Provincial 3 1/4" Somerset Homestyle Hardwood

2 1/4" Plank
Dimensions: 3/4" x 2 1/4" x Random Lengths Up To 78"

3 1/4" Plank
Dimensions: 3/4" x 3 1/4" x Random Lengths Up To 78"

Dimensions: 3/4" x 2 1/4" x Random Lengths Up To 78"
Construction: Plank
Species/Design: Solid Hardwood
White Oak - Butterscotch, Charcoal, Natural
Red Oak - Gunstock, Metro Brown, Natural, Provincial
Coverage: 25/SQ.FT
Edge Style: Ease Edges / Eased Ends
Finish: Ultimate™ Aluminum Oxide
Install Method: Nail Down
Where to install: On or Above Grade Only
Surface Type: Smooth
Warranty: 50 Year Residential

Quarter Round
Reducer
Stair Nose
T Molding
Threshold
Mapei Ultrabond Eco 980 Premium
Mapei Eco 995 Premium Moisture
Scuba Thermo Silent Underlayment

Somerset Engineered Factory Finished Hardwood Flooring, All Collections
Introduction Every Somerset Hardwood Flooring installation must conform to all local building codes, ordinances, covenants, restrictions, trade practices, and climatic conditions.
Somerset believes professional installation assures the end user of a result that performs as well as they expect and adds value to their home. Somerset recommends installation by NWFACP Certified Installers, and that the installation comply fully with these guidelines and current NWFA Installation Guidelines. Any discrepancies between these two guidelines, Somerset guidelines supersede.
Health/Safety [NWFA, page 2-10]
• Before beginning any Somerset installation, check OSHA requirements in your area at www.osha.gov. In addition to personal safety, compliance is required by law, and fines and or penalties for failure to comply can be severe.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Eye and Ear Protection are common concerns. Respirators specific to airborne hazards posed by wood dust and/or various finishes and solvents must also be considered.
• Federal, state, and local regulations impact working procedures and record keeping requirements on jobsites where materials such as asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, and crystalline silica dust are present. The installer is responsible for compliance with all such regulations.
Responsibilities of Involved Parties [NWFA, page 26-27]
• Somerset (manufacturer) is responsible to produce a product that appears and performs as marketed based on applicable guidelines and warranties, produced and labeled in accordance with standards and regulations, and make available installation and maintenance instructions electronically (www.somersetfloors.com).
• The specifier (where applicable) is responsible to ensure the product specified and jobsite conditions are compatible and will meet the end users requirements.
• The seller (wholesaler/distributor, retailer) is primarily responsible to represent the product correctly in a good faith effort to meet the expectations of the end user. They must assure proper transportation, storage and handling during their possession of the product. Product should not be sold or delivered to a jobsite that does not meet Somerset and NWFA minimum requirements for jobsite conditions.
• The builder/general contractor/end user is responsible to provide jobsite conditions that meet or exceed Somerset and NWFA guidelines prior to wood flooring delivery and installation.
• The installer is responsible to check jobsite conditions and confirm they meet/exceed manufacturer and NWFA guidelines.
• The installer and end user must both ensure the product meets their expectations regarding appearance and quality prior to installation. Somerset recommends a trial lay out including product from several cartons and a review by the installer and end user prior to installation to assure success.
INSTALLATION CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE of the Somerset Hardwood Flooring as delivered, and all site conditions including subfloor/substrate, moisture conditions, other site conditions, and any variables that may affect the wood floor immediately and in the future. Any decision not to proceed must occur within the first 10% or 100 square feet of flooring being installed, whichever is less. Industry standards allow a variance from grading and manufacturing specifications of up to 5% of the total job quantity. Somerset must be notified, in writing, within 30 days of discovery of any easily ascertainable Somerset flooring defect.
• The End User (homeowner) must maintain the flooring in accordance with Somerset floor care guidelines, including maintaining recommended temperature and relative humidity levels year round. In the event of any questions, the burden of proof is the responsibility of the end user.



Jobsite Conditions [NWFA, page 28-37; also refer to the NWFA Jobsite Checklist document]
Wood Flooring professionals understand climatic conditions applicable to the job location, and assure the space where flooring is to be installed will accommodate the Somerset product and installation methods chosen.
Exterior Conditions:
Inspect the entire exterior of the structure; grade, drainage, landscaping, irrigation; any potential concerns that may affect the wood flooring installation. Take/retain notes and photos, and address any concerns with the end user and/or builder. Exterior site/structure issues are NOT the responsibility of the flooring contractor/installer or Somerset, but wood flooring problems that result are often blamed on the installer who must then defend themselves.
Interior Conditions:
• Wood flooring should be one of the last jobs completed in any remodel or new construction project.
• Do not deliver or install wood flooring until the structure is fully enclosed and protected from exterior weather conditions, and all “wet trades” (concrete, drywall, painting, tile, and any power washing) are completed.
• HVAC (permanent or temporary) must be operational and capable of maintaining conditions necessary for the Somerset flooring being installed. These systems must be operational for a minimum of five days preceding delivery of the Somerset flooring, but longer HVAC operation may be required to reach the conditions required. These conditions should be achieved prior to delivery of the flooring, maintained during installation and in perpetuity thereafter. (NOTE: Temporary propane heaters - torpedo heaters - produce large amounts of moisture and should be avoided.)
• Test and document (photograph) temperature and relative humidity in each room receiving Somerset flooring. A temperature range of 60-80f and r.h. of 30-50% is appropriate for most areas. [See NWFA Technical Publication C-300; Regional Climate Variations for additional information.]
• Never install a wood floor over a known moisture condition. Always test for moisture regardless of conditions to identify any hidden issues that may arise.

