Floor Art Collection
installation Instructions:
The following document provides essential installation instructions that will guide you through the necessary requirements for successful installation of your wood flooring. In order to provide you the most complete information available to insure optimum flooring installation, refer to the National Wood Flooring Association Installation Guidelines also included on their website. In the case of any differences, the more restrictive document will take precedent.
Note: If using a Tramex moisture meter, be sure and take readings in all four corners of each room to also include the center of the room. Please provide a copy of all readings to homeowner. All Tramex readings must be within the acceptable range of adhesive manufacturer’s tolerances. Any existing moisture conditions will require a separate moisture system as an additional barrier. Adhesive manufacturers specifications will be the more restrictive and will take precedent.
Download PDF Instructions
Jobsite Evaluation
Your expert installer should evaluate the jobsite before Valencia hardwood flooring is delivered. This includes detecting and correcting possible jobsite and subfloor issues that might affect the hardwood flooring once it is delivered and installed.
Valencia also recommends Owner remove valuables from the installation area, including but not limited to, artwork mounted on walls, fragile decorations, and other personal items. Valencia is not liable for losses and damages, accidental or otherwise, caused by installer or sub-contractors.
Floor Art manufacture warranty nor Valencia will cover flooring failures resulting from a failure to perform required pre-installation and installation procedures, including but not limited to, Owner/Purchaser/Installer negligence, accidental or otherwise.
Before Your Flooring Arrives
Jobsite Conditions
Owner/Purchaser and Installer are responsible for ensuring that exterior grading is complete with surface drainage offering a minimum drop of 3 inches in 10 feet to direct exterior water sources away from the structure where the flooring will be installed.
Owner and Installer should ensure that “grade” where the hardwood flooring will be installed is appropriate for its construction:
- Floor Art engineered hardwood floors are approved for below, on-grade, above-grade installation. Below-grade installations require a floating installation method.
- Valencia solid hardwood floors are approved for on-grade and above-grade installations and should not be installed in below-grade areas such as basements.
The jobsite should be enclosed and climate-controlled. HVAC systems must be fully operational with a consistent room temperature of 65 degrees-85 degrees F with relative humidity levels of 35%-55% before the flooring is delivered or installed.
Valencia hardwood floors are not recommended for use in areas subject to repeated moisture exposure and possible water overflow areas such as bathrooms or laundry rooms.
To eliminate potential trade-related damage, Valencia recommends that its hardwood flooring be one of the last jobs completed. Drywall taping, wall painting and other “wet” work should be completed and thoroughly dry prior to installation.
Subfloor Conditions
The quality and preparation of the subfloor is critical to the proper installation of Valencia hardwood flooring.
Subfloors must be structurally sound, clean and free of all debris, staples, nails, wax, grease, paint, sealers, old adhesives and other substances that may prevent a successful installation. Basements & crawl spaces must be dry & well ventilated. Crawl spaces must be a minimum 18 inches high from ground to the bottom of the joist. Dirt floors in crawl spaces should be covered with a 6-10 mil black plastic to reduce moisture migration. Seams should be overlapped & be sealed with waterproof tape. Perimeter crawl space cross ventilation should equal 1.5% of the square footage. Crawlspace vents must remain open year round.
Note: When joist spacing exceeds the traditional 16 inch on center, it is recommended you apply a thin bead of tongue & groove glue to the bottom side of the of the groove to lock the tongue & groove in place. This will reduce the potential movement of the tongue & groove, which may contribute to squeaking or crackle. Using T&G glue with the staple or cleat reduces movement as subfloor deflects. Subfloors should be level and flat to 3/16 inch per 10 feet and must remain dry all year round. Subfloor moisture content must not exceed 3.5% for Concrete or 13% for wood, plywood, or OSB/particleboard.
Acceptable subfloor types
- CDX Plywood. A ¾ inch thick CDX plywood made with moisture resistant glue, is a necessary precaution for any wood subfloor in contact with a concrete slab.
- Concrete
- OSB/Particleboard-must be structurally sound. Floating installation only.
Wood Subfloor
- Must be clean, dry, and well secured. Nailed or screwed down every six inches along the joists to remove squeaking. Leveled with high spots sanded down and low spots filled with a leveling compound. Leveling material should provide a structurally sound wood subfloor.
