Engineered Timber Flooring Installation Guide

Aquis Engineered Oak Flooring Tongue and Grove (T&G) Direct Stick (Full Contact Bonding) Floating Method / Installation

This document is designed to assist with key points of consideration when you are planning to install our engineered (T&G) oak flooring for both the direct stick and floating method of installation.

We strongly recommend that you use a professional installer with suitable qualifications and relevant experience to install this flooring.

Suitable Substrates:

• We do not recommend Aquis engineered oak flooring to be direct fixed to joists and bearers. This method of fixing is not suitable for this product. Warranty will not cover this type of installation.

• We do not recommend Aquis engineered oak flooring to be direct fixed to battens. This method of fixing is not suitable for this product. Warranty will not cover this type of installation.

• Aquis engineered oak flooring can be installed over concrete, particle board (such as yellow tongue), plywood, cement sheeting, tiles or cork.

• Concrete substrate. Make sure the substrate has the appropriate moisture content (<2.5% moisture content is recommended).

• The timber substrate must be dry (<14% moisture content is recommended).

• Make sure the substrate is flat. We recommend 3mm over 3m in all directions.

• Choose a good quality leveling compound that is suitable to the site and site conditions.

• If laying over tiles, make sure the tiles are flat and secure. Grout lines should / must be filled with suitable filler.

• This range is not suitable for use in bathrooms, shower cubicles, laundries or toilets.

Under-floor Heating:

• Aquis engineered oak flooring can be installed over in-slab hydronic under-floor heating.

• Our warranty will not cover any issues caused by in-slab hydronic under-floor heating.

• We do not recommend any other forms (such as in-screed hydronic heating or electric heat blanket systems ) of under floor heating. Our warranty will not cover issues caused by such heating systems.

Plank/product grading and inspection:

• Oak flooring is a beautiful and natural product.

• Each plank will be distinctive in grain and colour.

• Colour, grain, shade variation is not considered a flaw or defect. These features are considered natural and serve to enhance the charm of the flooring.

Last updated: 17/08/2023

• Our flooring is manufactured to accepted industry standards which permit a defect tolerance not exceeding 5%. The defects may be of a manufacturing or natural variation type.

• The use of stain, filler or putty stick for the correction of defects during installation should be accepted as normal procedure.

• Should an individual piece be doubtful as to grade, manufacture or factory finish, the installer should not use the piece.

• The owner / installer assumes all responsibility for final inspection of product quality. If the flooring is not acceptable, contact your seller immediately.

• Prior to installation, the installer/owner has final inspection responsibility as to grade, manufacture and factory finish. The installer must use reasonable selectivity and hold out or cut off pieces with deficiencies.

• Once the plank / product has been laid it is deemed to be acceptable. Warranty will not cover any claim against plank / product for visible defects once the plank / product has been installed.

• We recommend that you order 8% to 10% extra above measured area for waste, offcuts and general cutting / fitting of the flooring.

Acclimatisation:

• We recommend that you allow the product to acclimatise to the site environmental conditions for a period of 48-72 hours.

• Store the boxes horizontal and flat – at the ideal relative humidity level of 45%.

• The product should be acclimatised in a room with temperature of 15˚C to 22˚C.

• Store the boxes in the room in which the product will be laid.

• The room must be clean and dry.

• Do not leave in direct sunlight.

• The use of air conditioners, humidifiers and such are suggested to bring the site conditions to recommended levels.

The site:

• It is the responsibility of the owner / installer to make sure that the site conditions are suitable for this product.

• It is the responsibility of the owner / installer to make sure that the method of installation is suitable to the site and site conditions.

• Be aware that site conditions may change from time of installation. The changes may affect the product.

• The site conditions must be kept at a suitable level during installation, after installation and during the remainder of the life of the product.

• The use of humidifiers, air conditioners, heaters, purifiers and so on may be appropriate to use to maintain the suitable site conditions.

Engineered Timber Flooring Installation Guide

Prior to installation:

• Check the boards for visible defects such as damage, deviations in shape or dimensions. No complaints regarding these visible defects will be considered after the boards have been laid. Make sure you have good lighting while inspecting the planks.

• Make sure the site conditions are suitable.

• Make sure the product is suited to your site.

• Make sure you and / or your installer has the appropriate experience, knowledge and qualifications to perform the installation.

Floating Installation Guide:

• This document is a guide. It is general in nature. It should not be used as an installation instruction.

• Make sure the substrate is clean, dry and free of obstructions.

• Make sure the substrate is prepared for flooring installation.

• Make sure the substrate is suitably level.