Acclimation/Conditioning: [NWFA, page 36]
• Prior to delivery of the wood flooring, test and record [photos] the jobsite conditions and the subfloor moisture to ensure they are suitable for wood flooring delivery. Elevated readings must be resolved prior to delivery of any wood flooring. Only after the site conditions are confirmed suitable for wood flooring should the flooring be delivered.
• Upon delivery of the flooring to the site, again check and record [photos] the temperature and relative humidity in the space receiving the wood floor, these readings must range between 60-80f and 30-50% r.h..
• Again check and record [photos] the MC of the (wood) subfloor. Check a minimum of 20 locations for the first 1,000 square feet, and an additional 4 readings per 100 square feet thereafter. Write test results directly on the subfloor at each location, including date, and photograph this notation. Test locations should be representative of the entire project and include a minimum of three tests per room receiving wood, with special attention to exterior walls and plumbing. In general, more readings will result in a more-accurate average. [Concrete subfloors, see “Concrete Moisture Testing”, next section]
• Check and record (photograph) the MC of the flooring from throughout the shipment. Take readings of a minimum of 40 boards for the first 1,000 square feet, and an additional 4 readings per 100 square feet thereafter. More readings will result in a more-accurate average. [“Pin” meters measure electrical resistance, and more accurate for this task. Special pins are available for some meters when testing moisture in engineered flooring].
• Any flooring with unusually high or low moisture readings should be isolated and not installed in the floor.
• Any unusually high or low readings must be addressed prior to wood flooring installation.
• Ensure the MC of the wood subfloor is no more than 4% different than the MC of Somerset engineered flooring being installed. If moisture testing indicates flooring and subflooring are not sufficiently acclimated, more acclimation is required. Also, note engineered wood does not change moisture content and thus dimension uniformly. This may adversely affect the installation.
• Acclimation can be facilitated by separating the flooring into small lots and/or completely opening the packaging. Cross stack the materials with spacers (3/4” to 1” stickers) between each layer of flooring to allow air circulation on all sides until equilibrium has been reached.

• When the wood flooring is delivered at a MC that coincides with the expected in-use conditions [typically between 6- 10%], and coincides with the subfloor moisture conditions, and these conditions will be maintained indefinitely, the flooring may be installed immediately.
• Engineered flooring installed in a full spread adhesive may require some time to allow the adhesive to cure properly; follow adhesive manufacturer recommendations regarding covering the job, finishing, etc.
• Record, date, photograph, and document all test results – protect your business.

Moisture Testing Methods [NWFA page 38-44]:
• Understanding how to evaluate jobsite moisture and avoid or resolve any moisture related problems is critical to the success of every hardwood flooring installation.
• Test methods and equipment vary widely. Selection of both varies depending on the type of flooring and subflooring involved in a given job. Regardless, the installer must understand the equipment and test methods required to properly evaluate moisture on every hardwood-flooring job. The single biggest variable – operator error. The installer is responsible to test and record (photos) moisture conditions on every job.
Wood Moisture Testing: There are two basic electronic wood moisture meter types, pinless (dielectric) and pin (electrical resistance). Ideally, an installer should have understand how to use both. Readings from two meters are often helpful and may validate each other or, conversely, help resolve conflicting information.
Concrete Moisture Testing: Slab age does not mean moisture testing can be omitted – moisture testing is critical to assuring the success of every installation. Concrete moisture content must comply with the adhesive manufacturer’s requirements.

The current state of the art in concrete moisture testing is Relative Humidity testing via probes [ASTM F2170] inserted into holes drilled in the concrete. This is by far the most accurate method of determining moisture vapor emission rate. This method requires testing 3 locations for the first 1000 square feet of slab and 1 more for each 1000 square feet thereafter.
Electrical Moisture Meters [ASTM F2659] for concrete are good for preliminary evaluation of concrete slab moisture, but may not provide sufficient conclusive information for a “no/no go” decision. Typically, electrical meter testing requires 8 readings for the first 1000 square feet, and 5 readings for each 1000 square feet thereafter.
Calcium Chloride [ASTM 1869] is another common method of concrete moisture testing which provides a quantifiable moisture vapor emission rate.
Other concrete moisture test methods exist, but are less common.






Basements and Crawlspaces:
• Basement conditions will change from season to season and may affect the flooring above. Finished basements are normally maintained similarly with the above living space, but be sure the end user understands how any changes will affect flooring above the basement. Treat any unfinished basement as unconditioned space.

• Crawlspaces: The distance from the earth to the underside of the floor joists must be a minimum of 18” and a
minimum of 12” from the earth to the underside of beams. Crawl space ventilation is critical to avoiding crawl space related moisture issues. The minimum net area of ventilation openings is 1 square foot for each 150 square feet of under-floor space area; unless the ground surface is covered by a Class I vapor retarder material. Where a Class I vapor retarder material is used, the minimum net area of ventilation openings is 1 square foot for each 1,500 square feet of under-floor space area. One such ventilating opening shall be within 3 feet of each corner of the building.
Enclosed and Conditioned Crawlspaces: Crawl spaces may be enclosed and conditioned as detailed in IRC section R408.3, and the entire space maintained at the same temperature and humidity levels as the above interior living

space. These crawl spaces result in a balanced condition below and above the flooring system. [See NWFA 2019 Installation Guidelines, page 47].


Substrates - Wood [NWFA 48-60]:

• Wood Subfloors: Wood flooring is not intended to add structural strength or stiffness to a subfloor; the wood flooring installation is only as good as the subfloor beneath it. The installer/flooring contractor is NOT responsible for the design or installation of the subflooring/structure unless qualified and otherwise contracted. If a subfloor/structure is deemed by the flooring installer/flooring contractor as not suitable, the installer is responsible to notify the builder/owner prior to installation so any deficiencies can be remedied.

