Solid Wood Floor Installation Methods

Manufacturer requires solid hardwood products acclimate for a minimum 72 hours prior to installation.

Solid wood floor installation methods. Floating or click lock installation is the most common installation method for engineered wood. Nail down nails are used to fasten the wood to the subfloor. With frame construction mark location of joists on perimeter walls so that starting runs and finishing runs which require face nailing can be nailed into joists. This method is often used with thin wood flooring.

Staple down staples are used instead of nails to attach the floor to the subfloor. This installation method is preferred when the subfloor is cement tile or a floor with radiant heat. Techniques contained in these guidelines methods. These guidelines standards for installation of wood floor products are standards set forth by industry trade association using reliable installation principles taken from many years of practical experience using simplest methods of achieving successful installing of the various types of hardwood flooring products.

Today you can get solid hardwood flooring prefinished in a variety of stain colors with a durable long lasting factory warranted finish. The national wood flooring association recommends two alternative installation methods. These guidelines methods for the installation and sand finish of wood flooring were developed by the nwfa technical publications committee using reliable installation principles with research of all available wood flooring installation data and in consultation with leading industry authorities. Refasten any loose areas of subfloor and clean the subfloor by sweeping scraping etc as necessary.

Additional time may be required for 5 wide or wider products as determined by moisture content. Acclimation allows flooring to achieve equilibrium moisture content emc with the installation environment. Installing plywood over the subfloor or using sleepers which are two by fours laid flat across the floor and used as nailers. Because it raises the finished floor by an extra 1 1 2 inches and for other reasons the sleeper method has fallen into disuse.

Unless you re an advanced diyer with experience in wood flooring installation it s best to hire a professional hardwood installer. There are four hardwood floor installation methods from which to choose. Floating involves attaching or clicking the panels which blocks out moisture.