be turned on and in operation for at least 6 days before installation.
• The flooring must be acclimated per CALI’s engineered hardwood acclimation instruction over the radiant heat with the system turned on throughout the acclimation timeframe.
• The system must be turned down to 65°F and maintained 24 hours before installation.
• Once installation is complete, turn the system back on and slowly bring it back up to normal operating temperature for 4-5 days.
• The surface temperature of the flooring should never exceed 82°F. The use of an in-floor sensor is highly recommended. Consult with your radiant heating system manufacturer to successfully limit the maximum temperature.
• Always remember that rugs placed over radiant heated flooring can increase the surface temperature in that area by 3° to 5°F degrees.
• Relative Humidity must be maintained between 30% to 55%. The use of a humidifier may be necessary to achieve this.
• When turning off the radiant heat system it must be turned down slowly at a rate of 1.5° degrees per day. You should never just turn the system off.
• For additional information on radiant heating systems please refer to www.radiantprofessionalsalliance.org or the NWFA’s Radiant Heat Guidelines. Cupping, gapping or shrinking due to improper use of radiant heat is not covered by CALI warranty.

Installation

Installation of CALI Flooring General Guidelines – All Installation Types

• Follow CALI Care & Maintenance Guidelines to keep your floor looking its best after installation.
• Save extra flooring for future repairs.
• Floor should be installed from several cartons at the same time to ensure good color, shade and appearance.
•  Most installation failures result from jobsite moisture. Do not deliver flooring to the jobsite until problems are corrected.
• Engineered hardwood flooring installed below grade is warrantied with the use of an appropriate moisture barrier. CALI recommends Titebond® 531+ Moisture Control.
• NEVER install any flooring against any vertical fixed object such as fireplace, columns, floor outlets, etc. Failure to follow this guideline may result in tenting or buckled floors.
• 3M blue painter tape #2080 can be used to keep rows or sections of floor boards together until the adhesive has cured. (Incorrect or aggressive tape can harm the finish, do not leave for more than 4 to 6 hrs.)
• During installation, it is the installer’s responsibility to document all jobsite conditions and measurements including the installation date, flooring moisture content, site relative humidity, temperature, and subfloor moisture content. This information must be retained by the installer and left with the property owner as a permanent record.
• Depending on the application, CALI engineered hardwood flooring can be installed over an approved underlayment to provide greater thermal insulation and sound isolation qualities. CALI recommends the use of CALI Complete® All-in-One.
• Underlayment, which offers several benefits that include industry-leading moisture warranty, step noise reduction, increased walking comfort, and long-lasting durability.

Expansion Space Is Required

• Since wood expands with any increase in moisture content, we require leaving at least 5/8-inch expansion space between flooring and all vertical objects (walls, cabinets, pipes, etc.). If the installation area exceeds 30 feet, a greater expansion space is required; approximately 1/16-inch for every additional ten (10) feet.
• Note that proper expansion space depends not only on the size and flow of the installation, but also on expected seasonal changes in temperature and humidity that may cause the flooring to gain or lose moisture content over time. For example, if an installation takes place when humidity conditions are low, it’s likely that the wood flooring will gain moisture and expand later during humid seasons. In those cases, incorporate additional expansion space through use of spacers or transition moldings.
• Hardwood floors must be able to expand/contract without interference. NEVER install flooring against any vertical or fixed object such as fireplace, columns, islands, door jambs, floor outlets, etc. Failure to follow this guideline may result in tenting, separation or buckled floors. Never nail or screw anything through a hardwood floor.
• To cover your expansion space, CALI carries matching wood flooring accessories which include reducers, t-moldings, quarter rounds, thresholds, and stair nosings. CALI also offers all of the glues and adhesives you will need for to complete your project. Please visit CALI’s Flooring Accessories webpage.
•  Undercut door casings and jambs. Remove any existing base, shoe mold or doorway thresholds. These items can be replaced after installation.
• When undercutting door casings the installer should confirm there is the recommended expansion space.

