Hardwood Floors

Prepare your tools and accessories

See specific tools and accessories

Check subfloor moisture level

Using a wood moisture meter, ensure that the moisture reading for the subfloor does not exceed 12% and that the difference between the reading for the boards and subfloor is no more than 4%. If the moisture reading is too high, find the moisture source and correct it.

Using a concrete moisture meter, check for moisture. If moisture is detected, a calcium chloride test must be conducted. Concrete subfloor moisture content must not exceed 3 lb./1,000 sq. ft./24 hours. If the moisture level is greater than 3 lb., install a complete concrete waterproofing system [sealant and adhesive].

Check that subfloor is appropriate

For stapling, subfloor must be plywood [minimum 5/8” [16 mm] thick] or approved OSB [3/4” [19 mm]]. Screw subfloor firmly onto joists to prevent floor movement and squeaks. Replace any existing floor or subfloor that has suffered water damage or shows structural weaknesses. The surface must be flat. The maximum tolerance is 3/16” [5 mm] variation over 10 ft. [3 m]. If necessary, sand any bumps using #20 grit paper or fill any holes with leveling compound.

Clean the subfloor

The subfloor must be vacuumed clean and be smooth and free of any debris, staples, visible nails, old adhesives, or other dried substances.

Sketch out the installation

Determine starting point or wall and the direction in which boards will be installed.

Open a few boxes and lay out boards in the same position they will be installed

To create a more pleasing appearance, use boards from different boxes to ensure a good mix of colors, nuances, and lengths. Before you start, select which boards go best with the transition moldings you will be installing.

Draw a line

Using a chalk line, mark a guideline parallel to the starting wall [2-13/16" [71 mm] from the wall for 2-9/16" [65 mm] boards, 3-9/16" [90 mm] from the wall for 3-5/16" [84 mm] boards, or 5-1/4" [133 mm] for 5" [127 mm] boards], allowing at least 1/4" [6 mm] for the expansion gap.

Place, drill, and nail the first row

Align the first board with tongue side along starting line and grooved side facing the starting wall; leave a 1/4" [6 mm] gap from the right side wall [perpendicular to starting line]. Drill and nail boards from above, as close to the wall as possible. Install subsequent boards from right to left until ready to trim row end boards.

Use trimmed boards to start next row

To minimize trim waste, select row end boards that are long enough for their trimmed ends to be used to start subsequent rows. Leave a 1/4" [6 mm] gap between the wall and the end of each row. The first board of the second row must be at least 6" [150 mm] shorter or longer than the one used in the first row. Cross joints must be staggered by at least 6" [150 mm] from one row to the next. Avoid lining the joints up or having them follow too regular a pattern.

Nail first rows by hand

Since wall proximity prohibits the use of a stapler, use a hammer and nail punch to drive finishing nails approximately every 4" [100 mm] along the tongue for the first few rows.

Use floor stapler as soon as possible

Subsequent rows should be installed the same way, using the stapler. Staple boards about every 4" to 5" [100 to 250 mm], and at least 2" [50 mm] from each board end.

Nail last rows by hand

The last 4 or 5 rows should be installed the same way as the first rows due to the proximity of the wall. You may have to trim the boards closest to the wall to leave the 1/4" [6 mm] required for the expansion gap.

Enjoy your Mirage floor for many years to come!

Draw a line

Using a chalk line, mark a guideline parallel to the starting wall [31" [788 mm] from the wall for 2-9/16" [65 mm] boards, 33-3/8" [848 mm] from the wall for 3-5/16" [84 mm] boards, or 30-1/4” [768 mm] for 5” [127 mm] boards]. The area between the starting wall and the chalk line will be your working area while installing the first rows, and will be the last part of the floor to be completed. This will help prevent having to trim the last row of boards while leaving the 1/4" [6 mm] minimum required for the expansion gap.

Place and nail down holding blocks

Nail down holding blocks inside the working area along the line, to secure starting row in place.

Apply adhesive

For optimal adhesive application, work trowel at a 45^° angle; adhesive left on the floor by trowel teeth is just the right amount. Only apply adhesive to surfaces that can be reasonably covered in under 2 hours.

Install first row of boards

Laying from the working area, leave a 1/4" [6 mm] gap alongside the left wall perpendicular to starting line, prop tongue side against the holding block, and press first board down into adhesive. Install subsequent boards, proceeding from left to right until ready to trim first-row end board.

Use trimmed boards to start next row

To minimize trim waste, select row end boards that are long enough for their trimmed ends to be used to start subsequent rows. Leave a 1/4" [6 mm] gap between the wall and the end of each row. The first board of the second row must be at least 6" [150 mm] shorter or longer than the one used in the first row. Cross joints must be staggered by at least 6" [150 mm] from one row to the next. Avoid lining the joints up or having them follow too regular a pattern. Insert tongue end into board groove, lower board as close as possible to adjacent one, slide tongue into groove, and press board down.

Use a pry bar to fit last row in place

Proceed the same way for subsequent rows. Once the main part of the floor has been laid, remove holding blocks from the working area and complete installation there in the same manner. Use a pry bar to fit the last row of boards into place, being sure to leave the minimum 1/4" [6 mm] expansion gap.

Achieve the perfect finishing touch!

• Use 3M blue adhesive tape to secure boards in place so they won’t shift or leave gaps during installation.
• After installing a section of floor, use the roller to ensure optimal contact of boards with adhesive.
• Keep adhesive out of board grooves to ensure perfect fit with adjacent board tongue.

Wait 24 hours before moving furniture back into place

Enjoy your Mirage floor for many years to come!