"Our mission is to provide customers with the finest hardwood floors and the best customer service in the industry."

What type of flooring should you install?

Is important to understand where solid wood flooring can be installed improper use of solid wood flooring will void the warranty. Installation procedures not recommended ie solids over radiant heat and in basements will not be covered under the warranty.

 

Type of install

Solid

Engineered

Below Grade

No

Yes

 

 Glue Down Installation

No

Yes

 

 Floating installation

No

Yes

 

Over Radiant Heat

No

Yes, except Jatoba

Concrete subfloor

No

Yes

OSB Or plywood subfloor

Yes

Yes

  

 Homeowner and Contractor Responsibility

  1. Ensure that Customer expectations and specification are discussed such as patterns, layout, area to be installed confirmed by drawings.
  2. Review if soundproofing is required i.e. Condo Installation
  3. Have the client verify correct species and color delivered prior to installation.The owner/installer assumes all responsibility for final inspection of product quality. Inspection of the color, finish and defect should be completed prior to installation. If material is not acceptable stop the installation and contact the seller. As an installed floor is considered accepted.
  4. The industry standard permits 5% manufacturing or natural defects. This is detemined from a standing position.
  5. The inspection of the job site environment prior to installation must be completed. This should include exterior evaluation and interior. The NWFA Jobsite Checklist is an excellent way to
    document conditions prior to installation and will help if a problem arises.To ensure that wood is not exposed to moisture during delivery. To ensure that all the building has been enclosed (windows and doors) construction, plastering and painting is completed to ensure proper temperature & relative humidity.
  6.  To ensure acclimation conditions proper check temperature and relative humidity as if not it can damage the wood. Warning acclimation is not considered correct if the installer just tears open ends of boxes. This can cause the ends of the flooring to have tapered or swelled and not the rest of the flooring causing unsightly gaps if installed.
  7. TO MAINTAIN PROPER RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE LIFE OF THE WOOD FLOORING READ INSTALLATION INSTUCTIONS AND WARRANTY PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.
  8. To obtain and understand Care and Maintenance, proper installation, warranty of Appalachian Hardwood flooring. All copies available on this web site and is a good idea to print and keep with orginal reciept.

Suggested Questions When choosing a Potential Contractor

• TRAINING NWFA or NOFMA installation courses 
• time frame of the project
• wood delivery procedure
• wood acclimatization period
• warranties offered
• project stages
• furniture protection
• noise levels
• dust levels
• dust containment systems
• clean up procedures
• professionals experience in years
• references from recent jobs
• liability insurance
• payment options and terms
• deposits required if any
It is important to choose a contractor with the training and experience as if a claim does arise and warranty conditions (preparation, installation procedures and recommendations etc.) were not followed the manufacture is not at fault.

 

To determine the square footage to purchase 

  • Measure the area of all sections of the floor
  • Dont forget closets or stairs
  • Make a sketch of the area to be installed and have the homeowner verify
  • If installed on a diagonal it may increase the waste factor
  • Remember flooring is typcially sold in 20 sq ft increments with the exception of certain widths it is not sold by the square foot
  • Reminder to always check your calculations as Appalachian can not be held responsible if these are used inncorrectly
  • Once you have the total add 5% for wast allowance for cuts.

 

 Special Considerations for Condominium installation

  • Ensure that all Condo regulations and specifications are reviewed with contractor/owner (i.e. sound proofing, delivery of product, hours of work etc).
  • Ensure that all flatness and concrete moisture testing is completed
  • Ensure that sufficient sound barrier is chosen
  • Cork strip applied below plywood in addition to sound barrier between flooring may be necessary to meet sound requirements for a condo
  • Ensure plywood is max 12% moisture
  • Apply plywood in floating application ideally two layers interlocking application (one on top of other in opposite direction)
  • ¾ inch gap on the perimeter
  • Use appropriate vapour barrier
  • Follow installation instructions for appropriate application

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