M E TA M O R P H O S I S
INSTALLATIO N GU ID E
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PURCHASE
OF DUCHÂTEAU WALL COVERINGS.
We recommend you hire an experienced finish carpenter or wood flooring installer to achieve quality
results with all DuChâteau Wall Coverings. The right tools are key for a successful installation.
I M P O R TA N T:
WA R N I N G :
B E S U R E TO F U L LY I N S P EC T S H I P M E N T FO R A N Y DA M AG E
I M P R O P E R LY I N S TA L L I N G D U C H ÂT E AU WA L L C OV E R I N G S
I M M E D I AT E LY U P O N A R R I VA L P R I O R TO I N S TA L L AT I O N .
M AY R E S U LT I N VO I D I N G YO U R WA R R A N T Y. P R OT EC T
A N Y DA M AG E M U S T B E R E P O R T E D I M M E D I AT E LY TO
YO U R WA R R A N T Y A N D YO U R I N V E S T M E N T, A LWAYS
C U S TO M E R S E RV I C E@ D U C H AT E AU.C O M .
FA S T E N A N D G LU E D U C H ÂT E AU WA L L C OV E R I N G S .
CONTENTS
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
4
HORIZONTAL INSTALLATION
5
VERTICAL INSTALLATION
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RECOMMENDED TOOLS
FLAT BLACK PAINT, TRAY AND
PROTECTIVE FLOOR COVER
FINISH MITER SAW* WITH A
HORIZONTAL CAPACITY OF 16”
DRILL
BRUSH AND ROLLER
BLACK TAPE
FINISH TABLE SAW*
JIGSAW
AIR COMPRESSOR
*NOTE:
CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVE
LASER LEVEL OR LEVEL
CHALK LINE
23 GAUGE NAIL GUN
18 GAUGE NAIL GUN
FLATHEAD SCREWS
WITH NAILS
WITH NAILS
- OPTIONAL
COUNTERSINK BIT
STEP LADDER OR SCAFFOLD
- IF USING FLATHEAD SCREWS
- IF NECESSARY
RUBBER MALLET
MAKE SURE YOUR BLADES ARE IN PRIME CONDITION TO WORK WITH PRE-FINISHED LUMBER.
AND APPLICATOR
MEASURING TAPE, RULER
AND SCORING KNIFE
H O R I Z O N TA L
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
H O R I Z O N TA L
PREPARATION
STEP 1
First, check the wall(s) is level from floor to
ceiling and edge-to-edge.
If not, be sure to note the differences in
height and/or width, and adjust
layout accordingly.
Fix any irregularities on the surface of your
installation area that would affect how the
tiles lay.
TOOLS:
LASER LEVEL OR LEVEL
6
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
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H O R I Z O N TA L
PREPARATION
STEP 2
Paint the desired installation area matte
black to hide any potential gaps between
or within tiles due to expansion and
contraction of wood over time; 1/16” gap is
normal between tiles.
For edges, use black tape to further conceal
paint imperfection, if needed.
FL AT BL ACK PAINT
PAINT TR AY
TOOLS:
PROTECTIVE FLOOR COVER
PAINT BRUSH AND ROLLER
BL ACK TAPE
7
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
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H O R I Z O N TA L
PREPARATION
STEP 3
1/4”
Leave a 1⁄4” gap around the perimeter of
your installation area, including trim, to allow
for product expansion and contraction.
1/4”
1/4”
Use shims for an even separation,
if necessary.
1/4”
TOOLS:
ME A SURING TAPE
RULER
8
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
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H O R I Z O N TA L
PREPARATION
STEP 4
FIG. A
Assess the direction of the tiles you wish
MARK INITIAL CUTS
to have them installed – horizontal, vertical,
and/or even diagonal at any angle.
F I G A . Lay two rows on the floor before
installing to plan your wall. Define and mark
initial cuts
FIG . B (CENTERED INSTALL)
F I G B . IMP ORTA NT: If centered install
is desired, mark center piece and measure
out ends of wall to ensure both ends of wall
coverings are equal before cutting excess.
MARK CENTER PIECES
*The visible hardboard back panel should always
be facing the direction of installation.
9
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
H O R I Z O N TA L
PREPARATION
STEP 5
Measure and mark your horizontal and
vertical guidelines using a laser level
and chalk line in accordance with the
tile dimensions.
MARK INITIAL CUTS
TOOLS:
LASER LEVEL
CHALK LINE
10
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
H O R I Z O N TA L
PREPARATION
STEP 6
In prep for outlets, light switches, etc.,
TRIM
arrange any other rows of tiles on the floor
that will require additional cuts, taking care
to mark any outlets and define initial cuts
once level; please see special instructions
for installing mouldings.
