INSTALLING TO THE SUBFLOOR

Choose a qualified installer for your new Carlisle floor. We have provided a checklist of critical variables that

should be clearly understood prior to starting your installation (please see the Jobsite Inspection List on page 16).

Most installers will have their own checklist procedure, but if there are any questions regarding this process your

Wide Plank Specialist will be happy to review our recommendations directly with your installer.

When installing a random width floor, it is critical to remember the floor was not crafted to be laid in a pattern. We recommend separating the widths into piles and randomly staggering the boards during the installation process.

It is recommended to keep some clean, white rags and mineral spirits handy in the event that glue gets on

the face of the planks. Wipe up the adhesive immediately to prevent it from curing or marring the board.

When installing and finishing your floor, white-soled shoes, shoe covers or socks should be worn to help

reduce the potential for scuffing the boards or leaving unintended marks on the face of the boards.

PLYWOOD

When installing over a plywood subfloor, use a combination of blind nails and construction adhesive;

they will work in tandem to firmly attach your floor to the subfloor while allowing for some flexibility with

seasonal changes.

Adhesive manufacturers such as Wakol, PL Premium or Bostik are recommended brands and can be found

at most local hardwood stores. It is ultimately up to the installer to use his or her discretion to determine the

appropriate application method and adhesive supplies for the flooring being installed.

Make sure to document your “Subfloor Information” on your Jobsite Inspection List, on page 18 of this book.

CONCRETE

When installing over a concrete subfloor, it is recommended to use a full spread adhesive which will work

in tandem with an appropriate moisture barrier to mitigate excessive moisture rising from the subfloor. Use an appropriate trowel and spread-rate when applying the adhesive. Please refer to the specific adhesive/

moisture-barrier system installation recommendations provided by the adhesive manufacturer to ensure

optimum performance.

After the boards have been installed, it is recommended to apply weight to the top of the flooring while the

adhesive cures underneath. This is most commonly done using 5-gallon buckets of sand or water, while

being careful not to mar the faces of the boards. Your installer may determine it is necessary to strap the

boards together during the curing process in order to keep them from shifting while the adhesive cures.

INSTALLING TO THE SUBFLOOR (Cont’d)

Adhesive manufacturers such as Wakol, Sika or Bostik are recommended brands and can be found at

most local hardwood stores. It is ultimately up to the installer to use his or her discretion to determine the

appropriate application method and adhesive supplies for the flooring being installed.

Make sure to document your “Subfloor Information” on your Jobsite Inspection List, on page 18 of this book.

RADIANT HEAT

Our floors can be installed over a variety of radiant heat systems. While you are not limited to using a specific system style, your architect and/or heating professional can help you determine the best choice

for your project. There is no single installation method that is used, or required, for wide plank floors and

radiant heat. The installation will depend on conditions unique to your jobsite, your selected radiant heat

system, and the Carlisle floors you chose for your home.

Prior to acclimation and installation, the radiant heat system should be installed and operational for at least 30 days. If your radiant heat system includes concrete and/or gypcrete you must make sure it is 100% cured

prior to acclimation and installation. Your installer should use the proper moisture cure test to verify this.

Your flooring should be properly acclimated to the environment before you begin installation. Make sure to

consult your installer and plan for the seasonal adjustment of your radiant heat system throughout the year.

PROTECTING PREFINISHED FLOORS DURING INSTALLATION

We recommend that the floors should be the last item installed in the home whenever possible. If there is ongoing work on the jobsite, you can protect prefinished floors by temporarily covering them with a floor and surface protection product, such as RAM Board. It is extremely important to keep any surface protection product super clean, and to tape all seams, so that no debris or particles end up between the surface protection and the flooring. If dirt or debris gets trapped between the two while people are walking around it can create tiny scratches in the surface of the boards.

Have Questions? Call us directly @ 800-595-9663 or email us at support@wideplankflooring.com for assistance.