- CDX Plywood- 3/4-inch-thick for joist spacing up to 16 inch on center, minimum ¾ inch thick for joist spacing greater than 16 inch on center (19.2 inch maximum). Plywood subfloors installed over concrete must be installed in accordance with the guidelines set forth by NWFA.
- OSB-at least ¾ inch thick, PS 2-92 rated or PS-1-95 rated. Existing hardwood flooring over a suitable subfloor as outlined above. Existing floor must be well fastened, smooth, & for glue down installations, unfinished.
- Underlayment grade particleboard (min. 40 lb. density)-glue down/floating floors only.
Concrete Subfloor
- Must contain a minimum compression strength of 3000 PSI.
- We insist on Ardex P-51 primer for floating dips in concrete slabs to within NWFA tolerances.
- Must be clean and free of paint, sealers, adhesives or other debris. If present, concrete sealer must be removed by grinding and sanding. Must be within 3/16 inch over 10 feet and 1/8 inch over any 6-foot radius.
- Concrete Slab-Glue down/floating floors only.
- Lightweight concrete (gypcrete)-gluing to concrete less than 3000 lbs. density is not warranted. We cannot guarantee that lightweight concrete or gypcrete will remain structurally sound during life of floor
- Full cured for at least 60 to 90 days prior to installation.
- Installed properly with a minimum 6-mil ply film moisture barrier between concrete and ground.
- Dry all year round. Do not install hardwood flooring over concrete if it will not remain dry at all times.
Subfloor Moisture Testing Requirements
Moisture testing of the jobsite and subfloors is critical to a successful hardwood flooring installation. Visual checks are not reliable. If subfloor moisture exceeds acceptable levels, the sources(s) of this moisture must be corrected before the hardwood flooring is delivered to the jobsite.
Excess moisture detected in the subfloor requires the use of a moisture barrier product, including but limited to, a PVC vinyl sheet (with felt-backed wear layer) or, for concrete subfloors, a moisture retardant product that is approved as a concrete sealant for use in hardwood flooring installation.
Acceptable subfloor moisture testing methods
- Calcium Chloride Test (ASTMF1869). The maximum moisture transfer must not exceed 3 lbs./1000 square feet during a 2- hour period with this test.
- Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter Meter. Moisture reading should not exceed 4.5 on the upper scale.
- Relative Humidity Probe Test. Maximum moisture reading is 75% (ASTMF 2170-02).
- 3% Phenolphthalein in Anhydrous Alcohol Solution. Do not apply solution directly to concrete surface. First, chip ¼ inch deep into concrete test area and apply several drops of the solution. If any change in color is observed, further testing is required.
A “dry’ slab as defined by these tests can still become wet at other times of the year. These tests do not guarantee a dry slab. All concrete slabs should have minimum of 6-mil poly film moisture barriers between the ground and the concrete as well as Apac 999 3 in 1 or Mapei 985 or 995 moisture control adhesives.
Ambient Temperature Requirements
The jobsite should be evaluated for a consistent room temperature of 65-85 degrees F with relative humidity levels of 35%-55%. These levels must be maintained, before, during and after installation for the life of the installed hardwood flooring.
Flooring failure that are a consequence of not maintaining required ambient temperature levels, at all times, are not covered by manufacturer warranty.
Once Your Flooring Arrives
Important steps must be taken prior to installation and is the responsibility of the Owner/Purchaser & Installer. These steps include, but are not limited to, product inspection and acceptance; proper handling and storage of the flooring/flooring cartons on-site; hardwood floor acclimation; individual plank inspection/selection and carton blending with aesthetic attention given to character, grade, color and milling variation, and with sufficient quantity on hand to complete the job.
Valencia hardwood floors are a product of nature with naturally occurring imperfections in line with an industry accepted rate of 5% of the total flooring purchased, including but not limited to, finish imperfections, grading and color variations, milling and general cutting waste. Individual planks may also be affected by die lot variations due to the staining process.
Product Inspection and Acceptance
It is the responsibility of the Owner/Purchaser & Installer to verify the flooring delivered is what is expected by the Owner/Purchaser before proceeding to installation. This can be accomplished by randomly inspected boards from 2-3 different cartons.
DO NOT PROCEED TO INSTALLATION if the flooring product is not what was expected by the Owner/Purchaser. Do not continue opening cartons and do not discard cartons that were opened during inspection. Immediately notify your supplier where the flooring was purchased that a problem exists with your flooring delivery.
