Flooring Preparation
-
1.
If required, use a suitable compound to fill in any cracks or holes in the subfloor. Ensure the surface is structurally sound, clean, and dry. Floor must be level to 4.7mm per 3m radius. Maximum deflection should be no more than 1.1mm.
-
2.
Make sure a 10mm space is left between walls and other obstructions such as pipes, stairs, pillars, kitchen islands, columns etc. Trim mouldings can be used to cover these spaces after installation is complete. When measuring to install around pipes, please add an additional 12mm to the measurement.
-
3.
When possible, avoid placing joints of NüTile on top of the joints/seams of the sub floor. End joints of boards should be staggered at least 18cm apart. Plan the layout such that the beginning, and end of rows are greater than 30cm in length. Also check the layout before beginning installation for planned width of final row: We recommend cuts not to be less than 5cm. if cuts are less than 5cm on the final row, please trim the first row to leave a wider cut on the last.
-
4.
Do not install over expansion joints in the subfloor.
-
5.
Do not install kitchen cabinets or island units directly over NüTile flooring. The warranty will be voided if floor is unable to move freely for contraction and expansion during temperature changes.
-
6.
Decide on the direction the floor is to be installed. It is recommended to install planks parallel to the main source of light in the room.
-
7.
Remove thresholds, baseboards, and the existing flooring if necessary. If the pre-existing floor surface is smooth and solid, you may choose to skip this step (please see substrate requirements listed above). Door trim should be undercut for best results, allowing NüTile to move without being pinched. After performing these preparations vacuum/sweep the installation area to remove debris and dust.
-
8.
With a 10mm Space between all sides of walls and or all other obstructions such as pipes, columns, kitchen islands etc and the starting point of planks – we recommend a maximum 30m length of NüTile to be installed without the use of an expansion trim.
-
9.
For Installations directly over a concrete sub floor, a 6mm polyethylene moisture barrier is required. A moisture test must be performed to determine if excessive moisture exists in the sub floor. Readings greater than 5 lbs/1,000 sq. ft./24 hours are unacceptable for installation. If a moisture meter is used, a reading greater than 4.5% is unacceptable for installation.
NüTile detailed installation instructions
-
1.
Once sub floor is fully cleaned and prepared, begin by laying NüTile planks left to right for first row. Place first plank so the grooved edge is facing towards you. Place the board 10mm from left wall. Use spacers between wall and plank.
-
2.
For the second board in the first row, lay the board interlocking with the first end-to-end and tap gently with a rubber mallet to lock firmly together. These should be same height if laid properly. Ensure both are perfectly aligned. Continue in the same method towards right hand wall. NOTE: If both boards are not the same height or are not locked properly together follow the directions at bottom of guide entitled “TO UNINSTALL”. Remove board(s) and check for debris obstructing the lock and grooves. If the end joints are not properly lined up, trying to force the boards together will permanently damage end joints.
-
3.
For the final board of the first row ensure to measure length required allowing a 10mm gap for expansion between plank and wall.
-
4.
To cut the board place facing upwards. Using a sharp utility knife and ruler, cut pushing firmly several times on the same line. This will not cut through the board but will cut deeply. Then place one hand close to the cut and push down firmly and use other hand to lift the other half of the plank. The board should split naturally at the cut mark.
-
5.
Beginning the second row, use remainder of the cut plank from the last piece of the first row, (provided piece is minimum 30cm). Otherwise cut a new plank to begin this row, ensuring joints are at least 18cm apart. Use the remainder of cut planks for ends of rows to begin subsequent rows whenever possible.
-
6.
Click together the long sides of the new plank and the one in the previous row, placing the board tightly to the short end of the previous plank in this row with an angle of 30°. Drop the plank and tap gently with a rubber mallet to lock firmly together. These should be same height if laid properly. Ensure both are perfectly aligned.
-
7.
After installing 2 or 3 rows check the straightness using a string line. If the planks are not running straight, it may be caused by unevenness in the starting wall. The first row may require to be re-trimmed to adjust accordingly.
-
8.
For the final row, lay a plank of NüTile directly on top of the last completed row. Place another board on top, touching the tongued side of the plank against the final wall. Trace a line along the edge of this piece marking the first board. Then cut along the edge of this piece to mark the first board. Cut using this line to get the required width of board. Insert this cut board against the final wall. The final row should be a minimum of 5cm in width. Spacers can then be removed.
-
9.
When measuring for holes for pipes, use the diameter of the pipe and cut a hole 12mm larger. Saw off a piece and install the board around the pipe. Then lay sawed-off piece of board in place. When installation is complete, replace the moulding, allowing a slight clearance between the moulding and NüTile. Attach moulding to walls, not to the flooring. For areas where NüTile meets other flooring types use a T-moulding to cover exposed edges. Do not pinch NüTile with the moulding and allow a small space between surfaces.
-
10.
TO UNINSTALL - Lift an entire row of NüTile carefully and gently at an angle. To remove individual boards, leave flat on the ground and slide them apart. If boards do not separate easily lift the planks at a slight angle when sliding apart.