Knights' of Meaford Inc. asks the installer to make sure that the site and all surfaces receiving the hardwood are suitable.  Knights’ of Meaford Inc. will not be responsible for any problems resulting from or associated with subsurface or job site deficiencies.

 Tools Required

Safety Glasses      Chalk Line                            Hammer                                                  Mitre Saw                              Utility Knife

Square                    Finishing nails                      Jig Saw                                                   Tape Measure                      Light Sand Paper

Level                      1 ¼” Flooring Cleats            Hardwood Power Nailer                      Nail Punch

Broom                    Drill (with Bit Set)                 Non Marking Rubber Mallet              Vacuum cleaner

 

Note: Knights' of Meaford Inc. cannot be held responsible for any floor damage resulting from use of the wrong tools.

Acclimatization

Hardwood flooring must go though an acclimatization period.  Boxes should be opened and stored on site 72 hours prior to installation.

Humidity

Interiors usually go through two humidity seasons – with heat and no heat.  Please note that wood floors will be slightly affected by varying levels of humidity in your building, control humidity levels to within the 40-55% range.  During the heating season, a humidifier is suggested to minimize excess dryness in wood floors from low humidity levels.  During the non-heating season, humidity levels can be maintained by using an air conditioner, dehumidifier, or by turning on your heating system periodically during the summer months.

NOTE: Because no two pieces of wood are identical, we strongly recommend that you layout the strips to determine appropriate colour and shade mix. If you decide to have your flooring installed by a third party (who must be qualified), be sure to approve the layout prior to final installation. Minor differences between samples and the overall appearance of colour of installed floors are normal and not considered to be defects.

Installation

It is important to keep the floor clear of sawdust and dirt at all times during the installation.

Use a utility knife to cut the white backing paper; the removal of backing paper is not required before installation.

  1. Begin the installation next to the longest wall, at right angles to the joists.  Use a chalk line, allowing a space of ½” between the first flooring strip and the wall.  The first strips will be laid along this chalk line.  Do not follow the wall. Tip: Use longest and straightest strips for the first row.
  2. Please allow expansion around fireplaces, doors, etc.
  3. Nail the first strip after drilling holes every 8”(20cm), at a distance of ½”(13mm) from the edge of the strip next to the wall. Be careful not to drill though the face at a distance of less than 3”(8cm) from the end of the strip.  Use #8 spiral nails to fasten the flooring, and countersink the nails with the nail punch.  This first row of nails will be hidden by trim.  Repeat the nailing operation in the tongue of the strip, keeping the edge along the chalk line.
  4. Only nail the tongue of each subsequent strip.  Do not face nail.
  5. Joints between the strips in a line should be offset at lease 6” (15cm) from the end-joints in parallel lines.  This will give a nicer appearance and a strong floor.  After the first three rows of strips, use the hardwood flooring nailer. 
  6. To minimize trim waste, select strip long enough for row end, so that remaining trimmed end may be used to start subsequent row. Leave ¼" (6 mm) gap at end of each row. To prevent end-joint alignment effect, first strip of second row must be at least 6" [150 mm] shorter or longer than that of first row. Nails should be placed in intervals of 8” to 10”(20 to 25 cm), stopping 2”(5cm) from the end of each strip. Use trimmed strips to start next row
  7. Tip: Pay attention to the patterns created by the variations in the color of the wood.
  8. Tip: Keep less attractive strips for areas of the room where they'll be less visible.
  9. As you come to the final wall, return to nailing the tongue by hand.  Wedge the last row into place with a pry bar.
  10. Rip the last row lengthwise to fit, allowing for expansion and trim coverage. Face nail last row.
  11. Countersink and putty all face nails.
  12. When installing transition moldings, stair nosings, pay attention to the color of adjacent strips and make sure they go well together.
  13. Tip: Set a few strips aside in case future repairs are required.

Nailer Tips

-         Keep nailer base plate clean and free from nicks at all times

-         Do not place on hardwood flooring. When not in use, place on piece of plywood or cardboard

-     Ensure that nailer base sits flat on the floor and plumb against tongue before nailing strip down
-     Check nailer condition regularly
-     If using a pneumatic nailer, adjust compressor air pressure for proper nail setting.
-     Be careful when nailing joints and stairs