Dynasty Hardwood

INSTALLATION GUIDE
Dynasty Hardwood flooring can be installed in the following ways:
• Glued: On, above, or below grade
• Nailed or stapled: On, above, or below grade
• Floated: On or above grade only
NOTE: Hardwood Floor is not recommended for bathroom installations.

Storage & Handling
Take care when handling and unloading cartons. Flooring should not be delivered until the building has been closed in, with windows and doors in place, and until cement work, plastering and all other materials are thoroughly dry. Flooring cartons should be stored:
• in a climate-controlled area
• with at least 4" (approx. 10 cm) of air space under the cartons • on the ground floor or higher
• away from outside walls.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT OPEN CARTONS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.


Relative Humidity
In geographic areas that experience extreme climate and humidity conditions, it is natural, due to the inherent properties of wood, for some minor expansion and contraction to occur which could result in some visual changes. These occurrences are not covered by Dynasty warranties but should self-correct with seasonal climate changes. To minimize this visual change, it is important to maintain relative humidity between 35% and 65% and to control radiant heating systems in a way not to exceed the maximum surface temperature recommended in the Installation Guide.

Installer’s Responsibility
Wood floors are a product of nature, and therefore are not perfect. Dynasty products (flooring and moldings) are manufactured in compliance with accepted industry standards, which allow up to five percent (5%) imperfections as normal. Because of the natural color variation in wood flooring from piece to piece, the installer should work out of three or four cartons at a time to ensure a beautiful blend of shading.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARRANTY INFORMATION CAREFULLY PRIOR TO PREPARATION & INSTALLATION OF YOUR NEW FLOOR.

Dynasty Floors are covered by a Limited Structural Warranty that may be voided due to improper installation or failure to follow the instructions and recommendations provided by the manufacturer, or through the use of improper tools or materials (such as the use of an inappropriate trowel).
The owner/installer is responsible for final inspection and approval of the boards and moldings as to grade, color and quality of manufacture and factory finish, before permanent installation. Reasonable selectivity must be used, and boards or moldings with obvious defects, whatever the cause, should be set aside or the defective areas cut off.
NOTE: If the grade, color, quality of manufacture or factory finish of a board or molding is found to be doubtful, the owner/installer should not use the piece. If it is used, Dynasty liability is limited to replacing defective material in excess of five percent (5%) only, excluding labor costs.

Care Throughout Installation
REMEMBER: Prefinished hardwood products require more care during installation to prevent damage – be very careful when handling the boards, tools, toolboxes, glue or nails, as well as when walking on the floor during installation.
a) The room must be kept clean throughout the installation process.
b) Select an appropriate cutting area to avoid dust and debris settling on your new floor. c) Never lay your tools on your new hardwood floor.

NOTE: Damage to flooring and moldings that occurs during installation is not covered by Dynasty limited warranties.

Before Installation
Evaluation of Job Site & Moisture Content:
Dynasty Flooring™ can be installed over the following subfloors:
• Concrete • Existing wood floors
• Plywood • Underlayment-grade oriented strand board (OSB)
• Vinyl Sheet / VCT • Ceramic tile
• Sound barrier • Radiant heat Before installation, inspect the job site thoroughly to determine if the subfloor and conditions are acceptable.

Check for the following:
In homes with a crawl space or pier-beam foundations, ensure that industry standards and municipal building codes are respected. For example:
• Minimum height of 18" (400 mm) under joists.
• For adequate cross ventilation, a minimum of two vents should be open year round so that air can circulate freely, with total vent openings equal to 1.5% of the surface area of the crawl space.
• (Example: A 1,000 sq. ft./m2 crawl space should have a total of 15 sq. ft./m2 of vent openings.)
• There should be no standing water or moisture at the soil level; all soil should be covered with black 6-mil (0.15 mm) polyethylene to prevent moisture migration into the wood flooring.

NOTE: Damage caused by excessive moisture content in the subfloor is not covered by Dynasty Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty; The owner/installer is responsible for inspecting the subfloor and verifying its moisture content. If you do not know how to measure moisture content, have this task performed by a qualified professional floor installer. Damage caused by a failure to use a proper vapor barrier where necessary is not covered by Dynasty limited warranties.

