Your flooring MUST be allowed to acclimate to the environment of the installation area. Leave the closed packages in a horizontal position in the room for 72 hours prior to installation. Preferable temperature should be approximately 17-23˚C (62-73˚F) with a relative humidity of 35-55%. Humidity should never be allowed to drop below 30% as this may cause gapping.

The installer is responsible for inspecting the grade, fabrication and finish of the product before installing it. He/She must be selective, and discard or cut off pieces with defects, whatever the source of the defect may be. The use of stain, filler, or putty to correct defects during installation is normal procedure.

Clean the surface with broom or vaccum and ensure that it is dry.

Install the flooring on plywood that is 1/2 inch or thicker. If you are installing the flooring directly over a wood floor, sand the rough and high areas and nail.

If the under-floor is made of concrete, lay a moisture barrier down and tape seams, then lay the hardwood flooring.

Do not install flooring over radiant floor heating.

Circular saw, power nailer, measuring tape, chalk line, wax stick, mallet, hammer, nail punch and 7D or 8D nails.

Arrange the flooring in an appropriate pattern, avoiding clustering and joints. It is a good idea to use flooring from several boxes to ensure a variety of shades and color variation.

Note: Use flooring with minor flaws for cutting.

Install flooring perpendicular to the joist. Use chalk to trace a line 3/4 of an inch from the wall - leave a 3/4 inch space along all walls (baseboards and quarter rounds will conceal space).

Install the first floor board with the groove facing the wall and slide along the line. Connect boards by inserting the groove into the tongue.

Nail boards on the top, at 1/4 inch from the edge closest to the wall. Nail every 12 inches, leaving 3 inches at each end. Make sure to drive nails into the flooring with the nail punch, and use wax to conceal holes. Using the power nailer, secure flooring with concealed nails.

If you are unable to use the power nailer because of proximity to the wall, drive the nails into the tongue at a 45 degree angle.

Cut the last piece of flooring in the first row, allowing a 3/4 inch distance between the wall and the end.

Start the second row by selecting a floor board that is at least 6 inches longer or shorter than the one next to it. Repeat the same process as the above instructions for all other boards. Install flooring by inserting the groove into the tongue .

Once the floor is complete, install baseboards using finishing nails (colored nails). Conceal holes using wax in a shade that matches the wood flooring