• Install a suitable underlay with a moisture barrier.

• For best effect, boards should be laid lengthwise pointing towards the incoming light (from a window, door or other).

• Lay the first two rows of boards from left to right, grooved edge to the wall.

• Use spacers between boards and the wall as well as both ends of each row.

• Allow for an approximately 10mm to 14mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the room.

• You may need to adjust the perimeter gap or introduce expansion joints. It is difficult to predict if or where you may need expansion joints. The installer should use experience and site conditions to make the assessment.

• If the wall is not straight or is uneven, scribe and cut the boards to the contour of the wall.

• To complete the first row, measure the length of the last board and cut to size.

• Start the next row with a cut plank to offset the short joint (brick style layout).

• Make sure you have laid the rows in a straight line. Once you have confirmed the boards have been laid straight, you can proceed to glue the planks together.

• Apply PVA adhesive to the tongue and end butts – it is important to use adequate adhesive.

• Using the tapping block press the joints together – allow the first two rows to settle and adhesive to dry before proceeding further.

• Proceed to lay the rest of the floor.

• Ensure that the boards are all laid straight and even.

• Remove spacers at the end of the installation.

• Press the last board into place with the pull iron remembering to put a spacer between the board and the wall.

• Allow 12 hours for the glue to set. Remove all spacers to leave the expansion joint free.

• The skirting board which covers the expansion space and gives the finishing touch to the installation can now be fixed in place (fix skirtings or trims to the wall only and not to the floor).

Direct Stick (Full Contact Bonding) Guide:

• This document is a guide. It is general in nature. It should not be used as an installation instruction.

• Make sure the substrate is clean, dry and free of obstructions.

• Plywood and / or other board substrate must be dry approx. 14% prior to installation.

• Concrete slab must be dry approx. 2.5% prior to installation.

• Make sure the substrate is flat / level . We recommend 3mm over 3m in all directions.

• Once the substrate has been prepared properly you can apply the glue.

• Make sure you have selected an appropriate glue to suit conditions and the product you are installing.

• Make sure you follow the manufacturers’ instructions when applying the glue to the substrate.

• Make sure the glue selected has the appropriate moisture barrier. You may consider brands such as Sika or Mapei.

• As a guide, use a full trowel adhesive using a minimum 4mm square notched trowel.

• Bead gluing is not considered full contact bonding and will not be covered by our warranty.

• Do not install in excessive hot or cold conditions (15 – 25 degrees Celsius is recommended).

• Do not install in direct sunlight. Avoid or minimise UV light during installation.

• The floor may need to be weighted to assist with bonding process.

• Inspect all planks carefully prior to installation. Once the planks are laid you have accepted the planks. Warranty will not cover any planks laid with visible defects.

• For best effect, boards should be laid lengthwise pointing towards the incoming light (from a window, door or other).

• Lay the first two rows of boards from left to right, grooved edge to the wall.

• Use spacers between boards and the wall as well as both ends of each row.

• Allow for an approximately 10mm to 14mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the room.

Last updated: 17/08/2023

• You may need to adjust the perimeter gap or introduce expansion joints. It is impossible to predict if or where you may need expansion joints. The installer should use experience to make the assessment.

• If the wall is not straight or is uneven, scribe and cut the boards to the contour of the wall.

• To complete the first row, measure the length of the last board and cut to size.

• Start the next row with a cut plank to offset the short joint (brick style layout).

• Make sure you have laid the rows in a straight line. Once you have confirmed the boards have been laid straight, you can proceed to glue the planks together.

• Apply PVA adhesive to the tongue and end butts – it is important to use adequate adhesive.

• Ensure that the boards are all laid straight and even.

• Remove spacers at the end of the installation.

• Press the last board into place with the pull iron remembering to put a spacer between the board and the wall.

• Allow approximately 12 hours for the glue to set. Remove all spacers to leave the expansion free.

• The skirting board which covers the expansion space and gives the finishing touch to the installation can now be fixed in place (fix skirtings or trims to the wall only and not to the floor).

After installation:

• Protect your floor from damage. You may cover the floor if there are other works still in progress.

• Do not stick tape to the surface of the flooring.

• Prevent direct UV heat and light for prolonged periods of time.

• Do not place heavy objects on the floor (furniture, toolbox, building materials) during the curing / acclimatisation process.

• Allow approximately 6 to 8 weeks for your floor to properly acclimatise to the site.

• Avoid the use of heavy rugs. Rugs will cause the floor to age at different rates compared to flooring not covered by rugs.

