Installation Guide

• Do not install over solid or engineered flooring attached directly to concrete. Instead remove existing wood flooring and follow instructions for installation
over concrete.
Wood sub-floors should be well nailed or secured with screws. Nails should be ring shank and screws need to be counter sunk. The wood subfloor must be
structurally sound, without loose boards, vinyl or tile. If subfloor panels are a single layer, less than 3/4” thick, add another single cross layer for strength and
stability, minimum 3/8”.
Underlayment floor panels must be installed sealed side down. When used as a sub-floor, allow 1/8”
(3.2 mm) expansion space between each panel. If spacing
is inadequate, cut in with a circular saw. Do not cut an expansion space on tongue and groove panels. When installing parallel to the floor joists, it may be
necessary to increase rigidity of the structural subfloor system by installing an additional minimum of 3/8”
(9.5 mm) approved underlayment floor panel.
NOTE: Avoid subfloors with excessive vertical movement no more than 3/16”
(4.7mm) deflection. If the subfloor exhibits excessive vertical movement (deflection)
before installation of the flooring, it will likely do so after installation of the flooring is complete. Indications of excessive deflection are uneven finish wear,
fastener release, squeaking, compromised or damaged locking systems, sectional contours such as bowing or dipping in floors and uneven flooring material.
Radiant Heat
Mohawk engineered flooring can be used in combination with many types of in-floor heating. The heating system can be cast in a concrete floor or in a thin layer
of filler on the surface of a concrete subfloor. It can also be installed under a wood subfloor or installed on the surface of the subfloor as an electrical matting,
provided it meets the floor flatness requirements.
• Follow the instructions from the supplier of the floor heating system.
• Concrete subfloors must be installed and cured with no heat transfer for a minimum of 60 days.
• The heating system must be in operation for at least two weeks before installation.
• Prior to flooring installation, the system should be set to a suitable installation temperature (65° to 72°F).
• Following installation, temperature should be raised slowly, 2°F, every day until desired temperature is reached.
• The flooring surface temperature, which is the surface of the subfloor or the heat radiating from electric heating mats, should not exceed 84°F (29°C).
• Do not use area rugs on top of engineered flooring installed over radiant heat systems. Area rugs trap heat, creating elevated temperatures capable of
damaging engineered flooring.
Lightweight concrete: Engineered wood flooring is not recommended for glue down installation over lightweight concrete subfloors. To test for lightweight
or acoustical concrete, scrape a coin or key across the surface of the subfloor. If the surface powders easily or has a dry density of l00 pounds or less per cubic
foot, the engineered flooring should not be installed using the glue down method. Product can be installed using floating installation method. For leveling and
repair of lightweight concrete, contact the lightweight concrete manufacture to ensure correct methods are used.
Existing perimeter glued resilient vinyl and rubber tiles are unacceptable underlayment and must be removed. Terrazzo, vinyl, resilient tile, cork and linoleum
or hard surfaces that are dry, structurally sound and level are suitable as a subfloor. As above, the surface must be sound, tight and free of paint, oil, existing
adhesives, wax, grease and dirt. Terrazzo and ceramic tile must be scuffed to ensure proper adhesion.
WARNING: Do not sand existing resilient tile, sheet flooring, backing or felt linings. These products may contain asbestos fibers that are not readily identifiable.
Inhalation of asbestos dust can cause asbestosis or other serious bodily harm. Check with local, state and federal laws for handling hazardous material before
attempting the removal of these floors.
Direct glue installation: Make sure the floor covering materials are well bonded to the subfloor or underlayment with full spread adhesive and no more than
two layers thick, not to exceed 3/16”
(4.7 mm). With approved wood or wood composite subfloors, if vinyl or tiles are loose, broken or in poor condition, install
a 3/8”
(9.5 mm) approved subfloor panel directly over the flooring materials. Clean the flooring materials as necessary to remove waxes, sealers or cleaning
residues to allow a good adhesive bond. Cork floor sealers and surface treatments must be removed. Always perform a bond test prior to beginning direct
glue installation.
Before You Start Any Installation Method
To correct any subfloor conditions concerning moisture, either wait until the sub-floor dries to meet specifications or use an appropriate moisture barrier. For
more information concerning moisture conditions, contact Mohawk Technical Service Department at 888-387-9881.
NOTE: DO NOT INSTALL FLOORING IF MOISTURE TESTS RESULTS EXCEED RECOMMENDED LIMITS.
• Plan your layout and determine the direction of the installation in the room. Planks installed parallel to windows accent the hardwood best.
• To achieve a uniform installation appearance, preselect and set aside hardwood planks that blend best with all trims and moldings. Install these planks next
to best-blended moldings.
• Remove all wall mounted moldings such as base and quarter round.
• Floor should be installed blending planks from a minimum of three cartons to ensure good color and shade blend throughout the installation.
• Be attentive to staggering the ends of the boards at least 6”, or longer for wider width products, in adjacent rows.
NOTE: USE OF A RUBBER MALLET TO INSTALL FLOORING IS NOT RECOMMENDED AS STRIKING THE SURFACE WITH A RUBBER MALLET MAY CAUSE IRREPARABLE
DAMAGE TO THE PLANK.