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Installation

As hardwood is a product of nature, it will inherit natural characteristics or shadings. You should expect to see this type of variation with this product. Mixing boards from different boxes and installing them randomly during installation is imperative to create a uniquely beautiful floor.

High color variation within each box and between several boxes of the same color is normal.

STEP1: Measure out from the wall (at both ends of the room) the width of the strip/plank, plus 3/4 (19mm) expansion space, plus 1/4" (6mm) size of the tongue. Mark the sub floor accordingly, place the chalk line into position and snap a line. You will align the tongue of your starter strip/plank along with this line. Ex. 3 1/4" + 3/4 = 4"

STEP2: Select the strips/planks, and then lay them out on the floor in the general pattern in which they will be installed. The straightest strips/planks should be used for the first and second rows. Always select your strips/planks with care. Those with flaws must be re-cut and used as starter boards for the next row or discard as waste.

STEP3: Lay the tongue edge of the strip/plank on the guideline, leaving a 3/4" (19mm) space between the groove edge and the starting wall. This expansion space will allow the wood to expand if necessary.

STEP4: The first row must be secured to the floor using shank flooring nails or brad nails of 1 1/2" (3.81cm) minimum.
A) Face nailing: Drill holes on the surface of the strips/planks 1" (2.5cm) in from the back edge (grooved side), and 1" (2.5cm) in from the ends. Space the holes 8" - 10" (20.3 cm-25.3cm) apart. Secure nails using a claw hammer and nail punch. Fill with matching wood putty.
B) Blind nailing: Drill holes in the tongue of the strip/plank on a 45 degree angle. Once again drill holes 1" (2.5 cm) in from both ends, and space the holes every 8" - 10" (20.3cm - 25.3cm). Secure nails with a claw hammer and nail punch.
NOTE: To finish the first row, select a strip/plank that is at least 6" (15.3cm) longer than required, as you will use this remainder piece to start your second row. Also make sure that the end joint of the remaining piece does not line up with the end joint of the adjacent strip/plank in the first row. Cut this piece, position the two pieces into place and secure. Position the strips/planks in the second row, making sure that the end joints are at least 6" (15.3cm) apart from those in the first row. Fasten these strips/planks into place as described in section 4b (avoid clustering of ends).

STEP5: Install the balance of the floor with a hardwood flooring nailer, always keeping in mind to space the strips/planks so as to avoid unsightly clusters of end joints.
NOTE: For the best visual appeal, it is good practice to stagger end joints apart from the next row, e.g. twice the width of material (3 1/4" is 6 1/2" apart, 4 1/2" is 8 1/2" apart, etc.).

STEP6: Depending on the width of the boards selected, usually the fourth or fifth rows must be installed as described in section 4b (do not allow your hardwood floor nailer to hit the wall). The last two rows will be face nailed as described in section 4a. Fill all nail holes with matching wood filler, which best blends with the color of the floor.
NOTE: Always fill nail holes to prevent moisture penetration, and drill into the darker grain of the wood.

STEP7: Baseboards, quarter round, and shoe mould should be nailed to the wall only, not the sub floor.

STEP8: Clean your floor with the specially designed NAF Wood Floor Cleaner. Carefully move your furniture back in place using felt pads on all legs and enjoy the beauty of your new NAF HARDWOOD FLOORS.