• NOTE: Somerset Solid Plus engineered flooring is a “thinner-profile” product [per NWFA definition] requiring a stiffer wood subfloor system than required for ¾” solid flooring. Somerset therefore recommends a double layer subfloor system to assure adequate structural soundness.

• Plywood subfloor panels should conform to the most-current U.S. Voluntary Product Standard PS 1 performance standard on the date it was manufactured.

• Oriented strand board (OSB) subfloor panels should conform to U.S. Voluntary PS 2 on the date it was manufactured.

• Single layer subfloor panels should be installed continuous over two or more spans, with the long panel dimension (strength axis) perpendicular to floor trusses or joists. All panel edges not supported continuously with framing shall be tongue and groove. To minimize the potential for floor squeaks, all subfloor panels should be glued and nailed or screwed to the floor framing using recommended fasteners and subfloor adhesives conforming to ASTM D3498 or APA Specification AFG-01. The ends of the panels must land at the center of the floor joist/truss, with a minimum bearing of 1/2”. Fasten with 6d ring- or screw-shank nails, 8d common nails, or proprietary screws spaced 12” O.C. along panel edges and 12” O.C. along intermediate supports. Some subfloor panel manufacturers may recommend more
fastening; follow the panel manufacturer’s guidelines. Leave a 1/8” gap around the perimeter (all four sides) of each panel.

Joist spacing Minimum Subfloor Required
16” o.c. or less 19/32” plywood or 23/32” OSB
Greater than 16” – 19.2” 23/32” plywood or OSB
Greater than 19.2” – 24” 7/8” plywood or OSB
Greater than 24” – 32” 1-1/8” plywood or OSB


• Double-Layer Subfloor Systems [recommended for Somerset Solid Plus® installations] should consist of two layers of either plywood or OSB, minimum 15/32”, compliant with the same specs as single layer structural panels. A double layer is required where the existing/base layer and structure do not meet NWFA minimum guidelines. Both layers must be fully acclimated (see acclimation), and gapping and fastening requirements remain as for single layer subfloors. A second layer should be oriented perpendicular to the floor framing and offset from the long axis of the base layer by a minimum of 4” and end joints by a minimum of one joist spacing; edges of both layers should never be aligned. This top layer may alternately be installed diagonal to the base layer. No base vs. top layer seams should align. 1/8” gap must be left around each panel and ¾” gap at all vertical obstructions. Fastening schedule should be the same as for single layer subfloors. If the existing base layer is particleboard or solid boards, removal is not an
option, and the subfloor does not meet NWFA minimum guidelines, the top layer should be a minimum 19/32” thick; otherwise, the same joint stagger and fastening guidelines apply.

• Solid board subfloors should be “1x6” nominal dimension, installed 45 degrees to the joists, and structurally sound. All end joints require full bearing on a joist, fastened with a minimum 8d rosin-coated or ring shank nails or equivalent. When installing Somerset Solid Plus engineered flooring over a solid board subfloor, a “double layer” subfloor system will be necessary to avoid gapping due to subfloor movement (see preceding section)

• Particleboard is not a suitable substrate for any mechanically fastened or “glue-assisted” nail down Somerset hardwood flooring installation. If the installation is to be mechanically fastened, particleboard must either be removed, or may be over laid with minimum 19/32” plywood or OSB.
• Glue down installation of Somerset Solid Plus® flooring over particleboard may be possible – check with the adhesive manufacturer for details.
• Floating installation of Somerset Solid Plus® flooring is approved over particleboard.

Wood subfloors - conditions required:

• Subfloors must be structurally sound. Address any movement, delamination, squeaks/noise, water damage, physical damage, etc. with the homeowner, builder, or other responsible party prior to installation. Protruding or loose fasteners, squeaks/noises, etc. may be resolved by the installer, while some issues are not an installer’s responsibility and may not be within a flooring installer’s capability. Document any such conditions with notes in the job file including photographs.

• Subfloors must be flat. Subfloor flatness is not the same as “level”. Level is typically not necessary, but reasonably flat is very important. For installation with mechanical fasteners at least 1 ½” long, the subfloor must be flat within ¼” in 10’ of 3/16” in 6’. For all other installations (shorter fasteners, glue down, or floating), the subfloor must be flat within 1/8” in 6’, or 3/16” in 10’. There are various means of correcting subfloor flatness; for more information see NWFA Installation Guidelines, page 58-59.

• Subfloors must be dry. The builder is responsible to control moisture during the building process. The installer must confirm subfloor moisture conditions are suitable before installing any hardwood floor. Any damage due to moisture exposure (swelling, distortion, etc.) prior to flooring installation must be resolved before proceeding with any Somerset flooring installation.

• Subfloors must be clean. Remove any debris present, and address any contamination that may compromise the installation.


SUBSTRATES – Concrete [NWFA Page 61-86]:

• Concrete slabs should be a MINIMUM of 30 days old per each 1” of thickness before evaluating the slab for Somerset flooring. [THIS DOES NOT MEAN ANY SLAB 30 DAYS OLD IS READY FOR FLOORING INSTALLATION]. A concrete slab on
grade (poured directly on soil/ground) must have a Class I vapor retarder installed directly below the slab.

• 3000 PSI [tested by ASTM C39] is the minimum required compressive strength for concrete slabs for direct glue-down Somerset hardwood installations, or mechanically anchored wood panel subfloors.

• Lightweight concrete must meet adhesive manufacturers specifications for direct glue-down of Somerset solid hardwood flooring.

