Hardwood Installation Guide

Hardwood Installation Guide – Engineered Flooring (Professional Standard)

This official installation guide applies to Priority One Flooring engineered hardwood products. For professional installation services in the Lower Mainland, visit our Hardwood Floor Installation Vancouver page .

Priority One Flooring Engineered Hardwood Floors

Acclimation & Jobsite Conditions

• Open cartons at both ends to allow airflow.
• Cut any plastic wrap on bundles to ventilate properly.
• Maintain room temperature: 60–80°F (15–27°C)
• Humidity: 30–50% year-round.
• HVAC must be running at least 14 days before installation.
• Leave a 3/8” expansion space around all fixed objects and walls.
• Install planks parallel to the longest wall when possible.

Pre-Installation Inspection

Inspect each board before installation—do not install planks with visible defects. Installation equals acceptance. Industry standard allows up to 5% irregularity for natural wood variations. If you’re comparing flooring types before installation, see: Engineered Hardwood vs Luxury Vinyl Flooring . Order an extra 5–7% for cuts, grading, and layout patterns.

Subfloor Preparation Requirements

Concrete Subfloor:

• Fully cured: 50–60 days minimum
• Compressive strength: 3000 PSI
• Flat within 3/16” over 10’
• Moisture test required (Calcium Chloride or moisture meter)
• Over 3lbs/1000sqft/24h = vapor retarder required
• Do not sand existing vinyl tiles due to possible asbestos

Wood Subfloor:

• Moisture content: 12% or less
• Re-nail loose areas to remove squeaks
• Plane/sand high spots, fill lows with leveling compound
• Flatness tolerance: 3/16” over 10’ radius

Over Radiant Heat:

• System must run for 21 days prior to installation
• Turn heat off 24 hours before & after installation
• Do not exceed 82°F (28°C) floor temperature
• Increase heat in 5° increments when restarting
• Use vapor retarder (6 mil/minimum)

Glue-Down Installation (Step-by-Step)

1. Snap a control line parallel to the starting wall.
2. Install a holding board to keep first rows aligned.
3. Apply urethane adhesive; follow open time instructions.
4. Set first plank with groove toward wall; keep spacing.
5. Stagger joints 8–10 inches between rows.
6. Use rubber mallet & tapping block — never strike the plank directly.
7. Clean excess adhesive immediately; do not let dry.
8. Roll the floor with 100–150 lb roller every 2–3 hours.

Floating Installation (Step-by-Step)

1. Install moisture barrier and underlayment (2-in-1 or equivalent).
2. Snap chalk line for first plank alignment.
3. Apply tongue-and-groove adhesive per manufacturer specs.
4. Stagger joints 6–10 inches minimum.
5. Use tapping block and pull bar to tighten seams.
6. Undercut doorway casings for clean transitions.
7. Keep construction traffic off for 8 hours.

Installer / Owner Responsibility

Installer must verify environmental conditions meet standards before install. Manufacturer is not responsible for failures due to:

• Poor acclimation / humidity issues
• Incorrect adhesives or techniques
• Unprepared / uneven subfloors
• Improper radiant heat settings

Cleaning & Care After Installation

• Vacuum with soft-bristle floor attachment
• Use mats at entrances to reduce grit and moisture
• No wet mopping / no steam cleaners
• No oil soaps or wax-based cleaners
• Use felt pads under furniture legs
• Lift furniture; do not drag

If hardwood doesn’t suit your project, explore alternative options such as vinyl plank flooring in Vancouver for waterproof and budget-friendly upgrades.