Installation Guidelines NWFA Information Available as of November 17, 2008
CONTENTS SECTION I – GENERAL GUIDELINES CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 3 JOBSITE CONDITIONS ACCLIMATION MOISTURE REQUIREMENTS AND MOISTURE TESTING SECTION II – SUBFLOOR GUIDELINES & SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5 CHAPTER 6 WOOD SUBFLOOR GUIDELINES CONCRETE SUBFLOOR GUIDELINES INSTALLING A SUBFLOOR OVER CONCRETE SECTION III – INSTALLATION GUIDELINES & METHODS CHAPTER 7 CHAPTER 8 CHAPTER 9 CHAPTER 10 PARQUET INSTALLATION ENGINEERED FLOORING INSTALLATION SOLID STRIP & PLANK INSTALLATION INSTALLING OVER A
SECTION I GENERAL GUIDELINES CHAPTER 1 JOBSITE CONDITIONS..................................................................Page 1 CHAPTER 2 ACCLIMATION ...............................................................................Page 5 CHAPTER 3 MOISTURE REQUIREMENTS AND MOISTURE TESTING ............................................................
Chapter 1 – Jobsite Conditions CHAPTER 1 JOBSITE CONDITIONS Part I – Minimum Jobsite Requirements A. Wood flooring should be one of the last jobs completed on the construction project. Limit foot traffic on finished wood flooring. B. Evaluate the jobsite for potential problems before installation begins, and before wood flooring is delivered to the jobsite. C.
Chapter 1 – Jobsite Conditions 9. Crawl Space Conditions Figure 1-1 a. Where a proper ground covering is in place and when venting is required by local building codes, the crawl space should have perimeter venting equal to a minimum of 1.5 square feet per 100 square feet of crawl space square footage, unless local building codes differ from this specification. Note: Local-building codes may differ. Follow local building codes. b.
Chapter 1 – Jobsite Conditions Part II - Additional Jobsite Conditions for Factory-Finished Flooring A. All finished wall coverings and painting should be completed. Note: Base and shoe mold may be installed and finished after the flooring installation. B. After installation, if you choose to protectively cover the floor, cover the floor completely, since some species are light-sensitive and uncovered areas may change color.
Chapter 2 – Acclimation CHAPTER 2 ACCLIMATION ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURERS’ RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING HOW AND WHETHER TO ACCLIMATE WOOD FLOORING. Part I – General Acclimation Guidelines (For a more detailed discussion of acclimation issues, See Appendix B.) A. Storage and Conditions 1. Do not store wood flooring at the jobsite under uncontrolled climate conditions. Garages and exterior patios, for example, are not acceptable areas to store wood flooring. 2.
Chapter 2 – Acclimation 6. Prior to installation, ensure that wood flooring is within acceptable range of moisture content with the wood subfloor. For solid strip flooring (less than 3” wide), there should be no more than 4 percent moisture content difference between properly acclimated wood flooring and subflooring materials.
Chapter 3 – Moisture Testing CHAPTER 3 MOISTURE TESTING Part I - Moisture Testing for Wood Subfloors A. Testing Requirements 1. Test for moisture at several locations in the room — a minimum of 20 per 1,000 square feet — and average the results. A high reading in one area indicates a problem that must be corrected. Pay special attention to exterior and plumbing walls Part II - Acceptable Vapor Retarders Over Wood Subfloors A.
Chapter 3 – Moisture Testing Part III - Moisture Testing for Concrete Slabs NOTE: All tests give a result – at the time the test is done. And in general give you the ability to start or not start a job – these tests do not give a permanent condition of your substrate merely a “at the time the test was performed” indication. A. Testing Requirements 1. Before moisture testing begins, the concrete slab must be a MINIMUM of 30 days old. B. Qualitative Moisture Tests 1.
Chapter 3 – Moisture Testing a. Select test locations to provide information about moisture distribution across the entire concrete floor slab. For slabs on grade and below grade, include a test location within three feet of each exterior wall. b. Perform three tests for the first 1,000 sq ft and one test for every additional 1,000 sq ft thereafter. c. At least 48 hours before test is placed, concrete floor slabs should be at the same temperature and humidity that is expected during service conditions. d.