• Subfloor Toppings may be used to flatten or smooth concrete, but must be compatible with the adhesive and any sealers chosen and meet 3000 psi, same as the base slab itself. Topping must also be completely dry before Somerset hardwood flooring installation.

• Concrete subfloors must be structurally sound, free of hollow spots, voids, loose/crumbling residue, or stress cracks. Document slab conditions including photos and notes in the job file.

• The concrete surface over which Somerset hardwood flooring is being installed (direct glue-down) must be compatible with the adhesive chosen. That includes:

• Free of any contaminants that may compromise adhesive bond. This includes old adhesive residue, curing compounds, sealers, waxes, oils, paint, dust, drywall compound, etc. [OLD RESILIENT FLOORING AND ADHESIVE RESIDUE MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS – DO NOT DISTURB ASBESTOS].

• pH of concrete may affect adhesive performance; check with the adhesive manufacturer for acceptable pH levels.


• Surface porosity is critical to the performance of any adhesive; follow adhesive manufacturer recommendations for the appropriate Concrete Surface Profile [NWFA Page 71].
• Concrete slabs must be flat within 3/16” in 10’ or 1/8” in 6’.


Wood Subflooring Installed Over Concrete [NWFA Page 76-86]:

• Wood subfloor panels over concrete slabs may be single or double layer.
• Wood subflooring may be mechanically fastened, full spread glue-down, or floated.
• All concrete conditions as previously defined above must be met.
• Wood panels must be properly acclimated and meet the same standards as previously defined under Substrates – Wood. If using pressure treated panels, they must be kiln dried after treatment and fully acclimated to site conditions.
• A Class-I impermeable vapor barrier is strongly recommended.
• Various fastening methods apply

Substrates - Radiant Heat [NWFA Page 87-101]:

• Somerset Solid-Plus engineered flooring is suitable for use over many in-floor radiant heat systems (hydronic or electric). The coordination of a specific in-floor radiant heat system in a given home’s heating requirements for compatibility with Somerset Solid-Plus engineered flooring is the responsibility of the specifier/architect, builder, flooring supplier, flooring installer, and end user. All of this is outside Somerset’s control and therefore cannot be Somerset’s responsibility.
• Wood flooring is sensitive to temperature and moisture change, thus it is imperative that any in-floor radiant heating system limit wood flooring surface temperature to a maximum of 80 degrees f, and maintain a minimum relative humidity in the home of 30%.
• Choosing a more sensitive wood species (hickory and maple) may require maintaining closer tolerances of temperature and relative humidity levels to avoid flooring damage. Any moisture related flooring issues are excluded in the Somerset limited warranty document.
• Wood flooring surface temperature should vary no more than 3 degrees f at any point within the installed wood floor.
• Wood flooring temperature should not fluctuate by more than 5 degrees f per day. Outdoor reset controls and an in- floor sensor should be installed to minimize rapid temperature changes.
• Area rugs, pet beds, exercise mats, or other similar products trap heat where they rest on hardwood flooring, potentially resulting in flooring damage. This situation should be avoided.
• All radiant heating systems should be fully operational, regardless of season, for a minimum of five days prior to delivery of wood flooring. Radiant heating must then be turned off during installation.
• In floor temperature and humidity monitoring (data-loggers) are strongly recommended to monitor flooring conditions indefinitely.
• Fastening of Somerset Solid-Plus engineered hardwood flooring over in-floor radiant heat systems must never compromise either hydronic tubes or electronic heating elements.
• Radiant cooling systems are never recommended under Somerset hardwood flooring.
• The end-user must have a clear understanding of their flooring product, radiant heat system, and how the two interact in order to maintain both for successful performance.
• SOMERSET WILL STRICTLY ENFORCE APPLICABLE NWFA GUIDELINES [2019 EDITION] REGARDING INSTALLATIONS OF SOMERSET SOLID PLUS® FLOORING OVER ANY IN-FLOOR RADIANT HEAT SYSTEM.

Substrates – Existing Flooring [NWFA Page 102-105]:

• Installing hardwood flooring parallel to an existing solid nailed down wood floor will require an overlay of a minimum 11/32” panel subfloor (see double layer subfloors section). Any new subflooring and the old flooring under it must be fully acclimated (see acclimation section).
• New flooring may be installed (nail or glue down) directly over existing wood flooring if installed perpendicular or at least a 45 degree angle to the existing floor.
• Existing Vinyl, Resilient, Cork, Linoleum floors may be installed over if they are well bonded to the subfloor, flat (1/8” in 6’), clean, and no more than two layers thick. Fasteners must penetrate the subfloor by a minimum of 5/8”. Any glue down installation requires checking compatibility of the adhesive with the existing flooring.

• Existing Ceramic, Terrazzo, Slate, and Marble may be installed over using glue down methods only. Refer to the concrete subfloors section for more information. Many such substrates will require abrasion to create a good bond for the adhesive.
• Carpet: Never install Somerset hardwood flooring over carpet or carpet pad.



