Planning Your Installation Wood Floor

Successful installation of hardwood floor depends upon the careful planning and execution of all stages of the installation process-from estimating the materials needed, to inspecting the site, both inside and out, to evaulating the sub-floor, to selecting the correct underlayment, to utilizing the proper tools, and to following the simple installation procedures. This section provides the information you'll need in an easy-to-follow step-by-step format.

Before You Begin an Installation
Please take the time to review all sections contained in this chapter before beginning an installation:

• Planning Your Installation
• Estimating the Your Hardwood Job
• The Right Tools Produce the Right Results
• What Lies Beneath Your Hardwood Floor
• Hardwood Installation Procedures & Techniques
• Heating Systems
• Stair Step Installation
• Repairing Hardwood Floor

CRAWL SPACES

If a home has a crawl space or a pier and beam construction, you should find vents located throughout the foundation area for proper airflow. For a general rule, check that there are vent openings that equal 1.5% of the crawl space square footage.

Sub-Floor Inspection
Before beginning the installation, determine that the sub-floor is level, according to the following specifications. The sub-floor must be level within 3/16 of an inch over a 10 ft. radius. If the sub-floor is above the 3/16-inch mark, it must be leveled to the acceptable 3/16-inch measurement before beginning your installation.

Wood Sub-Floors
The plywood or other sheet wood materials used for the subfloor should be a minimum of 3/4" thick. Walk the floor. Creaking, loose edges, sags, twisted or weak joints, or other defects must be fixed before you install hardwood floor. If you see cupped, warped, discolored wood, there may be water leaks or moisture problems below the floor. Fill in gaps or low areas with Portland cement and latex floor leveler. Be sure these are completely dry before beginning the installation.

Concrete Subfloors
If you're installing hardwood floor in a new home, be aware that concrete releases moisture and transfers dampness from wet soil for up to 60 days. New concrete must be cured for 60 days before flooring is installed. Excessive moisture can seriously compromise your hardwood installation. You can do a simple test by taking 2 ft. X 2 ft. sheets of 6 mil polyethylene film. Place these in different locations where you'll be installing the hardwood floor, sealing the edges with duct tape.

Check after two days. Observe the film before removing it. If you see fog, dampness, or cloudiness on the film, or if after removing the film, you see that the concrete is damp or has darkened or has discolored, the sub-floor may have excessive moisture (left). Have further moisture testing performed and the problem corrected before installing the hardwood floor.