Preparation for Laying

The general principles and specific recommendations for sub-flooring and moisture barriers in the NOFMA 'Hardwood Flooring Installation Manual" shouldbe followed in-so-far as applicable to each particular installation(copy available on request).

Flooring must be brought to job site at least 48 hours before start of laving to allow for moisture equalization. For good atmospheric exposure, spread unopened bundles around in the room where flooring is to be installed.

In new construction, the house must be completely closed in. During the heating season, the heating system must be operated for at least two weeks before flooring is laid. In any house and with any hardwood flooring, the flooring installed on the first floor over a full basement (or basement and connected crawl space) is vulnerable tomoisture absorption through the sub-floor from the normal dampness of the basement (especially in new construction).In warm weather, it is MANDATORY that one or more DEHUMIDIFIER(S) be operated in the basement for several weeks prior to installing hardwood flooring and continuously operated after laying until the first heating season is underway. For long range protection from basement moisture, the dehumidifier should be PERMANENTLY INSTALLED over a suitable drain so that it will control basement moisture year after year during humid weather. Over isolated crawl space, moisture barrier and ventilation are essential (ask for details).

To install over a concrete slab, special preparations are necessary. (See NOFMA Hardwood Flooring Installation Manual.)

Installation

Layout - Run flooring parallel to the long dimension of the room if possible, but in any case flooring must be perpendicular to floor joists or screeds.(Exception -- if installed over old wood flooring, the new floor must be laid perpendicular to old flooring.)

Cover subfloor with red resin construction paper or 15 lb. asphalt felt.

Frame around major obstructions such as hearth or tiled inset areas using the narrowest width boards and with mitered comers.

Begin installation along one wall. Expansion space of approximately 3/4" must be provided between wall and starting planks and between opposite wall and final planks. End clearance of approximately 1/2" must be left between wall and plank ends at both ends of the room. These clearances will be covered by baseboard and shoe molding.If sheet rock is installed I" above the subfloor, the resulting reduced gap from flooring to framing will make it possible to omit the shoe molding.