During the installation process, the Owner/Purchaser & Installer should inspect and approve each piece to be used in the flooring installation. The installer must use reasonable selectivity and hold out or cut off pieces with defects that fall within manufacturing tolerance levels, whatever the cause.
Valencia Floors/Floor Art cannot honor claims due to a lack of on-site hardwood flooring inspection and acceptance by the Owner/Purchaser & Installer.
Valencia/Floor Art will not accept responsibility for the installation of hardwood flooring with visible manufacturing defects.
Handling and Storage
Once Valencia flooring is delivered to the jobsite, inspected and accepted by the Owner/Purchaser & Installer, the flooring cartons should be stored on a dry, flat surface with good air circulation in the area where it will be installed. Remove plastic shipping wrap and keep cartons closed. When moving or handling cartons care should be taken to prevent damage to the hardwood flooring inside.
Do not store cartons directly on concrete, in garages, basements, near outside walls or in areas where the temperature is uncontrolled. Damage caused by the improper storage and handling of the hardwood flooring product is not covered by the manufacturer warranty.
Acclimation Process
Wood flooring needs to reach a “moisture content equilibrium” with the surrounding environment where it will be installed. The process of reaching equilibrium is referred to as “acclimation”. Proper acclimation ensures the wood flooring is adjusted to the area where it will be installed before installation begins.
- Always store cartons on a flat, dry surface in the area where they will be installed.
- Do not open cartons until the day of installation and protect from moisture.
- Jobsite must a consistent room temperature of 65-85 degrees F.
- Jobsite must have a relative humidity level of 35%-55% before, during and after installation.
- WMC must be within 4% of the subfloor before starting installation.
Flooring cartons must be placed in the area where they will be installed and allowed to acclimate for a minimum of 2 days. Remove plastic wrap from flooring cartons if present, but do not open the flooring cartons or take out individual planks until acclimation has been achieve and the flooring is ready to be installed. Proper consistent temperature and humidity levels in the installation area is key to the acclimation process.
The required room temperature and humidity levels must be maintained for the life of the hardwood floor installation.
Once acclimation has been completed, the Installer should evaluate and record the moisture content of the hardwood flooring in relation to the subfloor.
The Installer should document that all pre-installation requirements have been met before proceeding to installation, including but not limited to, moisture testing and recording testing results using photos with location, date, time and initials of the installer on each area of subfloor evaluated. The Owner should retain this documentation with this guide for future reference. The National Wood Flooring Association (nwfa.org) provide a “Jobsite Checklist” to help with this task. (NWFA Installation Guidelines. Section IV, Appendix M).
Staple or Nail Installation
All required pre-installation testing must be completed before proceeding. If moisture problems are detected during the pre-installation phase, a moisture barrier should be in place.
Acceptable Subfloor Type
- A minimum of 5/8 inch CDX Plywood
Underlayment Recommendation
- Felt
Staple or nail installation may be successful over existing vinyl provided:
- The subfloor is properly attached to the joist and in good condition
- The subfloor is not particleboard or OSB/Particleboard.
- The staple or nail penetration is not significantly lessened due to thickness of existing vinyl.
The recommended length for the staple or nail is 1&1/2 inches with a pacing of 4-6 inches along the length of the plank and 1 inch from each end. Use wood wedges at walls or obstructions to maintain the required ½ inch expansion space from the hardwood flooring plank.
Staple or nail the first row of flooring with the groove facing the starting wall stapling or nailing in 4 to 6 inch spacing increments. Using a quality T&G glue product, glue the joint end of each plank for added strength, and then use a tapping block to ensure a tight bond between planks.
As each plank is stapled or nailed, check for and remove excess T&G glue or spills immediately. Failure to remove excess T&G glue or spills from the flooring surface will damage the factory finish and void the manufacturer warranty.
IMPORTANT! Any plank damaged by the process of stapling or nailing, should be pulled up and replaced with a new plank before proceeding. Flooring damaged during the staple or nail installation process is not covered by the manufacturer warranty.
To ensure that plank end joints are not too close to each other in adjacent rows, it is best to rack out 3 to 4 rows as installation proceeds. Allow a minimum of 10 inches to 12 inches between end joints in adjacent rows.
When the first section is completed, continue by repeating the process, checking plank alignment with the working line, section by section until installation is complete.