Underlayment – Moisture Control [NWFA Page 106-109]:

When installing over a wood subfloor, always identify if the space below the flooring is conditioned (heated/cooled and humidified/dehumidified) or unconditioned space (not directly heated/cooled or humidified/dehumidified).
• No vapor retarder is necessary when installing over a conditioned basement or crawl space maintained at the same temperature and humidity as the space where Somerset flooring is being installed. No vapor retarder should be installed under the wood floor if a Class I or Class II vapor retarder exists on the underside of the joists.
• A Class II vapor retarder should be used on wood subfloors over unconditioned spaces. IMPORTANT: Never use a vapor retarder to remedy a known moisture condition, and never install a wood floor over a known moisture condition.
• When installing over a concrete subfloor, a Class I impermeable vapor retarder is always recommended, whether installing the wood flooring directly on the concrete, installing a wood subfloor on the concrete, or installing over existing flooring [existing vinyl, resilient, linoleum, or cork flooring may not require a vapor retarder be installed.]
• Sound Control/Acoustical Underlayment [See NWFA – Page 110 for details]

Layout [NWFA 2019 Installation Guidelines, Page 116-120]:

• Hardwood flooring is typically installed parallel to the length of the room, but always install perpendicular to the floor joists unless special subfloor conditions are met (see installation section). A primary line should be established as the longest, straightest, continuous line on the job, and all other working lines based off the primary line so the job flows well and is visually “balanced” in the space.


INSTALLATION METHODS [NWFA 2019 Installation Guidelines, Page 121-144]:

• Nail Down
• Somerset Solid-Plus flooring must be installed perpendicular (45 degree angle or greater) to the floor joists, unless special subfloor requirements are met.
• When installing parallel to joists it is critical to confirm adequate subfloor thickness. Typically add a second layer of minimum 15/32” plywood underlayment to the existing subfloor (refer to double-layer subfloor systems for more detailed information.) Another option is to brace between joists/floor trusses. This should be completed by a qualified professional.

• Fasteners
• Blind nail using cleats (flooring nails) or narrow crown (1/4”) staples, either 18 or 20 gauge depending on the tool;
minimum 1 ¼”. Fasten on 3” – 4” intervals, 1”-2” from each end joint, minimum 2 fasteners per board. Blind fasteners should be seated flush in the nail pocket, not too deep. [Note: staples tend to split the tongues if psi is too high].
• For face nailing (near walls and obstacles to blind nailing), use casing or finish nails, minimum 18 gauge. For plank floors face nail on 8” to 10” intervals; for strip flooring face nail on 10”-12” intervals. Fill face nail holes with matching wood filler.
• Elastomeric adhesive may be used as an alternative or addition to the use of face nails where required [see “glue assist” section for more details].
• Fastening at intervals less than required are acceptable as long as the tongue and core of the flooring is not compromised or split by the fasteners.
• Remove existing base/shoe, thresholds, etc. Undercut doorjambs and casings.
• Maintain1/2” expansion space at all vertical obstructions. If the floor span (perpendicular to grain) is greater than 20’, field expansion space may be required [see NWFA guidelines page 128 for further information].
• Install a vapor retarder/underlayment as necessary.
• Racking prior to installation, work from multiple bundles or cartons to achieve satisfactory assortment of color variation, lengths, etc. Distribute lengths to avoid patterns such as stair-steps or H- joints. Cutting varied starter board

lengths will assist in “randomizing” joints. In general, end-joint stagger from row-to-row should be a minimum of twice the width of the flooring (ie: 6” stagger for 3” wide material). Wider-width materials may be more difficult to stagger joints due to product length limitations.
• Fasten a starter row along the entire length of the primary working line. Installed wood flooring should not deviate from a straight line more than 3/16” in 10’. Use spline (aka “slip-tongue) anytime the flooring direction changes, at all
headers or flush transitions, and when reversing installation direction such as starting in the center of a layout or back- filling.

• Glue Assisted Nail Down [fasteners AND adhesive combined]
• Somerset recommends this method when installing all products 5” and wider.
• A traditional sheet-good vapor retarder must be omitted. However, proper and stable site moisture conditions remain important. Glue assisted nail down installations remain subject to moisture issues.
• Where wood flooring is being installed over unconditioned space, use of a liquid-applied or similar Class II vapor retarder compatible with the flooring adhesive may be used in a glue-assist directly to the subfloor.
o The nailing schedule should remain the same as normal installation for the flooring being installed. The addition of adhesive is not intended as a replacement fastener mechanism, rather supplemental to the mechanical fastener.
o The wood flooring adhesive used should be elastomeric to allow for normal movement of the flooring system. The adhesive must be compatible with the subflooring and any liquid-applied or similar vapor retarder system used.
o Adhesive may be applied to the subfloor or back of the board to supplement the mechanical fasteners. Adhesive should cover the entire width and length of each plank, to within a minimum of 1” from the edges and ends of each board. Serpentine and striped patterns are acceptable.

• Full Spread Glue Down [wood or concrete subfloors]:
o Somerset Solid-Plus flooring must be installed perpendicular (45 degree angle or greater) to the floor joists, unless special subfloor requirements are met.
o When installing parallel to joists it is critical to confirm adequate subfloor thickness. Typically add a second layer of minimum 15/32” plywood underlayment to the existing subfloor (refer to double-layer subfloor systems for more detailed information.) Another option is to brace between joists/floor trusses. This should be completed by a qualified professional.
o Concrete subfloors (refer to the Concrete Subfloors chapter for more-detailed information).
o A traditional sheet-good vapor retarder must be omitted [except acoustical underlayment systems]. However, proper and stable site moisture conditions remain important. Glue down installations remain subject to moisture issues.
o Where wood flooring is being installed over unconditioned space, use of a liquid-applied or similar Class II vapor retarder compatible with the flooring adhesive may be used in a glue-down installation.
o Somerset recommends a quality hardwood flooring adhesive. Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions for proper use of the adhesive, application methods, flash-time, working-time, etc. All wood flooring adhesives must be elastomeric and remain flexible despite movement in the installed flooring system.
o Expansion space, racking, joint spacing, etc. remain the same as recommended for nail down installations.