GLUE ASSIST PATTERNS

Nail-Down + Glue Down T &G Installation Method

• The nail + glue down installation method is suitable for wood subfloors. Before you start, ensure that the job site, subfloor, and environmental conditions are acceptable for the installation of CALI-engineered hardwood flooring.
• All requirements specified in CALI’s Installation Guidelines must be met.
• Due to the width of CALI Meritage, the use of nailing and gluing on wood subfloors is necessary.
• Note: This installation method can only be used for flooring installed on subfloors that are NOT over crawl spaces or basements.

Recommended Tools

• The selection and use of any nailer is at the discretion and responsibility of the installer/ homeowner. Choose a nailer model that is specifically designed for tongue and groove applications.
• We recommend a Pneumatic 18 Gauge Flooring Nailer (such as the Powerball 50p flex, 50F, Primatech 550, or similar ). It is the installer’s responsibility to determine the correct pressure for their nailer and to ensure that the nail is properly seated.
• Dimpling of the flooring face or edge is not a manufacturing defect. CALI does not recommend using staples as they do not have the same holding power that cleat nails provide.
• Pneumatic 18-gauge tongue-and-groove flooring nailer
• Flooring adhesive
• Tapping block (trimmed piece of flooring)
• Wood or plastic spacers (1/2”)
• Flat bar or pull bar
• Miter saw (chop-saw)
• Undercut or jamb saw
• Use 1-1⁄2” to 1-3/4” long, 18 gauge cleats
• Earplugs & safety glasses
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Chalk line
• Hammer
• Table saw

Nail-Down Installation Steps

1. Use a high-grade urethane or MS polymer flooring adhesive for optimal performance.

2. When nailing, the flooring should be always laid perpendicular to the floor joist.

3. Allow at least a 5/8” space for expansion around the perimeter of the room and all vertical objects using spacers. Also see section: “Expansion Space is Required”.

4. Dry lay (do not nail or glue) a few rows before installation to confirm your layout plan.

5. Test the air pressure and angle of your pneumatic nailer with a sample plank to check for correct air pressure before installation. If you note any surface damage
   (face dimpling), tongue damage (splitting), etc., adjust the air pressure/angle accordingly. Test until dimpling no longer occurs.

6. Begin installation next to an outside wall. This is the best reference for establishing a straight working line. Starting in the middle of a room is typically reserved for Professional installer only.

7. Starter row may need to be rip cut depending on measurements of room. It is a best practice to measure your room and divide by the plank size to ensure your last piece does not end up less than 3-inches. The ideal outcome is your first row and last row have the same width size.

8. Hold starter row in place by face nailing and gluing.

9. Connect short side of second plank together with the mating side of the first plank.

10. Cut the last plank and complete the row. Use the remaining plank to start the second row.

11. After the first row is secured, glue the second row. There are several acceptable methods to glue the second row. The glue can be put on the back of the planks in a serpentine pattern, parallel stripes, ends & grooves, or lengthwise parallel stripes. The glue can also be applied to the subfloor. In this case, spread enough adhesive to install 2-3 rows. Once the glue step is complete, start nailing your second row.

12. Carefully monitor nailer pressure to ensure that the nail head enters the tongue only as deeply as required to allow the adjacent plank to fit properly. Ensure that the nail head rests cleanly in the “pocket”.

13. The recommended nail schedule is 4-6 inches.

14. Avoid nailing closer than 2-3 inches from the end of the plank.

15. As with the other rows, connect the short edges first and use a pull bar to tap the long edges together.

16. Always check your working lines to be sure the floor is still aligned.

17. The last row may require rip-cutting of the planks to size.

18. The last row will need to be secured in the same manner as the first row.

After Installation

• Always remove any adhesive from the surface of the flooring (smudges, fingerprints, etc.) before it dries. Use Titebond’s Adhesive Remover or Bostik’s Ultimate Adhesive Remover Towels to immediately remove any adhesive on the flooring surface as you go.
• Allow the newly installed floor to fully cure based on adhesive recommendations before walking or moving furniture onto the floor.
• Use wood filler or putty to fill any nail holes or to correct minor flooring damage if any occurred during install.
• Note: Although H joints do not void a warranty, they can decrease the overall structural strength of the flooring therefore CALI never recommends H joint installation.