When wiping up excess T&G glue or spills, use a dry or slightly damp soft cloth. Do not use paint thinner or harsh adhesive-removing chemicals on the hardwood flooring surface as doing so will damage the finish and void the manufacturer warranty.
As installation proceeds, cut the last plank in each row allowing for the required ½ inch expansion space. Use a crow or pull bar to install the last plank ensuring a tight fit.
IMPORTANT! Adhesive/masking tape applied directly to hardwood floor surface will damage the factory finish and void the manufacturer warranty.
Finishing the Job
Remove the ½ inch expansion spacers from the perimeter. Install or reinstall base and/or quarter round moldings to cover the expansion space. Install transition pieces such as reducer strips and T-moldings as needed.
Clean and remove all dirt and debris form your new floor by dry dust mopping. Follow “Floor Care and Maintenance” instructions to ensure the longevity and lasting beauty of your new Valencia Hardwood Floor.
Floating Installation
All required pre-installation testing and preparation must be completed before proceeding. If moisture problems are detected during the pre-installation phase, a moisture barrier should be in place.
Acceptable Subfloors
- CDX Plywood
- Concrete-With a minimum compressive strength of 3000 PSI
- OSB/Particleboard-must be structurally sound
Underlayment Recommendations
- Rubber
- Cork
Begin laying the first row of flooring with the groove side facing the starting wall.
Use a hammer and tapping block to tap against the against the tongue side to pull planks together to ensure a tight fit. When near a wall, use a crow or pull bar to close end joints.
Never tap against the groove side or the end joints of the plank as doing so will damage the flooring finish and void the manufacturer warranty.
Use wood wedges at walls or obstructions to maintain the required ½ inch expansion space from the hardwood flooring plank.
To ensure that plank end joints are not too close to each other in adjacent rows, it is best to rack out 3 too 4 rows as installation proceeds. Allow a minimum of 10 to 12 inches between end joints in adjacent rows.
Apply a quality T&G glue in the top portion of the groove along the side and end joints of each plank to ensure a strong bond between them.
As each plank in installed, check for and remove excess T&G glue or spills immediately. Failure to remove excess T&G glue or spills from the flooring surface will damage the flooring finish and void the manufacturer warranty.
When wiping up excess T&G glue or spills, use a dry or damp soft cloth. Do not use paint thinner or harsh adhesive-removing chemicals on the hardwood flooring surface as doing so will damage the finish and void the manufacturer warranty.
As installation proceeds, cut the last plank in each row allowing for the required ½ inch expansion space. Use a crow or pull bar to install the last plank ensuring a tight fit.
IMPORTANT! Adhesive/masking tape applied directly to hardwood floor surface will damage the factory finish and void the manufacturer warranty.
Leave expansion space wedges in place for a minimum of 8 hours to allow T&G glue to fully dry.
Do not allow foot traffic for a minimum of 8 hours and allow a minimum of 24 hours before heavy furniture is moved onto the hardwood flooring.
Installation Over Radiant Heat
All required pre-installation testing and preparation must be completed before proceeding. If moisture problems are detected during the pre-installation phase, an approved moisture barrier must be in place.
Flooring failures due to improperly installed hydronic radiant heat systems are not covered by the Valencia/Floor Art manufacturer warranty.
It is the owner/Purchaser & Installer’s responsibility to ensure the hydronic radiant heat system is installed per the radiant heat manufacturer instructions and operating properly before proceeding to the hardwood floor installation.
Approved Valencia/Floor Art Hardwood Flooring
- Engineered Oak products only
Approved Radiant Heat Type
- Hydronic radiant heat systems only
Installation Method
- Floating installation method only
Acceptable Subfloors
- CDX Plywood
- Concrete-With a minimum compressive strength of 3000 PSI
Underlayment Recommendations
- Cork
Approved Hydronic Radiant Subfloor Systems
- Aluminum Hangers
- Channel Aluminum Board
- Sleeper Systems
- Lightweight Thermal Mass Concrete with min 3000 PSI compressive strength.
- 1&1/8-inch T&G Warmboard
Heating Control Requirements
Radiant heat installation must have a heat control system that helps maintain a constant baseline temperature and prevents overheating. Radiant heat temperature that exceed 85 degrees will damage the hardwood flooring and void the manufacturer warranty.
Valencia requires that an exterior thermostat be installed and working at all times. Unlike conventional heating systems which switch on as needed, radiant systems work most effectively with hardwood flooring if the heating process is gradual with small, incremental increases in relation to outside temperature.
