Installation Guide

HOMEDEPOT.COM/HOMEDECORATORS
Please contact 1-800-986-3460 for further assistance
Installation Instructions
Laminate Click-Lock Flooring
For Assistance,
Call: 1-800-986-3460
Homedepot.com/homedecorators
Grade Levels
Above Grade / On Grade
Below Grade
Installation Method
Glueless installation
Power tools can be dangerous. Operate in strict accordance to manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety precautions. Unsafe and improper use can cause serious injuries. Avoid inhalation and
exposures to wood dust by mechanical means and by wearing personal protective equipment. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes NIOSH or OASH-approved dust masks,
safety goggles and work gloves.
This flooring product comes with a manufacturer Limited Wear Warranty. The warranty applies to the original purchaser of the flooring. It warrants the original purchaser that the finish surface will not
wear through for the duration of the stated warranty from the date of purchase. Contact our Customer Service Team at 800-986-3460 to request a written copy which provides detailed terms of
coverage and limitations.
OWNER/INSTALLER RESPONSIBILITY
The owner is advised to be at home during the installation for consultation/direction. The owner and
installer should discuss installation and layout to maximize satisfaction. If this is not possible,
consultation should be done prior to installation. Installers should be familiar with installation guidelines
from National Wood Flooring Association (woodfloors.org). The owner/installer assumes all responsibility
for product quality of completed installation.
PERFORM PRE-INSTALL INSPECTION. FOR CLAIMS PURPOSES, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO OPEN
UP TO 4 BOXES FOR PRODUCT INSPECTION. DO NOT OPEN ALL THE BOXES. OPENING ALL
THE BOXES CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE PRODUCT. INSPECT ALL THE PLANKS
IN THESE 4 BOXES CAREFULLY. EXAMINE FLOORING FOR COLOR, FINISH AND QUALITY.
IF YOU DISCOVER THAT PRODUCTS ARE DEFECTIVE, OR IF MATERIAL IS QUESTIONABLE,
YOU SHOULD CONTACT THE RETAILER. IF YOU ARE SATISFIED, PROCEED WITH INSTALLATION.
Prior to installation, arrange planks from several boxes to ensure even distribution of colors, shades and
characteristics in the installed flooring.
Purchase flooring to be installed in one large area at the same time. Product purchased at a later time
than the first purchase may vary beyond your expectations.
Accessories, trims and moldings are manufactured to coordinate with the varied appearances of the floor
planks. Any exact matches are coincidental. Non-matching accessories are not defective products.
This product is manufactured according to strict quality standards. In the event that defects are
discovered in the field, the industry standards permit a defect tolerance not to exceed 5%. Order an
additional 5% extra for cutting wastage and grading allowances (10% for diagonal installations).
During installation, inspect the planks continuously. Defects that can be seen from a standing position
should be cut off or held out. Installing defective planks implies acceptance.
Squeaking and clicking noises are the result of interactions among flooring, joists and subfloors when
they move. Limiting the movements of the flooring system usually eliminates most of these noises.
Sometimes, it is impossible to eliminate them completely and minor squeaking or clicking noises are to
be accepted as normal flooring phenomenon.
Minor scratches can generally be repaired with the use of putty, stain or filler. It is an industry standard
practice of flooring installation and it should be accepted as normal by the home owner.
To assure the warranty is not inadvertently voided, before proceeding with any activity that is not
covered in this manual, please contact our Customer Support Team at 800-986-3460.
CONCRETE SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS
Concrete subfloors must:
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Have minimum rated strength of 3000psi.
Be level to within 1/8 in. in a 6 ft. span or 3/16 in. in a 10 ft. span; no bumps or low spots.
High spots can be removed by grinding; depressions can be filled with patching compound
formulated for use in floor installation.
Be clean; no construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on or adhering to the floor;
if necessary,scrape and sweep away before the installation; no protrusions of nails, debris, metals
should remain.
New concrete slab must cure for at least 60 days. It must have a minimum 10 mil polyethylene
sheet between the ground and the concrete.
Be free from moisture r
elated conditions which can damage the installed flooring.
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CONCRETE MOISTURE
Test all concrete subfloors for moisture content and document the results. Visual checks are not reliable.