Subfloor Requirements
Before beginning installation, be sure the subfloor meets the following requirements:

A. Concrete:
Moisture:
• Before testing for moisture, the concrete slab should have cured for a MINIMUM of 30 days.
• Test the concrete for dryness before installing flooring:
- First, inspect for any wetness at the base of the drywall or for visible signs of moisture on the concrete.
- Second, test for moisture. The acceptable moisture limit is a maximum of 3 pounds per 1000 sq. ft. (approx. 1.36 kg/93 m2) using the Calcium Chloride test.
• If the concrete measures over these limits, use an appropriate moisture barrier based on the type of installation being done.
• In addition to the Calcium Chloride test that we highly recommend, alkali and bonding tests should also be conducted in most cases.

Cleanliness:
The surface must be free of paint, grease, sealant, oil, wax or any other curing compound. To remove dirt or any surface contamination, the concrete should be scoured with open grit (40) sandpaper. Prior to installation, sweep or vacuum the concrete.

Smoothness and Levelness:
• Concrete should be level to within 3/16" (5 mm) within a 10' (3 m) area.
• Level and eliminate irregularities with a terrazzo grinder or carborundum stone.
• If necessary, apply sealer
• Fill low spots with a good quality portland cement. (Warning: Do not use primer if using sealer).
• Allow adequate curing time prior to installation.
• Do not glue down Dynasty wood flooring over concrete that has a compressive strength of less than 2500 PSI. -RULE OF THUMB: Draw a nail across the top and if it leaves an indentation, it is probably lightweight

concrete.
* Due to the great number of installation variables, and the fact that it is not possible for Dynasty to have control over the final installation, the only way we can offer a 25-year warranty against subfloor-related moisture damage on full glue down applications is with the use of MVP or sealer and a Sika T55 or Bostik Best adhesive. This is a minor investment on the Buyer’s part and will further protect the Dynasty floor, which has been designed to last the lifetime of the home.

B. Radiant Heat Systems:
1. Prior to any type of installation on top of concrete, sufficient time must be allowed for the slab to dry and cure naturally (normally between 30 to 60 days). Starting a radiant heat system embedded inside a concrete subfloor prior to it being cured could have a negative impact on its structural integrity.
2. Turn the system on for a period of 14-16 days, at 2/3 of the system’s maximum temperature, to remove excessive moisture. Halfway through this period, increase the temperature to the system’s maximum output for 2 days.
3. Once the slab or subfloor is dried, turn the system off 1 or 2 days prior to installation. The temperature of the subfloor cannot exceed 68° Fahrenheit (20° Celsius) at installation time.
4. Install flooring as per the instructions available in our Installation Guide.
5. 24 to 48 hours after installation, gradually increase the temperature of the system in increments of 10° Fahrenheit (5° Celsius).
6. Subsequent to the installation of your flooring, the temperature of the flooring surface should not exceed 80° Fahrenheit (26° Celsius).
NOTE: Radiant heat is dry heat – keep relative humidity (RH) between 35-65%.

C. Wood subfloor:
Subfloor/underlayment panels should conform to the US Voluntary Product Standard PS 2-92 or PS 1-95 and/or Canadian performance standard CAN/CSA 0325.0-92 Construction Sheathing. Check underside of boards for codes. Dynasty recommends the following types of subfloor:
• 3/4" CDX grade underlay plywood subfloor/underlayment in 4' x 8' sheets OR
• 3/4" OSB grade underlay subfloor in 4' x 8' with a 40 PSI nominal density rating.

Both should have a maximum joist spacing of 19" (approx. 48 cm) on center.

Minimal requirements:
5/8" CDX plywood subfloor/underlayment in 4' x 8' sheets with joist spacing up to 16" (40 cm) on center.
For 3/4" CDX plywood or OSB subfloors with joist spacing over 19" (approx. 48 cm) on center OR 5/8" CDX plywood subfloor with joist spacing over 16" (approx. 40") on center, you should:
• Install 2" x 6" beams between the joists at every 24" (approx. 61 cm) OR install an additional layer of plywood 1/2" quality CDX plywood in 4' x 8' sheets. -The panels may be laid on the diagonal or perpendicular with the joists, with 1/8" (approx. 3 mm) spacing between the panels. -Fasten panels down at least every 6" (approx. 15 cm) to form a minimum grid pattern.
To level the subfloor, sand down any edges over 3/16" on 10' (approx. 5 mm/3 m).
Over old wood floors, fasten 1/4" to 3/8" plywood every 6" (approx. 15 cm) to form a minimum grid pattern.
Ensure that the subfloor is level, clean, dry, conforms to the structural plan, does not creak and has no elevated fastenings.