Chapter 3 – Moisture Testing of a glue-down installation, the adhesive manufacturer may also have recommendations. NOTE: For information on the tests listed above, contact your distributor or call NWFA at 800-422-4556 U.S. or 800-848-8824 Canada for the source nearest you. 3. Calcium Carbide (CM) Test – ASTM (modified) D-4944-04, MilSpec CRD-C154-77 a. The calcium carbide test, also known as the CM test or calcium carbide bomb, is more widely used in Europe than in the United States.
Chapter 3 – Moisture Testing 3. A chemical retarder or urethane membrane, as recommended by the adhesive or wood flooring manufacturer. These are usually in the form of a liquid-applied or trowel-applied membrane dispensed from a bucket following manufacturer recommendations.
SECTION II SUBFLOOR GUIDELINES & SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 4 WOOD SUBFLOOR GUIDELINES .................................................Page 1 CHAPTER 5 CONCRETE SUBFLOOR GUIDELINES.........................................Page 5 CHAPTER 6 INSTALLING A SUBFLOOR OVER CONCRETE ...........................
Chapter 4 – Wood Subfloor Guidelines CHAPTER 4 WOOD SUBFLOOR GUIDELINES NOTE: Always follow the wood flooring manufacturer’s recommendation for a proper subfloor. Part I – Wood Subfloor Specifications A. Subfloor panels should conform to should conform to U.S. Voluntary Product Standard PS1-95, Construction and Industrial Plywood and/or US Voluntary PS 2-04 and/or Canadian performance standard CAN/CSA 0325.0-92 Construction Sheathing. Other CSA standards also apply. 1 B.
Chapter 4 – Wood Subfloor Guidelines When possible, check the back of the subfloor panel for American Plywood Association (APA) rating. provide the wood-flooring contractor with a subfloor that is within the tolerances listed above. C. Inspect the subfloor carefully. If there is movement or squeaks in the subfloor, refasten the subfloor to the joists in problem areas. D. Protruding fasteners are easily remedied by driving those fasteners deeper into the subfloor. Part IV - Panel Products Subflooring A.
Chapter 4 – Wood Subfloor Guidelines manufacturer’s recommendations and with local building codes. Some truss/joist systems cannot be cross-braced and still maintain stability. 23 a. For double-layer subfloors, the first layer should consist of nominal ¾” ( /32”, 18.3mm) CD Exposure 1 Plywood subfloor panels (CDX), 4’ X 8' sheets or nominal 23 ¾” ( /32", 18.3mm) OSB Exposure 1 subfloor panels, 4’ x 8’ sheets. The second 15 layer should consist of nominal ½” ( /32”, 11.
Chapter 5 – Concrete Subfloor Guidelines CHAPTER 5 CONCRETE SUBFLOOR GUIDELINES NOTE: Always follow the wood flooring and adhesive manufacturer’s recommendation for a proper subfloor. Part I – Concrete Subfloor Specifications A. Subfloor Must Be Flat 1. Make sure the concrete slab is flat to the wood flooring manufacturer’s specification. Typically, manufacturers will specify a flatness tolerance of 1/8” to 3/16” in a 10-foot radius. 2.
Chapter 5 – Concrete Subfloor Guidelines F. Specifications for Lightweight Concrete 1. Make sure the concrete is well bonded to the sub-floor. Check for hollow spots, cracks and loose areas. 2. As with on-grade concrete sub-floors make sure the concrete is clean, flat to specification and dry. 3. Over lightweight concrete (less than 3000 psi), if the flooring adhesive used has a higher shear strength than the concrete, use the Floated Subfloor installation method. (See Chapter 6.
Chapter 6 – Installing a Subfloor Over Concrete CHAPTER 6 INSTALLING A SUBFLOOR OVER CONCRETE NOTE: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for a proper subfloor. Part I – Direct Gluing a Subfloor Over Concrete A. Always follow the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendation for proper application, proper adhesive and correct trowel notch and spread rate. B. If necessary, add vapor retarder recommended by the adhesive manufacturer before applying adhesive. Part II - Floated Subfloor A.
Chapter 6 – Installing a Subfloor Over Concrete a. Cut sheets to 16”X8’ or smaller panels, scored on back 3/8” deep a minimum of every 12” across width. b. 16” planks oriented perpendicular or diagonally to direction of flooring c. Panels staggered every 2’, and spaced 1/8” between ends, with ¾” minimum expansion space at all vertical obstructions. Part III - Glue-Down Subfloor A. Always follow the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendation for proper subfloor, spread rate and trowel notch. B.