Perform tests at locations around exterior doorways, near walls containing plumbing, near foundation
walls and in the center of the room. Minimum sample size is 3 samples per 1000 sq. ft. of area and one
test for every additional 1000 sq. ft. thereafter.
Moisture content should meet one of the following criteria:
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5% when tested using Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter.
Less than 3 pounds per 1000 sq. ft. per 24 hours when using Calcium Chloride test (ASTMF1869).
75% when using Relative Humidity Testing (ASTMF-2170).
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NOTE: Concrete moisture content may be acceptable the time of the test. These tests do not
guarantee a perpetual “dry” concrete slab. The concrete slab moisture content can vary at other
times of the year. We are not responsible for moisture-related damage to installed flooring.
WOOD SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS
The subfloor must be clean; no presence of construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on or
adhering to the floor; no protrusions of nails, debris, or metals should remain. If necessary, scrape and
sweep the subfloor before the installation.
The subfloor must be structurally sound and stable; no movements or squeaks; no loose panels or loose
nails; no signs of ply de-lamination or other damages. Repair all shortcomings before installation.
The subfloor must be flat; no visible bumps or low spots; the subfloor should be flat to within 1/8 in. in 6 ft.
span or 3/16 in. in 10 ft.. Test for moisture using a reliable moisture meter. Perform tests at locations
around exterior doorways, near foundation walls, near walls containing plumbing lines and in the center
of the room. Measure 20 locations per 1000 sq. ft. Moisture content of the subfloor should be less than
12%. Moisture content difference between the subfloor and flooring should be 2% or less.
PLYWOOD OR ORIENTED STRAND BOARD (OSB) SPECIFICATIONS
On truss/joist spacing of 16 in. (406 mm) O/C or less, the industry standard for single-panel subflooring
is a minimum 5/8 in. (19/32 in., 15.1 mm) CD Exposure 1 plywood subfloor panels (CD Exposure 1) or
23/32 in. OSB Exposure 1 subfloor panels, 4 ft. x 8 ft. sheets. Expansion gap between panels should be
1/8 in. (3 mm). If panels are not tongued and grooved and there is not sufficient spacing or is inadequate,
cutintherequiredspacingwithacircularsaw.Donotcutinexpansionspaceontongueandgroovepanels.
PARTICLE BOARD OR FIBER BOARD
Only for floating installation.
EXISTING FLOORS
Installation over existing floor requires the installer to consider potential issues related to
moisture damage, adhesive failure and fastener failure. Contact the adhesive and fastener
manufacturers respectively for their specific instructions, recommendations and requirements.
Acceptable floor coverings include: solid hardwood, linoleum, terrazzo, ceramic tile and
other “moisture sealing floors.”
Unacceptable floor coverings include: carpet, needle punch felt, edge glued linoleum and
other “moisture absorbing flooring.”
JOB SITE CONDITION
Prior to installation, the installer must ensure that at the time of installation, the job site
conditions including subfloor/substrate, ambient temperature and relative humidity, and all
impacting variables will not negatively affect the floor. The manufacturer will decline
responsibility for damages associated with improper installation or poor site conditions.
STORAGE AND CONDITIONS
Do not store flooring in uncontrolled environmental conditions. For example, garages and
exterior patios are not acceptable areas to store flooring. Handle and unload flooring with
care and store within the environmentally controlled site in which it is expected to perform.
Flooring stored on a concrete slab should be elevated at least4 in.to allow air circulation
under cartons.
EXISTING HOME
An existing home should have a consistent room temperature of [ 60°F-80°F and relative
humidity (RH) of 35%-60%]. Continual deviation from these conditions will affect the dimensions
of flooring. When using a heater during winter months, humidity may be much lower than the
acceptable range. A humidifier is recommended to prevent excess shrinkage in flooring due to
low humidity levels. During the warmer months, maintain humidity levels using an air conditioner,
dehumidifier, or by turning on your heating system periodically.
