Welcome to Serennia’s Hardwood Flooring Installation Guide. Proper installation is essential to ensure the longevity, beauty, and performance of your hardwood flooring. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a flawless installation.

1. Pre-Installation Preparation

A. Acclimate the Flooring

• Hardwood flooring must be acclimated to its environment before installation.

• Store the flooring in the room where it will be installed for at least 72 hours at normal living conditions (60-80°F and 30-50% relative humidity).

• Keep boxes flat and leave them open for proper air circulation.

B. Prepare the Subfloor

• Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level before installation.

• The moisture content of wood subfloors should not exceed 12%, and concrete subfloors should be fully cured with a moisture barrier applied.

• Level any uneven areas greater than 3/16 inch per 10 feet with a floor patching compound.

• Remove debris, nails, or staples that could interfere with installation.

C. Gather Tools & Materials

• Tape measure

• Chalk line

• Level

• Moisture meter

• Nail gun (for nail-down installation)

• Flooring adhesive (for glue-down installation)

• Spacers

• Rubber mallet

• Undercut saw

• Safety goggles & dust mask

2. Installation Methods

A. Nail-Down Installation (For Wood Subfloors Only)

1. Lay the First Row:

   • Start along the longest wall, leaving a ½-inch expansion gap around the perimeter.

   • Place the tongue side facing the wall.

   • Secure the first row by face-nailing or using a pneumatic nailer.

2. Continue Installing Rows:

   • Stagger board joints by at least 6 inches to create a natural look.

   • Use a flooring nailer to secure boards every 6-8 inches along the tongue.

3. Finishing Touches:

   • Trim the final row to fit, ensuring the expansion gap is maintained.

   • Install baseboards and transition moldings to cover the expansion gap.

B. Glue-Down Installation (For Concrete or Plywood Subfloors)

1. Apply Adhesive:

   • Use a manufacturer-recommended hardwood flooring adhesive.

   • Spread the adhesive with a notched trowel, covering only a small working area at a time.

2. Install the Flooring:

   • Press each board firmly into the adhesive.

   • Use a tapping block and rubber mallet to secure a tight fit.

   • Avoid walking on the floor until the adhesive has cured (typically 24 hours).

3. Clean Excess Adhesive:

   • Wipe away any adhesive residue immediately with a manufacturer-approved cleaner.

C. Floating Installation (For Engineered Hardwood Only)

1. Install Underlayment:

   • Roll out underlayment across the entire floor, ensuring edges do not overlap.

2. Connect Planks:

   • Click-lock or glue the tongue and groove together, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications.

   • Maintain a ½-inch expansion gap around all walls.

3. Secure the Perimeter:

   • Install baseboards and moldings to cover the expansion gaps.