First we recommend you follow the guidelines of the National Wood Flooring Association. Here are some very abbreviated suggestions: If installing over a wood substrate above grade, we recommend both nailing/stapling in the nail groove along with flooring mastic or construction adhesive. Less nails can be used than a standard nailing pattern if using mastic. If installing over concrete we recommend using full mastic and a vapor barrier. There are products now that include this in one step. Following the mastic manufacturers recommendation for trowel notch size. The mastic will make the floor very permanent with no give, movement, or squeaks. Our product is presanded so after install it may require no sanding or just spot sanding to your preferences. We still recommend a light buff between coats of finish. See below for more finish recommendations.