NEW CONSTRUCTION OR REMODEL
All work involving water, such as pouring basement concrete floors, drywall and plasterwork,
plumbing, etc. must be completed well in advance of the floor delivery. Ensure that the building
is enclosed. Where building codes allow, permanent heating and/or air conditioning systems
should be operating at least five days preceding installation and should be maintained during
and after installation. If it is not possible for the permanent heating and/or air conditioning
system to be operating before, during and after installation, a temporary heating and/or
dehumidification system that simulates normal living (occupied) conditions can enable the
installation to proceed until the permanent heating and/or air conditioning system is fully
operational. Your job site should have a consistent temperature of [ 60°F-80°F and relative
humidity (RH) of 35%-60%] which should be maintained continuously thereafter.
BASEMENTS AND CRAWL SPACES
Concrete slab or ground must be dry. Ensure that crawl spaces have open vents year-round
for proper air circulation and prevent moisture build up. The ground in the crawl spaces must
be completely covered using 6 mil black polyethylene. Crawl space clearance between the
earth and underside ofjoists should be no less than18 in.and the perimeter of the vent area
should be equal to 1.5% of the total square footage of the crawl space or as mandated by code.
RADIANT HEATED SUBFLOOR
This product can be installed over radiant heated subfloor. The radiant heatsystem should
be operational for at least 7 days before beginning installation. Turn off heat to allow the
subfloor to cool down to room temperature 3-4 hours before beginningthe installation.
Increase temperature gradually after installation. Operating surface temperature must not
exceed 85°F (29°C). Contact heater manufacturer for specific installation instruction.
Consult with the radiant heat system manufacturer to ensure that the system iscompatible.
MOISTER BARRIER/UNDERLAYMENT PADDING
CONCRETE SUBFLOOR
When installing over a crawl space or concrete slab, it will be necessary to use a moisture
barrier to prevent moisture migration. A plastic film with a minimum thickness of 6 mil should
be placed with a 4 –6 in. (101.6 –152 mm) overlapped seam, and taped with a suitable tape,
this should be combined with an approved underlayment padding for floating floors.
For direct glue installation, use a moisture barrier if moisture levels exceed the requirement
(see Concrete Moisture section).
SOUND CONTROL UNDERLAYMENT
It is optional. Check with sound control manufacturer for application guidelines.
Generally, the less compressive underlayment is preferred.
EXPANSION GAP
Required gap width range is 5/16 in. to 3/8 in.It is required around the perimeter of the floor
and between floor and all vertical obstructions. Do not place permanently mounted structures
such as kitchen counter/cabinet on the installed floor.
TRANSITION MOLDING
Floating installation, transition T-molding is required in the following cases: floor spanning
greater than 40 feet in length or width; doorways or passageways 5 ft. wide or less.
Note: Floor areas interrupted by wall openings greater than 5 ft. wide, or interrupted by
wall sections extending out of the wall, or floor areas which are not rectangular may
experience buckling or gapping if there is excessive floor expansion or shrinkage.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS BASICS
• Tape measure • Moisture meter (wood, concrete or both) • Ch
alk line & chalk • Hammer
• Electric power saw • Carbide tipped saw blade for fine cut • NIOSH-designated dust mask
• Handsaworjambsaw • Eyeprotection • Straight edge or Spacers • Pry Bar • Mallet
• Broom • Color matched wood putty •Tapping block • Pull bar • Painters tape
GENERAL TIPS
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Make sure your work area is well lit. Good visibility ensures that color is consistent and that visually defective planks are detected and removed.
The remainder of the last plank can be used as a starter board on the following rows.The minimum length of the first and last plank needs to be longer then the width of the material being installed.
Using a shorter piece at under cut door jams will help when fitting flooring in place.
Never hit the flooring directly with the tapping block and be careful not to fracture floor edges.
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CUTTING THE LAST ROW TO WIDTH
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Most often the entire length of the last row will need to be cut so that it is narrow enough to fit the remaining space.
Measure the distance between the floor face edge (exclude the tongue) to the wall. Subtract [ 5/16 – 3/8 in.] from this measurement for expansion gap. Draw a line. Cut through the line.
Discard the excess piece. Proceed with the installation.
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Ensure subfloors are clean.
Lay out several cartons. Randomly arrange planks to ensure good color and shade
mixture and end joint spacing. Inspect plank quality and grading Lay out trim moldings in
advance and find planks whose shade closely matches. Set these aside for future use.
Remove the existing base, shoe molding or threshold carefully. They can be used to cover
the 5/16 – 3/8 in. expansion gap left around the edge of the room.