Anticipate final row might need to be
trimmed to fit as well.
RULER
TOOLS:
JIGSAW AND DRILL
MITER SAW OR TABLE SAW
11
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
H O R I Z O N TA L
FASTENING
STEP 7
To install HORIZONTALLY, begin in either
FIG. B
TOP RIGHT corner or BOTTOM LEFT
corner, as long as the hardboard back panel
is facing the direction of the install. Define
and mark initial cuts.
F I G A . Starting from Left to Right from
FIG. A
the Bottom, place the visible hardboard back
panel to the Right and Up.
F I G B . Starting from Right to Left from
the Top, the visible hardboard back panel to
the Left and Top.
FIG. A
FIG. B
CUT
(NOTE: Initial cuts will vary depending on
your desired installation area.)
CUT
12
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
H O R I Z O N TA L
FASTENING
STEP 8
Cut excess tab off the wall tile in order to be
flush and ensure proper coverage.
F I G A . The excess tile will need to be cut
on the left and below to be flush with the
wall/floor.
F I G B . The excess tile will need to be cut
FIG. A
FIG. B
on the right and top to be flush with the
wall/ceiling.
Please note that when cutting any pattern,
pieces may fall off due to the vibration of
the saw. Simply, glue back on and nail from
back to secure it firmly.
13
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
H O R I Z O N TA L
FASTENING
STEP 9
Add adhesive on the back panel, and place
the initial tile at the starting point of
the installation.
TOOLS:
CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVE
APPLIC ATOR
14
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
H O R I Z O N TA L
FASTENING
STEP 10
Once level and aligned, fasten the exposed
back panel with at least 4 #18 Gauge Nails.
(OPTIONAL: If using flathead screws, be
sure to use a Counter Sink bit first to drill
screws below the surface.)
18
TOOLS:
18 GAUGE NAIL GUN WITH NAILS
15
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
H O R I Z O N TA L
FASTENING
23
STEP 11
Apply pressure on the individual piece
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23
23
23
23
18
when nailing.
F I G . A : A B O V E E Y E L E V E L , U S E # 2 3 G A U G E N A I L S AT A D O W N WA R D A N G L E .
Using #23 Gauge Nails, nail in between
individual wood pieces, taking care to
23
hide the nails within the 3D volume of
each design.
When possible, do not nail on the face
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23
18
23
23
F I G . B : AT E Y E L E V E L , U S E # 2 3 G A U G E N A I L S , N A I L I N G I N T O T H E E D G E S O F E A C H PA N E L .
of each insert to maintain the finished
aesthetic of the wall covering.
23
18
TOOLS:
23 GAUGE NAIL GUN WITH NAILS
23
23
23
23
23
F I G . C : B E L O W E Y E L E V E L , U S E # 2 3 G A U G E N A I L S , N A I L I N G AT A N U P W A R D A N G L E T O AV O I D V I S I B L E N A I L S .
16
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
H O R I Z O N TA L
FASTENING
STEP 12
Now, apply a very small amount of adhesive
on the exposed hardwood panel in
preparation for the next tile.
TOOLS:
CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVE
APPLIC ATOR
17
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
H O R I Z O N TA L
FASTENING
STEP 13
Tightly fit the next adjacent tile; if necessary,
use a rubber mallet and a scrap piece of wood
to assist.
Remember, a 1/16” separation is normal, as
each handmade piece must be allowed to
expand and contract.
TOOLS:
RUBBER MALLET
18
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
H O R I Z O N TA L
FASTENING
STEP 14
Make sure each tile and row is level.
TOOLS:
LASER LEVEL OR LEVEL
19
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
H O R I Z O N TA L
FASTENING
STEP 15
Repeat this fastening process across the wall, making sure
to cut any tiles to fit as you approach the end of the wall.
R E M E M B E R : T H E PA N E L S M U S T B E G LU E D A N D N A I L E D FO R T H E WA R R A N T Y TO A P P LY;
T H I S M E T H O D W I L L A L S O P R E V E N T T H E PA N E L S FR O M WA R P I N G I N T H E F U T U R E .
20
VERTICAL
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
V E R T I C A L
PREPARATION
STEP 1
First, check the wall(s) is level from floor to
ceiling and edge-to-edge.
If not, be sure to note the differences in
height and/or width, and adjust
layout accordingly.
Fix any irregularities on the surface of your
installation area that would affect how the
tiles lay.