• To clean your floor, use a moist mop and low alkaline cleaners. We recommend Bona (Wood Floor Cleaner/ Maintenance for Timber/Wooden Surface).

• Do not use a steam mop.

We strongly recommend that you use a professional installer with suitable qualifications and relevant experience to install this flooring.

The above is a guide only.

Engineered Timber Flooring Installation Guide

Care and Maintenance Guide

This document should be read in conjunction with our warranty document and our installation guide. Our warranty requires that proper cleaning and maintenance procedures be carried out during the lifetime of the product. Improper or inadequate cleaning and maintenance procedure will void related parts of the product warranty. The product warranty will become void if there are any visible signs of product abuse.

Please read this document carefully. Please make sure you understand the recommended procedures outlined in this document. If you do not understand any part of this document please ask for help from your seller or a suitably qualified and experienced installer.

Please use this guide to help keep your floor looking great for many years.

General site maintenance:

• Limit the exposure to harmful UV light. Use blinds, window dressing, window tint or other to minimise the harmful effect of prolonged UV light on your floor.

• Limit the exposure to excessive heat. Use air conditioners and or humidifiers to minimise the harmful effect of prolonged excessive heat on your floor.

• Keep room temperature range at 15 degrees Celsius – 25 degrees Celsius.

• Keep room humidity at an approximate range of 35%50%.

• Keep spare planks (if possible) to replace damaged flooring.

Cleaning:

• Always keep the floor as clean as possible.

• Remove spill immediately with an absorbent cloth or similar.

• Remove surface dirt and dust regularly using a vacuum cleaner with soft bristle head or sweep with a soft bristle broom.

• We recommend the use of a moist mop (or static mop).

• Do not use a wet mop.

• Do not use a steam mop.

• Use low alkaline cleaners. We recommend suitable BONA floor care products.

• Do not use ammonia or bleach.

• Do not use any product that may scratch the surface (steel wool or other).

• Do not use product that may dull the surface of the flooring.

• Scuff marks and stubborn stains may be removed by lightly rubbing with a cloth.

• Harsh fluids can also stain your flooring; products such as (but not limited to) dry cleaning fluids, lacquer, paint, nail polish, wood stains, varnish.

Cleaning:

• Clean frequently.

• Do not slide furniture or equipment on the floor.

• Use safe lifting methods to move furniture.

• Provide floor protectors under all furniture or equipment legs.

• Provide floor protectors under chair castors and products with rubber feet.

• Make sure the floor protectors are big enough to provide adequate protection to the floor.

• Replace the floor protectors periodically and make sure they are free of dirt or grit.

• Do not use wax or polish on the flooring.

• Avoid pet paws causing damage to the flooring. Keep pets’ claws suitably trimmed.

• Rugs or mats may cause the floor to appear different due to limitation of UV exposure and room conditions.

• Rugs or mats on the floor may scratch the surface or leave colour stains.

• Use mats or rugs in high traffic areas to minimise the wear on the floor.

• Debris stuck to the bottom of shoes can scratch the flooring.

• Avoid damage caused by high heel shoes and work boots.

• Use mats at entry points and encourage people to clean or remove their shoes before entry.

Disclaimer:

This document (care and maintenance guide) is general in nature. We have used all reasonable endeavours to provide you guidance to maintain your flooring. We will not accept responsibility for any inaccuracies in the information provided in this document. We will not accept responsibility for any omissions in the information provided in this document. We will not accept responsibility for any misunderstanding of information provided in this document. We will not accept responsibility for any information or assurances given by the seller or installer.

Engineered Timber Flooring Installation Guide

IMPORTANT

Before you open any boxes:

• Make sure you have received the product you ordered.

• Make sure the colour is correct.

• Do not open boxes if you are not sure if you have received the product you have ordered.

Visible damage:

• Take pictures of any damaged boxes / product.

• Take note of delivery date and time.

• Take note of product condition at time of delivery.

• Do not open boxes with visible damage.

• Report (in writing) any visible damage to the seller immediately.

Storing boxes:

• Boxes must be stored on a flat, level and smooth surface.

• Boxes must be stored in a dry location.

• Boxes must be stored in a consistent temperature between 10 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

• Boxes must not be stored in direct sunlight.

Important and helpful information:

• Please read our helpful installation guide.

• Additional documents (warranty, maintenance and cleaning guide and relevant testing) are available upon request from the seller.

We recommend:

• We recommend that the person performing the installation has suitable qualifications and relevant experience to install this flooring.

• If you are not 100% sure or if you are not suitably qualified or if you don’t have the relevant experience then please don’t do the installation