Undercut doors and casings using a handsaw laid flat on a piece of scrap flooring.
Install the underlayment (if used) parallel to the flooring according to the underlayment
manufacture instruction. Any overlap (top) should be on the same side as the groove of the
flooring so that the floor planks will slide smoothly into place. Tape all seams. Secure the
underlayment material as necessary to prevent excessive movement.
1. INSTALLING THE FIRSTROW
a. Remove the tongue from the width and length of
the first plank. Be sure to allow enough space for
the 5/16 –3/8 in. expansion gap.
b. Saw off the tongue from only the length of the
remaining planks to be installed in the firstrow.
2. INSTALLING THE SECOND AND REMAINING ROWS
a. Follow the procedures shown in Figures 2.1 - 2.3 for
the first three rows; you can then push these three
completed rows into place along the wall.
Be sure to use spacers or scrap pieces of flooring
along the wall to maintain the expansion gap.
At this point, you can avoid a stair step joint pattern
by using the pieces of boards cut off when finishing
a row (or cut new ones). Be sure these pieces are
at least 6 in. long. Always keep the end joints at least
6 in. apart. You can then finish the room as shown
in Figures 2.4 –2-.6.
3. INSTALLING THE LASTROW
a. Use the pull bar to draw the last row to fit tightly to
the previous row (as Figure 3.1shows)
WARNING: This product can expose you to formaldehyde gas which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
CAUTION: ASBESTOS IN EXISTING FLOOR: Home Decorators Collections product does not contain asbestos. Existing installed resilient flooring and asphaltic adhesive may contain asbestos
fillers or crystalline silica. Do not sand, dry sweep, dry scrape, drill, saw, bead-blast, or mechanically chip or pulverize existing resilient flooring, backing, lining felt, asphaltic “cutback” adhesive or
other adhesive. See “Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings” (rfci.com) for detailedinformation and instructions on removing all resilient covering structures.
WARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products can expose you to wood dust, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling wood dust
or use a dust mask or other safeguards for personal protection. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/wood.
Safety and Health Precautions
Warranty
Pre-Installation
Preparing for Installation
Installation
Helpful Pointers
MANUFACTURER’S REQUIRED MINNESOTA DISCLOSURE -IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTICE: SOME OF THE BUILDING MATERIALS USED IN THIS HOME (OR THESE BUILDING MATERIALS) EMIT
FORMALDEHYDE. EYE, NOSE, AND THROAT IRRITATION, HEADACHE, NAUSEA AND A VARIETY OF ASTHMA-LIKE SYMPTOMS, INCLUDING SHORTNESS OF BREATH, HAVE BEEN REPORTED AS
A RESULT OF FORMALDEHYDE EXPOSURE. ELDERLY PERSONS AND YOUNG CHILDREN, AS WELL AS ANYONE WITH A HISTORY OF ASTHMA, ALLERGIES, OR LUNG PROBLEMS, MAY BE AT
GREATER RISK. RESEARCH IS CONTINUING ON THE POSSIBLE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO FORMALDEHYDE.
REDUCED VENTILATION MAY ALLOW FORMALDEHYDE AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS TO ACCUMULATE IN THE INDOOR AIR. HIGH INDOOR TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITY RAISE FORMALDEHYDE
LEVELS. WHEN A HOME IS TO BE LOCATED IN AREAS SUBJECT TO EXTREME SUMMER TEMPERATURES, AN AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM CANBE USED TO CONTROL INDOOR TEMPERATURE LEVELS.
OTHER MEANS OF CONTROLLED MECHANICAL VENTILATION CAN BE USED TO REDUCE LEVELS OF FORMALDEHYDE AND OTHER INDOOR AIR CONTAMINANTS.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF FORMALDEHYDE, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
1.1
3.1
2.6
2.5
2.4
2.1
2.2
2.3
Installation Instructions
Laminate Click-Lock Flooring
For Assistance,
Call: 1-800-986-3460
Homedepot.com/homedecorators
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8 mm Textured
Shadow Oak LaLammiinanattee
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Grade Levels
Above Grade / On Grade
Below Grade
Installation Method
Glueless installation
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IItteemm # # 1003176786