• Floating Floors [wood or concrete subfloors] NOTE: THIS IS NOT A LOCKING TONGUE GROOVE PRODUCT:
o Somerset Solid-Plus flooring must be installed perpendicular (45 degree angle or greater) to the floor joists, unless special subfloor requirements are met.
o When installing parallel to joists it is critical to confirm adequate subfloor thickness. Typically add a second layer of minimum 15/32” plywood underlayment to the existing subfloor (refer to double-layer subfloor systems for more detailed information.) Another option is to brace between joists/floor trusses. This should be completed by a qualified professional.
o When floating Somerset Solid Plus flooring, subfloor flatness is particularly important. All subfloors should be flat to within 1/8” in 6’ or 3/16” in 10’.
o Moisture testing remains important to avoid trapping moisture beneath floating floor underlayments, and to avoid excessive movement of the floating floor. Do not assume floating a floor negates the need for moisture testing.
o Somerset Solid Plus flooring should be floated only over a quality floating floor underlayment specified by the manufacturer of the underlayment as suitable for use with ½” hardwood flooring. Typically
underlayment should be a minimum of 1/8” (.125”) thick. Over concrete subfloors, that underlayment

should include a Class I vapor retarder, or a separate Class I vapor retarder should be applied. Over wood substrates above unconditioned spaces, use an underlayment that includes a Class II vapor retarder, or provide one separately.
o Expansion space is particularly critical with any floating floor. ½” expansion space is required at all vertical obstructions. Be particularly careful to allow adequate expansion at all door jambs/casings, thresholds, etc.
o Expansion space is also required (covered with transition moldings) thru doorways less than 4’ in width, and within any room/space greater than 20’ in width or 40’ in length (as related to the flooring direction).
o Floating floor installations must be free to float without interference from trim, kitchen islands, cabinets, etc. Never fasten anything thru a floating floor into the subfloor, or directly to the floating floor.
o Somerset Solid Plus flooring must be edge-glued – THIS IS NOT A LOCKING TONGUE GROOVE PRODUCT.
o Apply a small bead of PVA or equivalent glue continually along the edge and end groove, directing the bead of glue to the bottom of the floor (unfinished face). Too much glue is NOT better, as it may result in bleed back onto the flooring surface, and may fill the groove such that the tongue cannot fully seat in the groove (like a hydraulic cylinder – compressing the glue creates pressure resulting in gaps). Glue application takes some practice to get a “feel” for the quantity to apply.
o Engage the tongue/groove and use a tapping block to close the joints. Straps, wedges, clamps, etc. may help to hold the rack together during the work. It is important to start the job working against a fastened “starter row” that remains stationary as the flooring is being racked out and tapped together. Once a substantial portion of flooring is in place and glue has had a chance to develop strength, the starter row can be removed.
o Clean any excess glue from the surface of the planks as necessary.

Protection, Care, and Maintenance [NWFA page 150-152]

• After installation, if a protective cover over the floor is needed, cover the floor completely. Areas left uncovered may change color. Also note covering a glue-down or glue assisted application may not allow some adhesives to properly cure; follow the adhesive manufacturers’ recommendations. Any adverse effects of covering any Somerset floor after installation are excluded by the Somerset limited warranty.
• Any protective covering should be taped, using a low-adhesion tape, to base or shoe moldings. NEVER apply tape to the finished flooring. When taping paper or sheets together, tape them to each other, not to the floor. Do not allow the floor covering to sit on the installed floor for an extended period of time.

