Solid Strip Flooring Installation
- Solid strip flooring should be installed on grade or above grade, not below grade.
- Solid strip flooring installation should be the last step of your construction job to minimize damage from excess traffic, etc.
- Prior to the installation, air conditioning and heating systems must be operating at 21o Celsius for a minimum of one week.
- Prior to the installation, the relative humidity must be maintained at about 40%, between 35% & 55% and after the installation as well.
- Wooden subfloor moisture test should not exceed 12% and the difference between your subfloor & boards should be less than 2 to 4% depending on the width of the board.
- Acclimatization of your wood requires the wood to be in the room were the installations will occur generally for a minimum of 72 hrs. But the product must be checked to meet the manufacturer's moisture guide lines before the installation begins.
- Solid strip flooring can be installed perpendicular or on a diagonal over a single layer subfloor.
- If running your wood parallel to the joists add a layer of 1/2" plywood.
- Resecure subfloor to the joists every 6" to 9" to remove squeaks. This is your last chance to access the joists
- Subfloor surface must be flat. The average maximum tolerance is 3/16" in 10' . If levelling is required, sand or use levelling compound to fix uneven spots. Some manufacturer's recommend up to 6 layers of 15 lb builders felt. Excessive sanding may lead to your subfloor being not thick enough.
- Undercut door and closet casings
- Vacuum and free debris such as cleats, nail heads, dried glue, paint or any other materials.
- A barrier is recommended, 15 lbs asphalt saturated felt paper or wax paper are commonly used. Installing a vapour retarder reduces the chance for moisture or vapour related problem but it does not guarantee eliminating moisture or vapour related problems. A barrier benefits you to eliminate squeaks from wood to subfloor contact; boards slide more easily during the installation, and helps reduce dust.
- Floor should be installed from a minimum of three cartons to insure colour and shade mixtures. Rack out most of the room before installing
- Make sure to stagger at the ends of the board a minimum of 6" to 12" in adjacent rows - no gaps
- Fastening schedule,(1 1/2" to 3 1/2" boards every 8" to 10") and (3 1/2" boards and up every 6" to 8")
- An expansion joint of @ 3/8" is required around the perimeter of the room.
- Please feel free to contact us with any of questions or concerns you may have
Note: always follow manufacturer's recommendations