Glue-Down T &G Installation Method

Recommended Adhesive Products

• The selection, use, and suitability of any adhesive/moisture control system is at the discretion and responsibility of the installer. Always use a moisture barrier and adhesive system manufactured by the same company – never mix products. CALI recommends using Titebond flooring adhesive and moisture barrier systems per manufactures specifications to receive Titebond’s Platinum installation warranty. Remember: always follow flooring adhesive recommendations. CALI does not warrant against adhesive related problems.

Recommended Glue-Down Floor Tools

• Flooring adhesive: Zero-VOC Adhesive by Titebond®
• Adhesive trowel as recommended by adhesive manufacturer
• Moisture barrier if needed (see Moisture Barrier Requirements)
• Tapping block (trimmed piece of flooring)
• Wood or plastic spacers (5/8-inch)
• Flat bar or pull bar
• Miter saw (chop-saw)
• 3M blue painters tape #2080
• Adhesive Remover Wipes (Bostik or Titebond)
• Undercut or jamb saw
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Chalk line
• Carpenter square
• Earplugs and safety glasses
• Table saw
• Damp rag

Glue-Down Installation Steps

1. Before you start, ensure that the job site, subfloor, and environmental conditions are acceptable for the installation of CALI-engineered hardwood flooring. All requirements specified in CALI’s Installation Guidelines must be met.
2. Always use a sealer or moisture barrier when installing on concrete. CALI recommends Titebond® 531+ Moisture Control System.
3. Allow at least a 5/8-inch space for expansion around the perimeter of the room and all vertical objects using spacers. Also see the section: “Expansion Space is Required”.
4. Dry-lay a couple of rows before starting installation to confirm your layout plan.
5. Begin installation next to an outside wall. This is the best reference for establishing a straight working line.
6. The starter row may need to be rip-cut depending on the measurements of the room. It is a best practice to measure your room and divide by the plank size to ensure your last piece does not end up less than 2 inches. The ideal outcome is your first row and the last row have the same width size.
7. Lay the first row of flooring with the groove facing the wall. Hold the starter row in place by blind nailing using 6D finish nails or gluing.
8. Connect the short side of the second plank with the mating side of the first plank.
9. Cut the last plank and complete the row. Use the remaining plank to start the second row.
10. Offset end joints of consecutive rows by a minimum of 6-inch for best appearance
11. With the first row in place, trowel out some adhesive and lay the second row by connecting the short edges of the planks first. Use a pull bar to tap long edges together.
12. Never spread too much adhesive at one time. It is recommended to spread about an arm’s length at a time (2-3 rows max)
13. Always check your working lines to be sure the floor is still aligned.
14. Use a tapping block to fit planks together, but be careful not to let the installed floor move on the wet adhesive while you are working.
15. The last row may require rip-cutting of the planks to size.
16. Flooring planks on the perimeter of the room may require weight on them until adhesive cures enough to hold them down.

After Installation

• Always remove any adhesive from the surface of the flooring (smudges, fingerprints, etc.) before it dries. Use Titebond’s Adhesive Remover or Bostik’s Ultimate Adhesive Remover Towels to immediately remove any adhesive on the flooring surface as you go.
• Allow the newly installed floor to fully cure based on adhesive recommendations before walking or moving furniture onto the floor.
• Note: Although H joints do not void a warranty, they can decrease the overall structural strength of the flooring therefore CALI never recommends H joint installation.
• Questions?888-788-2254 CaliFloors.com

References

• CALIFloors.com
• CALIbrands.com
• CALIFloors.com

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