If the following instructions leave any unanswered questions or if additional information is required, please the manufacture or retailer. You must read and understand these instructions completely before beginning installation. Responsibility for the suitability of the planks and accompanying products for each individual installation cannot be assumed by the manufacture or retailer since neither have control over the installer's proper application. Should an individual plank be doubtful as to appearance or dimension the installer should not use this piece. The manufacture will send replacement in a timely fashion.

EXPECTATIONS

Planks will vary in shade or pattern definition. Also, wood is subject to the normal behavior of minor expansion during periods of high humidity and minor contraction during periods of low humidity (usually the heating season). Expansion and contraction can be kept to unnoticeable levels by stabilizing the building through temperature and humidity control, allowing for proper acclimatization of the product prior to installation, and providing the recommended expansion space mentioned below.

INSTALLING ON CONCRETE SUBSTRATE: Glue-down installation is NOT RECOMMENDED. Plank may be nailed to ¾’’ underlayment grade plywood ON or ABOVE-GRADE ONLY. A plywood substrate must be installed over a concrete floor in accordance with the National Wood Flooring Association guidelines.

INSTALLING ON UNDERLAYMENT-GRADE PLYWOOD:

Only underlayment grade substrates are approved. Install smooth 3/4” CDX underlayment grade plywood. Fill cracks and sand uneven areas. Subfloor must not exceed 14% moisture content (electrical resistance method). For buildings with crawl spaces, install a ground cover of 6 mil polyethylene sheeting, overlapping seams 8", and taping them together. SUBFLOOR MUST BE WITHIN A MAXIMUM OF 4% OF THE MOISTURE CONTENT OF THE FLOORING TO ENSURE A SUCCESFUL

INSTALLATION.

IN-FLOOR RADIANT HEATING SYSTEM: Not suitable for installation over radiant heated floors.

SOLID FLOORS MUST BE ACCLIMATED: Store flooring out of the box at job site for a minimum of 72 hours. During storage and installation, maintain temperature and relative humidity to a level consistent to the conditions that will prevail when building is occupied. Heating or air conditioning should be used for an appropriate length of time prior to and during installation. With improper acclimation, the floor could expand or contract noticeably after installation. Ideal conditions are 68 degrees temperature and 50-60% humidity.

NOTE: NAIL DOWN PLANK FLOORING MUST HAVE AB APPROVED SUBFLOOR OVER CONCRETE. PLANK CANNOT BE “SHOT” OR “DIRECT-GLUED” TO CONCRETE. PLANKS CANNOT BE GLUED TOGETHER AND NAILED DIRECTLY

TO CONCRETE.

BEFORE YOU START: Choose the longest wall that will be parallel to the plank floor. Snap a working line parallel to the starting wall (allowing ¾’’ inch expansion space between the starting wall and the edge of the first plank run). A ¾’’ inch expansion space must be left around the perimeter and at all vertical obstructions. Shuffle planks for best visual mix. Mix planks from various cartons to maintain color and pattern variation.

NOTE: 2’’ inch long, 16 gauge nails are recommended for installation. Use of a professional quality flooring nail gun will improve the overall results of the installation. Use of a suitable underlayment such as Natural Cork’s 1/8’’ inch Rolled

Cork Underlayment, 15 lb roofing felt, or rosin paper is advised. Beginning a minimum of 2’’ inches from the end of the first plank, space nails at 8’’ inch intervals.

FIRST ROW: Planks are laid out in the same manner as strip flooring. Lay first row of planks along the entire length of the working line. Top and blind nail the first row (hand nail if necessary), using appropriate fasteners. Use rubber mallet and a tapping block to insert tongue inside the groove of the preceding board.

NEXT ROWS: Each receding row should be blind nailed with a nailing machine wherever possible. Add each additional row of flooring, watching the pattern repeat and offsetting (or) staggering end joints at least 6’’ inches. Racking rule of thumb: Stagger end joints a minimum of 6’’ inches between pieces on adjacent rows. Avoid “H” joints.

LAST ROW: It may be necessary to blind nail by hand until top nailing is required. The last row will usually require all planks be cut lengthwise. Measure each plank at several places along the length to ensure a proper fit. Remember to allow a ¾’’ inch expansion space along the wall side. Use floor pull bar and mallet to engage the long side of planks. The short edge can be joined using a tapping block.

FINISH: Once installation of the floor is complete, remove spacers and install moldings along the perimeter, at doorways and against adjoining floor surfaces. Never attach moldings/skirting boards to the floor itself, but allow space for the flooring to expand and contract beneath it. Fill expansion spaces around pipes and other areas by using a flexible caulk.

Fading: Wood contains organic pigments that will fade when exposed to direct sunlight. Where possible, use drapes or other systems to protect your floor form excessive light.

Joints: Wood floor systems expand and contract in response to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. By controlling the environment, maintaining an adequate temperature and relative humidity, you will minimize the visible effects of the seasonal contraction and expansion of your floor. In very dry climates, the use of a humidifier might be necessary.

Appearance: Oiled floors have a very different appearance from the ones the American customer is used to. At times the floor can look dull and show shoe marks. This can happen after an application of the Revol Maintenance Oil and is often a sign that there is an oil residue left on the floor. Additional buffing might be required to dry the floor completely. Over time, as applications are repeated, oiled floors tend to look better as they age and develop a rich patina.

You may protect your oiled floor by taking the following precautions:

Refer to “Oiled Floors Maintenance Guidelines”