TOOLS:
LASER LEVEL OR LEVEL
22
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
V E R T I C A L
PREPARATION
STEP 2
Paint the desired installation area matte
black to hide any potential gaps between
or within tiles due to expansion and
contraction of wood over time; 1/16” gap is
normal between tiles.
For edges, use black tape to further conceal
paint imperfection, if needed.
FL AT BL ACK PAINT
PAINT TR AY
TOOLS:
PROTECTIVE FLOOR COVER
PAINT BRUSH AND ROLLER
BL ACK TAPE
23
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
V E R T I C A L
PREPARATION
STEP 3
1/4”
Leave a 1⁄4” gap around the perimeter of
your installation area, including trim, to allow
for product expansion and contraction.
Use shims for an even separation,
1/4”
1/4”
if necessary.
1/4”
TOOLS:
ME A SURING TAPE
RULER
24
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
V E R T I C A L
PREPARATION
STEP 4
FIG. A
FIG . B (CENTERED INSTALL)
Assess the direction of the tiles you wish
to have them installed – horizontal, vertical,
and/or even diagonal at any angle.
F I G A . Lay two rows on the floor before
installing to plan your wall. Define and mark
initial cuts
MARK
INITIAL
CUTS
MARK
CENTER
PIECES
F I G B . IMP ORTA NT: If centered install
is desired, mark center piece and measure
out ends of wall to ensure both ends of wall
coverings are equal before cutting excess.
*The visible hardboard back panel should always
be facing the direction of installation.
25
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
V E R T I C A L
PREPARATION
STEP 5
Measure and mark your horizontal and
vertical guidelines using a laser level
and chalk line in accordance with the
tile dimensions.
TOOLS:
LASER LEVEL
CHALK LINE
26
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
V E R T I C A L
PREPARATION
STEP 6
In prep for outlets, light switches, etc.,
arrange any other rows of tiles on the floor
that will require additional cuts, taking care
to mark any outlets and define initial cuts
once level; please see special instructions
for installing mouldings.
Anticipate final row might need to be
trimmed to fit as well.
TRIM
RULER
TOOLS:
JIGSAW AND DRILL
MITER SAW OR TABLE SAW
27
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
V E R T I C A L
FASTENING
STEP 7
To install VERTICALLY, begin in either TOP
CUT
FIG. A
FIG. A
LEFT corner or BOTTOM RIGHT corner, as
long as the hardboard back panel is facing
the direction of the install. Define and mark
initial cuts.
F I G A . Starting from Left to Right from
the Top, place the visible hardboard back
panel to the Right and Down.
F I G B . Starting from Right to Left from
the Bottom, the visible hardboard back
FIG. B
FIG. B
panel to the Left and Up.
(NOTE: Initial cuts will vary depending on
your desired installation area.)
CUT
28
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
V E R T I C A L
FASTENING
STEP 8
FIG. A
Cut excess tab off the wall tile in order to be
flush and ensure proper coverage.
F I G A . The excess tile will need to be cut
on the left and top to be flush with the
wall/ceiling.
F I G B . The excess tile will need to be cut
on the right and below to be flush with the
wall/floor.
Please note that when cutting any pattern,
pieces may fall off due to the vibration of
the saw. Simply, glue back on and nail from
FIG. B
back to secure it firmly.
29
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
V E R T I C A L
FASTENING
STEP 9
Add adhesive on the back panel, and place
the initial tile at the starting point of
the installation.
TOOLS:
CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVE
APPLIC ATOR
30
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
V E R T I C A L
FASTENING
STEP 10
Once level and aligned, fasten the exposed
back panel with at least 4 #18 Gauge Nails.
(OPTIONAL: If using flathead screws, be
sure to use a Counter Sink bit first to drill
screws below the surface.)
18
TOOLS:
18 GAUGE NAIL GUN WITH NAILS
31
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
V E R T I C A L
FASTENING
STEP 11
FIG. A
FIG. B
FIG. C
ABOVE EYE LEVEL , USE
AT E Y E L E V E L , U S E # 2 3 G A U G E
BELOW EYE LEVEL , USE #23 GAUGE
# 2 3 G A U G E N A I L S AT A
NAILS, NAILING INTO THE
N A I L S , N A I L I N G AT A N U P WA R D
DOWNWARD ANG LE .
E D G E S O F E AC H PA N E L .
A N G L E TO AVO I D V I S I B L E N A I L S .
Apply pressure on the individual piece
when nailing.
23
23
23
Using #23 Gauge Nails, nail in between
individual wood pieces, taking care to
23
23
23
23
23
hide the nails within the 3D volume of
each design.
