When installing wide plank flooring 8 feet to 12 feet long, more care should be taken, than when installing a 2-1/4” shorter length commodity floor.

Plank flooring that is over 6” wide should be glued, as well as nailed, in place. The sub surface needs to be clean, clean , clean so no foreign debris or dust will interfere with the adhesive and with inserting the tongue and groove. Whether you put the adhesive on the back of the flooring or on the subsurface, care must be taken so no adhesive, dust or debris interferes with the board installation.

After boards are installed, blind nailing on the tongue holds the flooring down until the adhesive sets. If you choose, you can face nail the boards with 8 penny cut nails or flooring nails into the floor joist, which creates an antique look.

After installation, and before sanding, an epoxy, or equal filler, should be used to fill any holes in the knots, or defects. The material used to fill the holes can be colored brown or black, depending on your preference, prior to filling the holes. The epoxy itself will not take a stain. If you have excess, it will be sanded off before you apply your stain and finish. Follow the instructions on the epoxy to the letter, and don't mix up too much at one time, or it will harden before you can use it all.

Finishes are up to the preference of the installer, almost any type of oil-based wood stain can be used, and we strongly recommend an oil-based polyurethane or tung oil varnish for a long-lasting finish. In between coats of finish, the floor should be screened and tack ragged before more coats are applied. If you have any questions, please feel free to call and we will discuss any questions you, or your installer, may have.

Allen Kellogg, President
Kellogg Hardwoods, Inc.