Installation - Lovafloor

Introduction

Thank you for choosing our tongue-and-groove hardwood flooring. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing the flooring using glue, including three main installation methods: straight plank, herringbone, and chevron. Please follow these instructions carefully to achieve the best results.

Safety Precautions

Personal Protective Equipment: Wear gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator while working to prevent cuts, protect your eyes from dust, and avoid inhaling harmful substances.
Tool Safety: Check the condition of your tools before starting. Handle sharp blades and saws with caution to avoid injury.
Ventilation: Ensure the room is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of adhesive fumes.
Safe Storage: Keep tools and adhesive in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets.

1. Surface Preparation

Before installation, make sure the subfloor is properly prepared:

Check Floor Leveling: The maximum level difference should not exceed 3 mm over a 2-meter span. Level the floor with a self-leveling compound if needed.
Moisture Levels: The subfloor moisture should not exceed 2%, and the room’s relative humidity should be between 40-60%. Use a hygrometer to check.
Temperature Conditions: Maintain a stable temperature between 18°C and 24°C in the room.
Floorboard Acclimation: Allow the flooring to acclimate in the room for at least 24-48 hours before installation to adjust to the temperature and humidity.

Image illustrating surface requirements and acclimation for the flooring.

Image showing floor cleaning and primer application.

2. Cleaning the Surface

Remove Dust and Debris: Ensure that the subfloor is clean and free from dust, dirt, or other contaminants. Use an industrial vacuum cleaner or a broom.
Apply Primer: Apply a primer evenly over the entire subfloor to improve the adhesive bond. Allow it to dry as recommended by the manufacturer.

3. Required Tools

Prepare the following tools for installation:

Adhesive trowel
Tape measure and pencil
Rubber mallet and wooden block
Jigsaw or hand saw
Spacer wedges
Level and square
Personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, and respirator)

Image showing a list of necessary tools for installation.

Image showing the application of adhesive and placement of spacer wedges.

4. Applying Adhesive and Setting Spacer Wedges

Applying Adhesive: Use a trowel to spread the adhesive evenly on the subfloor, following the recommended thickness.
Setting Spacer Wedges: Place spacers along the walls to create an expansion gap, which allows the flooring to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes.

5. Flooring Installation Methods

Straight Plank Installation: Start the first row along the longest wall, maintaining a consistent overlap (typically 30-50% of the board length) between rows.
Herringbone Installation: Begin by laying the first board at a 90-degree angle to the second, creating a classic herringbone pattern.
Chevron Installation: Start by laying the first board at a 45-degree angle. Place subsequent boards in the same way to create a clear chevron pattern.

Image illustrating three installation methods: straight plank, herringbone, and chevron.

Image showing the final steps of laying and trimming the flooring.

6. Completing the Installation

First Two or Three Rows: Lay the initial rows, regularly checking the alignment with a level. Adjust the boards if needed using a rubber mallet.
Measuring and Cutting: Use a tape measure to accurately measure the boards for corner areas or to finish rows. Mark the board with a pencil and cut it using a jigsaw or hand saw.
Remove Spacer Wedges: Once the adhesive has set, remove the spacer wedges to reveal the expansion gap.

Image illustrating three installation methods: straight plank, herringbone, and chevron.