Assembly
Generally, underlayment panels installed on joisting should be fastened every 6" (approx. 15 cm) around the perimeter of the panel and every 12" (approx. 30 cm) along the intermediate supports.

Spacing
All underlayment panels should be spaced 1/8" (3 mm) apart to ensure adequate expansion space. This can be done by using a saw set at the depth of the underlayment and by cutting around the perimeter of the panel.

CAUTION: Failure to respect the minimum specifications of the materials, distance between the joist support points (over 19" (approx. 48 cm)) and spacing between the subfloor panels may result in minimal performance with undesirable results, such as movement, gaps and noises.
Before installing over a wood subfloor, check for moisture using a Delmhorst J-C Moisture Meter or equivalent. The moisture reading should not exceed 12% and vary more than 4 points above or below the wood flooring moisture content.

D. Vinyl Sheet and VCT Tile
• Make sure that all tiles or sheets are firmly bonded to the subfloor.
• If these materials are poorly bonded, remove the materials and all flooring adhesive residue.
• When gluing over vinyl, abrade the surface for the adhesive to adhere and to remove all traces of wax.
• Do not glue over heavily cushioned sheets or rubber tile.
Note: Floating installation only

CAUTION: Sanding or removing tile flooring that contains asbestos is a health hazard. If there is any doubt concerning the contents, seek professional advice. Asbestos has been labeled a carcinogen.

E. Ceramic Tile
• Make sure that all tiles are firmly bonded to the subfloor.
• If any tiles are poorly bonded, re-adhere them or remove them and all adhesive residue or mortar.
• When gluing over ceramic, roughen the surface of the tiles with a terrazzo grinder or an open grit (40) sandpaper to ensure a good mechanical bond. All powder created by the grinding or sanding must be removed by cleaning with water.
• Allow tile to dry thoroughly before spreading adhesive.



Inspection of Wood & Tools
The initial buyer or the owner of the home in which the Dynasty flooring is being installed must inspect each carton of Dynasty flooring and moldings to ensure that they contain the right species, width, grade and color before beginning room preparations.
• Waste of about five percent (5%) is considered normal and acceptable.
• If a board or molding contains a minor imperfection, simply cut off and discard that part, keeping the rest to complete a row or closet area.
• If boards or moldings seem totally unacceptable, use them to position the floor but DO NOT INSTALL THEM, as they will only have to be replaced later.
• All tools should be in good working order. The bottom plate of the nailer must be clean of any debris to avoid possible indentations and scratches in the finish.

Room Preparation
• Remove all existing base moldings, shoe moldings, doorway thresholds, etc.
• Use a razor knife to scribe along the top edge of the base moldings BEFORE removal to prevent tearing of paint, drywall or drywall covering.
• All door casings should be undercut to avoid difficult scribe cuts. This can be done easily with a jamb saw or by laying a piece of flooring flat on the subfloor as a depth guide for your handsaw.
• Measure the room carefully to ensure that the new floor can be installed squarely and evenly. Remember that not all corners have 90º angles.
• Remove the boards from their packaging and lay them on the floor according to the desired pattern.
• The last row of boards must be at least 1" (approx. 2.5 cm) wide, so that the boards can be properly secured. If the available area for the last row is less than 1" (approx. 2.5 cm), reduce the width of the first row accordingly so that the first and last rows meet this minimum requirement.
• The Buyer must approve the proposed color and layout prior to permanent installation.

Tools and accessories
For glue-down installation:

1. Table saw, jig saw, miter saw, jamb saw or circular saw
2. Chalk line
3. Measuring tape
4. Hammer
5. Knocking block
6. Safety glasses
7. Gloves
8. Trowel
a) For 2 1/4" and 3 1/4" widths, use: 1/4" x 1/8" x 1/4" trowel
b) For 5 3/16” widths and installations using both 3 1/4" and 5 3/16” widths, use: 3/16” x 3/16” x 3/16” trowel
NOTE: Using the wrong trowel can also cause the wood floor to sag. Dynasty is not responsible for any damage caused by the use of improper tools.)
9. Sika subfloor sealer or MVP and Sika or Bostik Best adhesive
10. Bostik or Sika adhesive Remover
11. Short hair paint roller