Radiant Heating System Acclimation Process
The hydronic radiant heating system must be operational and heated for at least 14 days prior to installation of Valencia engineered oak flooring. Use an incremental control strategy that brings the subfloor through temperature changes gradually.
This incremental strategy should include being turned on at least 3 days prior to installation at a temperature of 70 degrees; then, raised to 85 degrees for a period of 3 more days. The installation site should be aired out every day to allow excess humidity to exit the structure. Once the radiant heat acclimation process is complete and the flooring is ready to be installed, turn off the radiant heat system to let the subfloor cool down to room temperature 24 hours prior to installation and must remain off for 24 hours after installation.
Preparing for Installation
Before installation begins, it is the Owner/Purchaser & Installer’s responsibility to ensure the radiant heating system is functioning properly and is not on the same circuit for other floor covering types (that may allow higher temperatures). Failure to do so will cause excessive heat damage and shrinkage in the hardwood flooring and void the manufacturer warranty.
Radiant heating systems create a dry heat that can lower interior humidity levels. Valencia recommends adding a separate humidifier to the HVAC system to maintain the required indoor humidity levels of 35%-55%.
Installer should test the hydronic heating system and check that all radiant heat requirements have been met before proceeding to installation:
- Hydronic Radiant Heat System
- Engineered Oak Product
- Floating Installation Method
- Exterior Thermostat Installed
- Sensor Attached to Heating Unit
- Radiant Heat Acclimation Completed
- Separate HVAC Humidifier
- Radiant Heat System Working Properly
Begin laying the first row of flooring with the groove side facing the starting wall.
Use a hammer and tapping block to tap against the against the tongue side to pull planks together to ensure a tight fit. When near a wall, use a crow or pull bar to close end joints.
Never tap against the groove side or the end joints of the plank as doing so will damage the flooring finish and void the manufacturer warranty.
Use wood wedges at walls or obstructions to maintain the required ½ inch expansion space from the hardwood flooring plank.
To ensure that plank end joints are not too close to each other in adjacent rows, it is best to rack out 3 too 4 rows as installation proceeds. Allow a minimum of 10 to 12 inches between end joints in adjacent rows.
Apply a quality T&G glue in the top portion of the groove along the side and end joints of each plank to ensure a strong bond between them.
As each plank in installed, check for and remove excess T&G glue or spills immediately. Failure to remove excess T&G glue or spills from the flooring surface will damage the flooring finish and void the manufacturer warranty.
When wiping up excess T&G glue or spills, use a dry or damp soft cloth. Do not use paint thinner or harsh adhesive-removing chemicals on the hardwood flooring surface as doing so will damage the finish and void the manufacturer warranty.
As installation proceeds, cut the last plank in each row allowing for the required ½ inch expansion space. Use a crow or pull bar to install the last plank ensuring a tight fit.
IMPORTANT! Adhesive/masking tape applied directly to hardwood floor surface will damage the factory finish and void the manufacturer warranty.
Leave expansion space wedges in place for a minimum of 8 hours to allow T&G glue to fully dry.
Do not allow foot traffic for a minimum of 8 hours and allow a minimum of 24 hours before heavy furniture is moved onto the hardwood flooring.
Protection During Construction or Remodeling
If your hardwood flooring is installed while other trades are working at the jobsite, or afterwards, when doing any kind of remodeling or wall painting, it should be completely covered by a clean, dry, plain uncoated or heavy bond paper product.
IMPORTANT! Do not cover Valencia hardwood floors with plastic, red rosin, felt, wax paper or previously used cardboard. Damage to the factory finish caused by the use of improper floor covering materials will void the manufacturer warranty.
Before covering the hardwood flooring, it should be cleaned to remove grit, dust and other abrasive debris and thoroughly dry.
Do not use a wet cloth or wet mopping to remove drywall dust as doing so will create a pasty residue that will damage the factory finish and void the manufacturer warranty.
When covering the hardwood flooring area, the proper covering material should be overlapped 4 inches to the adjoining paper, secured with masking tape applied to the covering material only and then secured at perimeter walls or baseboards to prevent the covering from moving or shifting, and ensure the tape itself, construction debris, dry wall dust and/or wet paint does not penetrate to the flooring below.
IMPORTANT! Adhesive/masking tape applied directly to hardwood floor surface will damage the factory finish and void the manufacturer warranty.