RESIDENTIAL HARDWOOD LIMITED WARRANTY
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE CUSTOMER
SOMERSET COMMITMENT Somerset Hardwood Flooring produces many products to appeal to a wide variety of customer tastes and needs. The limited warranties described herein extend to the original purchaser and are SUBJECT TO THE PROCEDURES, LIMITATIONS, DISCLAIMERS, EXCLUSIONS, AND PROVISIONS SET FORTH HEREIN. These limited warranties cover only approved applications as recommended by Somerset Hardwood Flooring and are effective on hardwood flooring purchased after June 1, 2020. Refer to www.somersetfloors.com for current applicable warranty, installation, and floor care information.
Lifetime Structural Integrity Limited Warranty Somerset warrants, to the original purchaser. (cannot be assigned or transferred), that its first quality products, in their original manufactured condition, will be free from manufacturing defects in milling, dimension, and grade for the lifetime of the floor. Somerset SolidPLUS engineered products are warranted against de-larnination of the plies due to bond line failure. This limited warranty does not cover seasonal expansion and contraction of wood flooring.
SOMERSET PRODUCTS PURCHASED ONLINE ARE NOT COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY.
Somerset advocates the Internet as one resource for product information, a means of locating dealers in a given area, etc. However, Somerset believes our products and our customers deserve and expect services best provided by local retailers, including expertise at the point of sale, installation, and service after the sale. Therefore, Somerset does not sell its products over the Internet and has not authorized its products be sold over the Internet. This warranty does not apply to any Somerset product purchased over the Internet. Any and all warranties specifically offered by Somerset on any of its products are void as to any product purchased over the Internet. Somerset will not honor any claim for any product purchased over the Internet, nor will Somerset accept returns of such materials.
Somerset's Internet policy does not allow the use of our tradernark, links, photography, or representations of our product in association with posted pricing, product on sale, allusion to pricing, or any prompt to call for pricing, or call for freight quote, with intent of selling product online. Dealers who improperly offer Somerset products for sale online may be subject to the loss of access to Somerset products and may be noted as an unauthorized dealer. Continued unauthorized use of Somerset's trademarks and images may be subject to legal action.
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50-Year Finish Wear Layer Limited Warranty: Hand Crafted, Color Strip, Homestyle, High Gloss, Classic, Character, Specialty, Wide Plank, Color Plank, Classic Character, and Traditional Collections. Somerset warrants, to the original purchaser, that the factory finish will not wear through or separate from the wood for 50 years from the original date of purchase on all factory-finished products in the aforementioned collections when installed under normal residential traffic conditions.
15-Year Finish Wear Layer Limited Warranty: TruOAK and Builder Grade Products. Somerset warrants, to the original purchaser, that the factory finish will not wear through or separate from the wood for 15 years, from the original date of purchase, on all prefinished products sold by Somerset as TruOAK or Builder GradeTM when installed under normal residential traffic conditions.
5-Year Light Commercial Finish Wear Layer Limited Warranty: Hand Crafted, Color Strip, Homestyle, Classic, Character, Specialty, Wide Plank, Color Plank, Classic Character, and Traditional Collections. Somerset warrants, to the original purchaser, that the factory finish will not wear through or scparatc from the wood for 5 years from the original date of purchase on all factory-finished products in the aforementioned collections. Light commercial applications include such areas as business offices and retail shops. "Wet areas" such as commercial kitchens, hair salon chair stations, etc. are not considered "light commercial' .
Cabin Grade / Utility Grade Flooring Cabin / Utility Grade flooring is sold as is. No warranties apply to cabin, utility, or any grades or products not expressly included in the limited warranty document.
Floor Care See Floor Care section @ www.somersetfloors.com We recommend Somerset Floor Care products to maintain the beauty of your floor. The use of other products may damage your Somerset floor and void the limited warranty. Oil soaps, vinyl maintenance products, ammonia based products, polishes/waxes, furniture polishes, vinegar solutions, and steam mops are specifically not recommended.
Somerset Limited Warranty Exclusions The color and grain variations created in a living tree are like all of nature—never repeated. These natural characteristics include mineral streaks, knots, and other variations, which are not considered defects. Due to this infinite natural variety, actual flooring delivered will vary from physical samples, printed brochures, online photography (screen settings vary widely), etc.
Hardwood flooring will undergo color changes due to the effects of natural and artificial light; these changes are not covered by the warranty. Color and gloss variations resulting from any addition to a pre-existing installation at a later date are outside Somerset's control and thus cannot be warranted. Area rugs and furnishings often shield the floor from light resulting in uneven aging. These color changes also preclude matching new flooring to previously installed flooring.
Because Somerset hardwood flooring is a natural product, it will expand and contract due to seasonal changes. This is not a product defect.
Somerset hardwood flooring can be warranted only when installed and maintained under a continuous climate controlled interior environment. That includes maintaining a temperature range between 60 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and 30% to 50% relative humidity. The original owner agrees to provide proof of compliance with these conditions if a claim is filed.
SOMERSET SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDES ANY WARRANTIES BEYOND THOSE DESCRIBED HEREIN. Without limitation, this would exclude warranties for indentation, scratching, damage caused by misuse, negligence, accidents, fire, insects, pets, shoes (particularly high heels), rocks, sand, other abrasives, improper storage/handling, maintenance issues, furniture (chair legs or casters), appliances, mobility-aid devices (such as walkers, canes, scooters, and wheelchairs), and misuse or improper alterations of the original manufactured product. Misrepresentations of Somerset products by other par-ties including retailers, installers, and contractors are excluded. Issues of workmanship by the installer are outside Somerset's control and cannot be covered. Failure to follow Somerset Installation Guidelines will
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void this warranty. The customer agrees to provide proof of compliance with all applicable installation guidelines when a claim is filed. Movement or damage due to moisture changes, deficiencies of the underlying structure, construction methods or materials, plumbing issues, other trades, and weather or natural disasters and acts of God is excluded. Cupping or crowning, changes in width, thickness, and length, checking/splitting, etc. are all moisture related issues. Finish damage from any tape applied to the finished surface of Somerset Hardwood Flooring is excluded.
Somerset solid hardwood flooring MUST NOT be installed over in-floor radiant heating systems and any such installation is excluded from any warranty coverage. Somerset SolidPLUS"' flooring may be used over in-floor radiant heat systems when installed and maintained in full compliance with current NWFA Guidelines regarding radiant heat applications.
Warranties described herein apply to Somerset flooring only—any molding and trim items that may be purchased to complete your floor are excluded and are not warranted by Somerset Hardwood Flooring.
Acceptability of any Somerset hardwood flooring irregularities shall be based on the standards for such evaluations established by the National Wood Flooring Association (Technical Publication C-200), which include viewing the floor from a standing position and under ambient lighting conditions. Glare from a direct light source must not be used during evaluation.
Consequential or incidental damages are also excluded, including but not limited to labor, loss of use of flooring or facilities/equipment, loss of profit or revenue, downtime, etc.
DIY (amateur) Installations of Somerset product (if purchased thru normal retail channels - not online) remain eligible for warranty protection, but must comply fully with professional industry standards of practice (NWFA and Somerset guidelines) including moisture testing, documentation, etc.
INSTALLATION OF ANY FLOORING CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF GRADE, MILLING AND FINISH "It is the responsibility of the installer and/or the buyer and/or the end-user to ensure that the wood flooring meets their expectations for visual appearance and manufacturing quality prior to installation" (NWFA Installation Guidelines, Page 27). In addition, the Uniform Commercial Code provides that goods with easily ascertainable defects must be immediately rejected by the buyer or they will be deemed to have been accepted. SPECIAL NOTE: Certain Somerset flooring Collections feature natural character markings as part of the intended look and style of the flooring. Purchase of this flooring implies that natural character is expected and accepted. It is the responsibility of the installer to CONFIRM PRIOR TO INSTALLATION that the flooring is of satisfactory appearance, including any variations when mixing widths arid/or products of different run dates. Once installed, Somerset will not honor any claims concerning the appearance of the floor. Gloss reduction is not considered a finish failure.
This writing is the complete and exclusive statement of the limited warranty, and is in lieu of all other expressed arid/or statutory warranties. Somerset assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages. However, some states do not allow the exclusion of limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights as they vary from state to state.
The language in this Limited Warranty shall be construed according to the laws of the state of Kentucky without regard to its choice of law provisions. Any lawsuit regarding any breach of any limited warranty must be brought in Fayette Circuit Court, Fayette County, Kentucky. However: before filing any action, the parties must make a good faith effort to settle their differences. If they are unable to settle their differences, they will submit the dispute for mediation in Fayette County, Kentucky. If they are unable to resolve the dispute by mediation, either party may file an action against the other thirty days after the mediation has failed or the mediator declares an impasse.
If they are unable to resolve the dispute by mediation, any one of the disputants may require the other parties to submit the dispute to arbitration. Such arbitration shall proceed in Fayette County, Kentucky and in accordance with the arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association then pertaining. The costs and fees of the arbitration, including attorneys' fees of the parties, shall be allocated by the arbitrators. The award rendered by the arbitrators shall be final unless proven to be in manifest disregard of law, arbitrary arid capricious, or completely irrational and judgment may be entered in accordance with applicable law and in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
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In the event of any action or proceeding to declare any disclaimer of any warranty invalid, the prevailing party or-parties shall be entitled to recover his, her, or its reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs, in addition to any other relief that may be granted.
Claims Information In the unlikely event that any portion of your Somerset floor should fail with respect to the provisions of the limited warranties, Somerset Hardwood Flooring, at its sole option, to the original purchaser, will repair, refinish, or replace such portion at no cost to you with the same product or one of equal value. Any replacement flooring provided in resolution) of a claim will only be supplied from Somerset's current product offering. If Somerset is not able to correct the failure after a reasonable number of attempts, Somerset will refund, if requested, the purchase price for that portion of the floor that fails.
To file a claim, first contact the Somerset retailer where the original purchase was made. If the retailer is unable to satisfy the claim, contact by letter Somerset Hardwood Flooring, P.O. Box 1355, Somerset, KY 42502, Attn: Claims Department. Claims must be filed within the warranty coverage period and including documentation verifying date of purchase, specific Somerset item purchased, and full compliance with all installation and floor care guidelines. Somerset Hardwood Flooring reserves the right to have a representative designated by Somerset inspect the floor and collect samples for analysis [possibly including destructive testing]. Any attempt to repair, replace, or refinish prior to Somerset having the opportunity to inspect arid approve corrective action will void this limited warranty.