For nail-down installation:
1. Table saw, jig saw, miter saw, jamb saw or circular saw
2. Chalk line
3. Measuring tape
4. Nail punch
5. Hammer
6. Knocking block
7. Safety glasses
8. Gloves
9.Appropriate nailer or stapler, for example:
a) Recommended for nail-down: Primatech R610 or Powernail 200 with 1 1/4" (approx. 32 mm) cleats.
b) Recommended for stapling: Stanley-Bostitch LHF97125-2 with 1" (approx. 25mm) staples.
10. Rubber mallet
11. 1" (approx. 25 mm) finishing nails

* Use of the proper nailer or stapler as well as the appropriate staples and cleats (base and shims if necessary) is critical. Improper fasteners and tools can cause severe damage and may ruin surfaces.


For floating installation:
1.Table saw, jig saw, miter saw, jamb saw or circular saw
2. Chalk line
3. Measuring tape
4. Hammer
5. Knocking block
6. Safety glasses
7. Gloves
8. Mineral spirits
9.1/2” (12 mm) adjustable shims
10. 3M-2080 blue tape
11. Dynasty Underlayment
12. Glue
13. Strip puller

* Note: Dynasty Underlayment can be substituted to accommodate special installation requirements or standards. A sample of the applicable underlayment must be submitted to Dynasty for written approval.
WARNING: Use of some of these tools and accessories can result in serious injury or even death if you are not experienced with them or if you are not otherwise qualified to operate them. Appropriate safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection should always be used. Be sure to follow all warnings, directions and instructions from the manufacturer or supplier of all tools or accessories. Also, use extreme care in the handling and installation of Dynasty Flooring™ to avoid, slips, falls, strains and other injury.

CREATE A RANDOM EFFECT WITH STARTER BOARDS



Glue-down installation:
1. Lay out working line
a. Snap a chalk line (line A-B, figure 1) parallel to the starting wall at a distance determined by the following chart:
2 1/4” (5,7 cm) widths 23” (58,42 cm) from the starting wall*
3 1/4” (8,25 cm) widths 33” (83,82 cm) from the starting wall*
5 3/16” (13,3 cm) widths 26 7/16” (67,31 cm) from the starting wall*
The distance from the starting wall is equal to the sum of a set amount of boards (5 to 10) + 1/2” (12 mm) for expansion. STARTING WALL

* The last row must be at least 1” (25 mm) wide. If necessary, reduce the distance from the wall and trim the first row to compensate.
• Place a long and straight support plank along this line. AB
• Spread adhesive as per instructions, toward the starting wall.
2. Place the tongue side of the board towards the starting wall, with the groove side on the support plank. (see figure 2)
3. Complete the starting section and wait until it is dry and solid.
4. Remove the starting board.
5. Continue the installation.

Nail or Staple Installation:

1. Snap a chalk line parallel to the starting wall at a distance equal to the width of a board plus 1/2” (12 mm) for expansion. Adjust the line as necessary to allow for tool clearance, wall deviation and to allow the last row to be at least 1” (25 mm) wide.
2. Place the groove side of the board next to the starting wall, with the tongue side lined up on the chalk line.
3. Use 1” (25 mm) finishing nails to secure the board to the floor. The nails should be spaced 1/2” (approx. 1,3 cm) from the edge and 4” to 6” (approx. 10 to 15 cm) apart. Pre-drill the boards if necessary to prevent splitting (pre-drilling is not required when using pneumatic brad nailers).
4. Countersink and fill as necessary
5.Until there is enough clearance along the starting wall to use the fastening machine, blind nail the boards along the tongue every 4” to 6” (10 to 15 cm) - 4" (10 cm) for 5 3/16" (13 cm).





Floating Installation
Underlayment
Install Dynasty underlayment to protect the floor from moisture and provide a cushion between the subfloor and your new Dynasty Flooring™. Install Dynatsy underlayment silver or gold side down

Installation
1 Snap a chalk line at a distance of 7” (18 cm) for 3 1/4” (82,5 mm) wide or 11” (28 cm) for the 5 3/16” (132 mm) width, from the starting wall, assuming that the wall is straight. Adjust the line as necessary to allow for tool clearance and wall deviations. Once the strips are installed, this will leave an expansion space of 1/2” (approx. 12 mm). (see CHART 1 on next page for additional information on expansion)
2 Dynasty Floor™ are to be installed from left to right with the groove towards the starting wall. Start by installing the first two rows simultaneously. Begin by placing a long strip in the corner, along the left hand side of the installation. (see figure 7)
3 Apply adhesive to the bottom of the groove along the side of a 2nd board and join to the first plank. This board should be a t least 5” (approx. 127mm) shorter than the first. (see figures 8 & 9)


