General Information:
Wood floor medallions are installed by cutting the floor to the required shape and size, down to the sub-floor. The medallion is glued-down into the opening. The floor can be new or existing, pre-finished or unfinished.

Round medallions are typically installed using a jig or template.

Rectangular medallions and the medallions with straight lines are installed using guides. With the square medallions, some installers prefer to glue the medallion first and then install the flooring around it.

Odd shaped, oval inlays are installed using provided installation templates.

Unfinished floor installation is preferred. The medallion and the floor are sanded and finished together on-site. This process offers a better fit of the inlay and the rest of the floor. Gaps can be patched with the wood filler. Sanding of the entire floor insures that the floor and inlays are at the same height and seamless transition.

Prefinished floor installation requires the medallion to be already finished and to be the same thickness as the rest of the floor. Inlay installation can be done any other time after the floor is installed. However, it is less forgiving for the gaps and scratches during the installation.

How would I install a floor medallion or border ?

Prerequirements:

Please read all the requirements for medallion and border installation first. Make sure that all the conditions for environment, subfloor and materials are met before attempting to install the medallion.

Note: Prior to installation, keep the medallion in the climate controlled environment, flat, in horizontal position to avoid possible warping. Acclimate the medallion for at least 24 hr. in the room where it will be installed.

Humidity and Winter season warning: Please keep the humidity level in the house within acceptable range of 40 to 60%. Dry in-house air is typical for a cold season. This is the primary cause for wood warping, gaps and cracking in the inlays and is not covered by warranty. Use either HVAC build-in or portable humidifier to maintain the environment. Inlay are more sensitive to the moisture fluctuations than regular plank hardwood floors due to the combination of different wood species with different hygroscopic properties.

Required Tools:

a.. Router
b.. Router bit ( Can be purchased from Atlanta Inlaid Floors for $22.95)
c.. Template (Supplied )
d.. A pencil, ruler
e.. Flooring adhesive and spreader (Adhesive can be purchased from Atlanta Inlaid Floors Floors, $15.00 per tube).
f.. Dry Vac
g..

General Guidelines, Tips, and Safety:

a.. Always use your safety glasses, hearing and dust protection.
b.. Read and understand the instructions for both the machinery and cutters before starting to work.
c.. Always inspect a router bit before use. Check for chips in the carbide, frozen bearings, worn shaft, and be sure set screws and  
    nuts are tight in bit assemblies.
d.. Always change bits or make adjustments with the router unplugged.
e.. Make sure the bit shaft is set at least 3/4" into the collet, but not bottomed out in the collet. The end of the shank should be
    about 1/16" up from the bottom of the collet.
f.. Two light passes cut more smoothly and easily than one heavy pass.


REMOVING MEDALLION FROM TEMPLATE

1 . ) Push the medallion up from the bottom while holding the template, so you are lifting the medallion up from the template
      DO NOT LIFT THE TEMPLATE THIS CAN TEAR THE OUTER EDGE OF WOOD FROM THE MEDALLION.

Installation

We recommend that when installing the medallion.

1. ) Lay the template on your floor in your desired location and directional orientation .

2. ) Attach template to floor with either finish nails or double-sided tape.

3. ) Use flush cutting router bit with top ball-bearing pilot bit riding against inside of template.

4. ) Make multiple passes to get proper depth.

5. ) Remove template.

6. ) Remove wood inside the template.

7. ) Check for fit and directional orientation .

8. ) Apply flooring glue or construction adhesive to routered area.

Adhesives

For medallions and borders installations, Bostik makes a very convenient glue cartridge 1100 FS. A fast curing, one-part, cartridge/gun applied, moisture cure urethane adhesive that does not contain water or chlorinated solvents, is V.O.C. Compliant.

Bostik Best glue is the only adhesive tested and certified by Atlanta Inlaid Floors. Use other adhesives at your own risk. Atlanta Inlaid Floors does not provide warranty on sub-floor separation for other adhesives.

9. ) Install medallion in routered area.

10. ) Put weight on medallion and let dry 24 hours.

** IT IS RECOMMENDED NOT TO LEAVE THE MEDALLION OR BORDER UNFINISHED FOR ANY EXTENDED LENGTH OF TIME DUE TO THE MOISTURE CONTENT IN THE AIR AND IT'S SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT. WE RECOMMEND TO SEAL THE SURFACE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Unless your order has been pre-finished.

DO NOT SPRAY ALCOHOL ON MEDALLIONS OR BORDERS TO RAISE THE GRAIN BEFORE FINISHING

Is it possible to get different woods?
Yes, You can specify the woods you would like to use. There might be an additional charge for replacing exotic woods with other exotics.If you'd like to make a modification to our existing items, please print out the detail of the product. Mark your changes with a pen or marker specifying wood types. Fax the drawing to (770-271-1132) or email. We will then provide you with an estimate for proposed changes.

Ordering Information

How do I order your product?
You may place an order by calling our Toll Free number : 1 (800)790-4865 or use the online form on the Contact Us page to request an invoice.

Is there a minimum order?
No, but borders are sold in roughly 4' sections.

What is the cost of shipping?
Typical S/H fee for 24" is $45.00, 36" is $85.00 in U.S. lower 48 states. Actual cost to be determined by each shipment. Borders are shipped
per pound using standard UPS rates.
For larger medallions 36" and over, Atlanta Inlaid Floors uses Fed Ex Freight. All shipping is fully insured and trackable. You may save on shipping if you can provide a non-residential delivery location otherwise an additional $75.00 residential fee is charged .
Residential service is considered "curbside delivery." Meaning the truck will only go to the end of your driveway. Lift gate service and inside delivery may be requested for an additional charge.
All items are insured for the entire purchase amount.

How soon can I receive my order?
Unfinished stock medallions can usually be shipped within 3 to 5 business days, after payment is received.
Please allow additional four to five business days for pre-finished items.
Borders lead-times vary depending on the quantity of linear feet.
Typical lead time to produce a custom medallion is two to three weeks from the time of signed approval drawing.

Can I order something custom?
Yes, we are more than happy to quote your custom design. We will strive to match all design elements based on detail and size. Production of all custom medallions does not begin until we have a signature on the approval drawing. All custom designs are the property of that customer and will not be resold.

Can I return the product ?
All stock Items have a 20% restocking fee. All custom medallions cannot be returned.

Can I cancel my order?
Once the order is placed for stock items you have 48 hours to cancel your order. After 48 hours a 10% processing fee will be charged.
All custom orders will be charged the full amount.

Do you have samples of the wood?
We sell wood sample palettes. You may purchase a wood palette of the common wood species used in our products. One side of the sampler is finished with gloss finish and the opposite in satin finish. This will help you to see the "true" wood colors and structure. Each sampler has eight segments with Ash, Wenge, Bloodwood, White Oak, Red Oak, Walnut, Brazilian Cherry, and Maple. Each sampler costs $30. This amount is refunded if you decide to purchase any products.