How to Install Tongue and Groove 8' Planking and 32" Wainscot

IMPORTANT WARNING!
This product will expand and contract. Loosely fit individual boards together to allow for expansion. DO NOT tightly press individual boards together. They WILL buckle when expansion occurs. Leave a minimum of 1/8” at the edge of first/last board and corner. Best installed in a climate-controlled environment. Allow ample time for product to acclimate to room temperature.


To minimize expansion or contraction of the product, open all packages. Place the pieces flat with space between each for air to circulate. Allow 72 hours for pieces to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room in which they will be installed — not in a damp or unheated area.


Finish or seal the front, back and edges of each piece. Allow them to dry completely.


Arrange boards in desired sequence of pattern — as solid wood products vary in grain and color.


Expansion and contraction are inherent characteristics of solid wood products due to humidity. The manufacturer cannot be held held liable for contraction and expansion of planks.


If walls are cracked, uneven or extremely rough, planks should be glued and/or nailed to a framework of 2” x 4”, 1” x 3” or 1” x 4” strips of kiln-dried wood.


If walls are in good condition, glue and nail wainscot directly on existing drywall, plywood or paneling.


Note: In rooms with extremely high moisture (e.g. saunas, bathrooms or laundry areas), apply a vapor barrier, ex. 4 mil polyethylene placed between the studs and wainscot/planking.


STEP 1: WAINSCOT BASE TRIM
Nail base trim to wall with grooved side up using 1” finishing nails. (See Figure 1.) Nail on 16” centers to studs wherever possible for a secure hold.


STEP 2: WAINSCOT/ PLANKING
Start with grooved edge toward corner. Leave about 1/8” space between your first piece and corner, allowing for expansion.


Add new pieces of wainscot by pushing the grooved edge onto the tongue of piece already applied. (See Figure 2.)


Make sure first piece is plumb. Secure first piece by nailing close to the grooved edge with 1” finishing nails. (See Figure 4.) Also, nail first piece at an angle on lap of plank so nails will not show. Contractor’s glue can also be used.


Continue to nail additional pieces through the lip. Leave approximately 1/32” between pieces to allow for expansion/contraction. As you are working, check frequently for plumb with level or tape measure.


When you come to a corner, rip the piece to the proper width. Secure with 1” finishing nails. For a stronger bond, use combination of nails and glue.


STEP 3: WAINSCOT CHAIR RAIL
Wainscot chair rail is installed after securing the 32” wainscot and the wainscot base. It is applied with grooved lip facing down above the 32” wainscot. (See Figure 3.) Nail on 16” centers. Nail into studs whenever possible for secure hold.


STEP 4: INSIDE & OUTSIDE CORNERS
Finish the installation by using inside corner trim and outside corner trim to finish all corners.


TIPS
• Nailing: Use angled nails for greater holding power. Finish with nail set. Position nails on lip. (Option: Use nail gun for faster, easier installation. Recommendation: pre-drill holes to prevent splitting.)
• Gluing: Use quality panel glue to secure wainscot/planking to the wall.
• Check frequently for plumb with a level or tape measure.
• Tap boards in place using wood block to protect the surfaces.
• To maintain House of Fara solid hardwood products, simply wipe with damp cloth.
• For applications requiring planking longer than 8’, pieces can be butted end to end. Stagger butt joints to create attactive pattern.
• Crown Moulding is used with a planking installation to finish off corner between ceiling and wall.