4. Apply adhesive to the bottom of the end groove of a 3rd plank and10 insert into the end of the 1st board.

5. Continue the installation of the first two rows by applying adhesive to the bottom of the grooves along the sides and ends. These rows must be laid absolutely straight. Keep a distance of 1/2” (12 mm) away from the starting wall using shims. The shims will also prevent unwanted movement during the remainder of the installation.
6. Stagger end joints of your floating floor by a minimum of 5” (12.5 cm). No two end joints should be within three rows of each other. Press each board firmly together by hand or if necessary, with a taping block. Clean excess glue from between the boards with a damp cloth or with some mineral spirits. 3M¬2080 blue tape can be used to hold boards together.
7. Allow the glue of the first two rows to set properly before proceeding with the rest of the installation. Remove 3M-2080 blue tape within 2 hours of being applied. A board puller can be used to tighten boards at the end of individual rows.
8. Once the first two rows are properly set, continue with the installation of the remainder of the floor allowing for 1/2” (12 mm) expansion around the complete perimeter and cleaning excess glue from the boards.
9. Often the last row will not be a full row. Cut the planks for the final row to the designated width. Apply the adhesive and fit into place using the board puller.
10. Trim excess Dynasty underlayment so it will not be visible once moldings are installed.

CHART 1
Expansion Rules for floating installation

1. Expansion space must be left at all walls, doors, and vertical obstructions. Minimum expansion requirement is 1/2” (12 mm) for any connected area, up to 24’ (7 m). A connected area is defined as all areas connected without a break or expansion joint. If adjacent rooms have flooring installed and are directly connected, or connected by a hallway or doorway, without a t-molding, the connected area is the width of both rooms, and the hallway. Obstructions can include cabinets, islands, and the wall opposite the starting wall.

2. No connected flooring can span greater than 40’ (12 m) in width.
3. Rooms which are individually wider than 16’ (5 m) and are connected with a doorway of

3’ (90 cm) or less wide need to be disconnected with the use of a t-molding.
Connected Area Width Required Expansion Space
Up to 24’ (7 m) 1/2” (12 mm)
24’ to 40’ (7 to 12 m) 3/4” (19 mm)
After Installation
• Install moldings and trim.
• Sweep or vacuum the floor.
• For installations over radiant heating: After installation, increase the temperature by 10º F (5º C) a day, up to a maximum of 80º F (26º C).
• Restrict heavy traffic and furniture placement for 24 hours.
• Allow the flooring to breath after installation. Do not cover floor with non-porous material such as plastic or vinyl.

Buyer’s Obligations for Maintenance and Care of Dynasty Flooring
Your Dynasty hardwood floor is durable and easy to maintain, with a few simple steps to take
proper care of it and ensure years and years of lasting beauty:
a) Proper control of relative humidity is essential to a "healthy" home environment. Maintain a relative humidity of between 35-65% in your home.
b) Regularly sweep or vacuum the floor and clean using a Dynasty-recommended cleaner.
c) Never pour cleaner directly onto your Dynasty Floor™.
d) Never wet mop the floor.
e) Never allow a liquid spill to remain on the floor.
f) Install doormats at all entrances to protect flooring against abrasive dirt and moisture. Vacuum or shake out mats regularly.
g) Use felt protectors or barrel-type coasters under all furniture to protect your floor against scratches and indentations. Do not use plastic coasters.
h) The use of area rugs (around sink and dishwasher and other similar areas) is strongly recommended to protect flooring from water and heavy traffic.
i) Beware of sharp objects and damaged high heels that can permanently scratch your floor. Spiked-heel shoes, especially those in poor condition, have been proven to be highly damaging to hardwood floors. Encourage your family and visitors to remove them.
j) Refrigerators and other heavy objects should never be moved without proper floor protection. Place them on a rug, wrong side up, and slide the rug.
k) Never use wax, oil-based detergent or any general-purpose household cleaner. These can dull or damage the finish, leaving a greasy film and making the floor slippery and more difficult to clean properly.