Wall Plank Installation

Plank Installation

BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION

Before starting, make sure all surfaces are clean, dry, smooth, and free from dust, grease, wax, etc. Clean the back surface of the planks by wiping with a clean cloth.

Perform a “dry layout” prior to applying adhesive. This will help you visualize tile cuts and placement of tiles with similar designs. Some of the wood-look planks include color variations, lines, and cracks to emulate the look of natural wood. Avoid placing tiles with similar or identical patterns or texture next to each other. Measure walls, & check for level and square. Depending on dimensions and room construction, you may need to trim some panels accordingly.

Installation in environments exposed to a direct flow of water (shower, mud room or garage) require a 1/8-inch bead of sealant to be used in all tongue and groove connections (image A).

Cut Palisade planks by scoring and snapping with a utility knife. (image C, D). This method may require sanding the snapped edges.

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You can also use standard wood working tools like a table saw or circular saw with a fine-tooth blade to provide a clean, smooth cut (image E). Use a 60-tooth blade or higher. To ensure the base of the saw does not scratch the surface of the plank, we recommend protecting the surface with blue painter’s tape.

Cut planks for outlets and light switches. Measure and mark the borders where the opening will be with a marker. Drill a 1/2-inch hole using a drill in a corner of the cut-out section (image F). Use a jigsaw to cut the remaining opening, following your tracing (image G).

Do not attach accessories like coat hooks, light fittings, mirrors, etc. directly to the tiles. Drill holes through the tiles and use suitable anchors to attach the accessories securely into the framing behind. Seal per sealant instructions.

Installation onto drywall, OSB, plywood or existing tile subtrates

If you choose to finish the edges, we recommend our matching trim for both end pieces and inside corners. We recommend using baseboard or cove molding to finish the bottom row, regardless of flooring material. For both end trim pieces and corner trims, install trim in appropriate location prior to setting plank into trim (image H).

Palisade planks’ unique interlocking edges have a tongue and a groove (image I). The plank’s tongue should be facing up when installing. This will prevent any moisture buildup

If your project calls for Palisade planks starting at a floor, be sure the first row is straight and level. Determine the desired height of your first plank row and snap or draw a level line at that height for a reference line. Align the tops of each plank in the first row to the snapped line (image J). It is important that this starting row be level and straight. If you are starting with full tile, cut off the tongue or use a matching J-trim along the bottom edge.

To install your first plank, begin with bottom row. Make sure the first plank you intend to install fits properly and is level. You may need to place a temporary shim under each bottom plank to hold them in place while the adhesive sets (image K).

Apply adhesive to the back of the plank. Carefully read and follow adhesive manufacturer’s directions. Apply a 1/4-inch bead in a typical “M” or “W” pattern, and a bead around the plank perimeter about 1-inch in (image L).

Apply the plank to the substrate by pressing it into place. Apply even pressure with your hands across the entire plank. If necessary, use shims or pins to hold planks in place until the adhesive sets.

Wipe off excess adhesive. Use water and a cloth. Clean off any adhesive residue that is visible while it is still wet. Do not allow this residue to dry as it will be difficult to clean up when dry and could damage the finish

Connect the next plank by fully inserting the tongue into the groove (image M).

Repeat until bottom row is complete. If installing in a corner, cut off the flange facing the corner to allow a plumb surface against the substrate. Repeat this process on plank that abuts the previous one also facing the corner. Allow the adhesive on the bottom row to set up so that all subsequent rows remain level.

Determine what pattern you want to use before starting the second row MP(image N, O). Commonly-used options are running bond (vertical joints are staggered) and stack bond (vertical joints line up).

After the first row has set up, apply the remaining tiles according to the pattern or layout you desire. Use adhesive and methods described above for remaining rows.