ROUTINE CARE INSTRUCTIONS For Somerset’s Ultimate™ Finish
Somerset Hardwood Flooring features the latest in surface finishing technology. Somerset’s Ultimate™ finish is an advanced UV-cured aluminum oxide finish. This combination produces a finish with exceptional wear resistance—so your floor will stay looking beautiful with minimal effort.

Routine Care
Sweep, vacuum, or dust mop your hardwood floor on a regular basis just as you would any floor covering.

Use only vacuum cleaners and/or settings suitable for hardwood flooring. "Beater bars" that agitate carpet fiber can damage hardwood flooring. Removing loose particulate matter is the best preventative maintenance for a hardwood floor.

The single biggest mistake in hardwood flooring maintenance, is letting the applicator (mop head) become too dirty, beyond which dirt is merely spread around.

Clean up spills first with an absorbent towel, paper towel, etc. as soon as they are discovered. Then clean as necessary with Somerset’s Ultimate™ Wood Floor Cleaner, which is specially formulated for the Ultimate finish. This product should also be used for general cleaning, as needed.

Somerset’s Specially-Formulated Care Products
We recommend using Somerset Floor Care Products to maintain the beauty of your floor. Somerset’s Ultimate™ Wood Floor Cleaner has been developed to protect and maintain the Ultimate™ finish. This cleaner has been specially formulated for the easy cleaning and care of flooring in Somerset’s Color, High Gloss, Homestyle, Character, Specialty, Classic Character, Traditional, Wide Plank, Handcrafted, and Classic Collections.
The use of other products not formulated for your Somerset floor may damage your floor, and void the warranty (see Somerset’s Limited Warranty for details).
What NOT to use on your new Somerset floor: excess water, vinyl or tile care products, acrylic wax, polish, renovator, rejuvenator, household wet dusting products, paste wax, oil soaps, furniture polish, vinegar solutions, or steam mops. These may all damage your floor.


Repair/Refinishing
Minor surface scratches can be repaired using the Somerset Touch-Up Kit designed for your floor color. Touch-Up Kits are available from the dealer or installer from whom you purchased your Somerset floor, or directly from www.somersetfloors.com.
Floors that have been damaged from years of wear and tear or neglect can be restored to their original beauty by a professional wood flooring finisher.
If your decorating needs change over the years, your 3/4” solid or 1/2” engineered floor can be refinished to a new color to complement your new decor. Again, we recommend this be done by a professional wood flooring finisher.
Options include a maintenance coat that can be applied to the existing finish as needed, or fully sanding and refinishing the floor. How much work is required depends on the condition of the floor and the owner’s objectives at the time the work is evaluated by a wood flooring professional.
By properly caring for your floor and following basic preventative maintenance tips and common sense, you can keep your floor looking new for years, delaying and possibly eliminating the need for major refinishing or repair.

When you make the decision to purchase Somerset Hardwood Flooring, you are making an investment that will last the lifetime of your home, giving you many years of enjoyment and adding value to your home.