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
When possible, do not nail on the face
18
of each insert to maintain the finished
aesthetic of the wall covering.
TOOLS:
23 GAUGE NAIL GUN WITH NAILS
32
23
23
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
V E R T I C A L
FASTENING
STEP 12
Now, apply a very small amount of adhesive
on the exposed hardwood panel in
preparation for the next tile.
TOOLS:
CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVE
APPLIC ATOR
33
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
V E R T I C A L
FASTENING
STEP 13
Tightly fit the next adjacent tile; if necessary,
use a rubber mallet and a scrap piece of wood
to assist.
Remember, a 1/16” separation is normal, as
each handmade piece must be allowed to
expand and contract.
TOOLS:
RUBBER MALLET
34
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
V E R T I C A L
FASTENING
STEP 14
Make sure each tile and row is level.
TOOLS:
LASER LEVEL OR LEVEL
35
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
V E R T I C A L
FASTENING
STEP 15
Repeat this fastening process across the wall, making sure
to cut any tiles to fit as you approach the end of the wall.
R E M E M B E R : T H E PA N E L S M U S T B E G LU E D A N D N A I L E D FO R T H E WA R R A N T Y TO A P P LY;
T H I S M E T H O D W I L L A L S O P R E V E N T T H E PA N E L S FR O M WA R P I N G I N T H E F U T U R E .
36
S P E C I A L A P P L I C AT I O N S
M E TA M O R P H O S I S
/
S P E C I A L
A P P L I C AT I O N S
FOR OUTLETS, LIGHT SWITCHES, BUTTONS, ETC...
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
Mark your outlet distance and
Mark your tile and drill 4 holes for
Using a Jigsaw to cut a line from
elevation on your test pattern and
each corner of the outlet.
corner to corner.
on the wall.
STEP 4
STEP 5
Turn the piece around, trim
Test on wall before applying
and detail.
glue/nails.
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M E TA M O R P H O S I S
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S P E C I A L
A P P L I C AT I O N S
FIREPLACES & HEATERS
We do not recommend the use of DuChâteau Wall Coverings
around a fireplace or a heater. Being made from wood, DuChâteau
Wall Coverings are inherently flammable. Check your local codes.
In most areas, this is prohibited by code. Optional “A” Rating fire
retardant is available for an additional fee.
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M E TA M O R P H O S I S
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S P E C I A L
A P P L I C AT I O N S
BATHROOMS
DuChâteau Wall Coverings may be used in bathrooms as long as
they are NOT installed at or near splash areas.
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M E TA M O R P H O S I S
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S P E C I A L
A P P L I C AT I O N S
CEILING APPLICATIONS
In general, we do not recommend using these products for ceiling applications; this
specifically includes Arc Chevron, Crest, Curva Chevron, Curva, Krescent, Kuadra,
Metamorphosis, Parallels, Scale Reckt, Tresses, Vertex, and Wave styles.
However, if Edge, Infuse and Kubik styles are used in a ceiling application, use three #18
Gauge Nails over each solid part of the tile as an extra precaution and must be installed
by a Licensed Flooring Contractor or Licensed Finish Carpenter with ceiling installation
experience. Special glues and nail size must be specified by the Project Engineer and/or
signing Architect for the project and also combined with the use of #18 Gauge Nails along
the edges of each tile.
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M E TA M O R P H O S I S
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S P E C I A L
A P P L I C AT I O N S
CONCRETE WALLS
For installation over concrete walls, wood separators and OSB
boards are recommended. Direct installation over concrete is NOT
covered by the warranty.
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M E TA M O R P H O S I S
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R E L AT I V E
H U M I D I T Y
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
W H AT I S R E L AT I V E H U M I D I T Y ? A N D H OW R E L AT I V E H U M I D I T Y A FFEC T YO U R D U C H ÂT E AU WA L L C OV E R I N G S
R E L AT I V E H U M I D I T Y ( R H ) I S T H E A M O U N T O F WAT E R VA P O R P R E S E N T I N A I R E X P R E S S E S A S A P E R C E N TAG E O F T H E A M O U N T N E E D E D FO R S AT U R AT I O N
AT T H E S A M E T E M P E R AT U R E .
RH
75% - 65%
CAUTION ZONE:
May experience greater than normal movement
60% - 40%
SAFE ZONE:
Well experience normal seasonal movement (gapping)
35% - 30%
CAUTION ZONE:
May experience greater than normal movement
20% - 5%
G UA R E N T E E D FA I LU R E ZO N E :
Will experience excessive gapping, cupping, checking, cracking and/or splitting
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