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

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.

Determine pattern direction

While Herringbone flooring can be installed starting from any point in the room, we recommend you consider the following key factors when deciding on the pattern direction:

• The longest section of the room
• Major architectural features [main entranceway, wall with window, fireplace]

Install guidelines

Using a chalk line, mark a guideline in the center of the room to indicate the center of the pattern. Mark one line 15/16"[23.8 mm] on either side of the center line. These will be your guidelines to lay the upper corners of the boards. You may also wish to mark additional parallel guidelines across the entire floor surface to help you install subsequent rows.

Make a backer board

Use a piece of plywood to make a backer board that will come in very handy to start the first row of boards. Cut a perfectly square 15" x 15" [375 mm x 375 mm] plywood backer board if you are installing 13-3/4" [350 mm] floor boards or 20" x 20" [500 mm x 500 mm] for 17-7/8" [455 mm] boards. Begin installation in the center of the room, aligning one corner of the backer board with the guideline and securing it to the subfloor. Place one board on each side of the backer board to ensure measurement accuracy, then remove.

Apply adhesive

For optimal adhesive application, work the trowel at a 45^° angle; the 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.

Cut reversing tongues

Cut a number of 2-1/4" [60 mm] reversing tongue sections for use throughout the installation process.

Install the first board

Carefully select the boards, setting aside any with imperfections or high color variation for less visible areas of the floor. Install the first board, aligning the right and left corners with the guidelines, with the tongue side against the backer board. Press the floor board down into the adhesive.

Nail down the first row of boards with a hammer

The first row of boards must be manually nailed down to secure the floor properly. Install the second board, pushing the board end against the first-laid board, with the tongue side against the backer board. Press board into adhesive before nailing it down. Proceed the same way with subsequent boards until you are ready to cut the last board in the row.

Install subsequent rows the same way

Before installing the second row, insert the reversing tongues into the board end grooves. Install subsequent rows the same way as the first. Always leave a 1/4" [6 mm] expansion gap between the wall and the end of the last board in each row. Check board alignment every 4 or 5 rows to ensure that they are still square.

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!