Chapter 6 – Installing a Subfloor Over Concrete a. Stagger panel joints allowing 1 approximately /8” expansion space around all panels to prevent edge peaking due to compression caused by panel swell. b. Allow ¾” minimum expansion space at all vertical obstructions. c. Panels should be mechanically fastened. For powder load or pneumatic pressure information, contact your local supplier. d.
SECTION III INSTALLATION GUIDELINES & METHODS CHAPTER 7 PARQUET INSTALLATION ............................................................Page 1 CHAPTER 8 ENGINEERED FLOORING INSTALLATION ..................................Page 7 CHAPTER 9 SOLID STRIP & PLANK INSTALLATION .......................................Page 11 CHAPTER 10 INSTALLATION OVER EXISTING FLOORS ..................................
Chapter 7 – Parquet Installation CHAPTER 7 PARQUET INSTALLATION Part I - Acceptable Jobsite Conditions and Jobsite Checklist A. Refer to Chapter 1 Grade Level diagram Part II - Acclimation Guidelines A. See Chapter 2 and Appendix B. Part III – Appropriate Grade Levels A. Solid parquet wood floors can be installed successfully above grade level or on grade, but are not recommended for installation below grade. B.
Chapter 7 - Parquet Installation Part VI – Parquet Installation Methods A. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations. 1. The styles and types of block and parquet flooring, as well as the recommended procedures for application, vary somewhat among manufacturers. Detailed installation instructions are usually provided with the flooring or are available from the manufacturer or distributor. B. Test wood subflooring for moisture according to moisture testing procedures. (See Chapter 3.) C.
Chapter 7 – Parquet Installation Figure 7-2: Creating 90° working lines from the wall Start by snapping a chalk line 24½” from the starting wall, opposite the entrance doorway (Line Y). The next line (X) must be exactly 90° to Line Y to form a perfect square corner. To ensure this angle: 1. Measure 24½” along Line Y from the right-angle wall and mark it Point A. From Point A, measure 4 feet along Line Y and mark that Point B. 2.
Chapter 7 - Parquet Installation Figure 7-3 When the starting area has been completed, including cutting to the wall, proceed to the second laying area, then to laying areas 3, 4, 5, etc., repeating the installation procedure of the starting area. 6. Lay the second floor tile ahead of the first tile to fit ½" (12.7 mm) from the starting wall. Gently lock in the tongue and groove between the first and second floor tiles. 7. Re-check to be sure both floor tiles are properly lined up with the chalk line.
Chapter 7 – Parquet Installation D. Diagonal Layout (See Figure 7-4) 1. Establish a 45-degree working line: 2. From the center point, measure 4 feet down in each direction on lines X and Y, which you have already determined by the method described above. 3. From each of these points, measure 4 feet and scribe an arc. The conjunction of these arcs creates points D and E. 4. Snap a chalk line between points D and E, and the center point. This line represents a 45degree angle. D.
Chapter 8 – Engineered Wood Flooring Installation CHAPTER 8 ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION Part I - Acceptable Jobsite Conditions and Jobsite Checklist A. Refer to Chapter 1 Grade Level diagram Part II - Acclimation Guidelines A. See Chapter 2 and Appendix B. Part III – Appropriate Grade Levels A. Engineered wood floors can be installed successfully on, above or below grade level. Engineered wood floors can be installed directly to concrete or wood subfloor. B.
Chapter 8 – Engineered Wood Flooring Installation C. Choose a Starting Wall 1. Choose a starting wall according to the most aesthetically or architecturally important elements in the room, taking into consideration fireplaces, doors, cabinets and transitions, as well as the squareness of the room. The starting wall will often be the longest unbroken wall in the room. D. Glue-Down Engineered Strip and Plank 1. There are several different ways to start the installation of glue-down engineered wood flooring.
Chapter 8 – Engineered Wood Flooring Installation Figure 8-1 Stagger End Joints Figure 8-2 Avoid “H” Joints 4. Top-nail and blind-nail the first row (hand-nail if necessary), using appropriate fasteners. Denser species may require pre-drilling. Each succeeding row should be blind-nailed wherever possible. 1 a. Typical: narrow crowned (under 3/8”) 1”-1 /2” staples or 1”-1¼” hardwood flooring cleats designed for engineered flooring, spaced as recommended by the manufacturer. b.
Chapter 8 – Engineered Wood Flooring Installation 6. Typical: Subfloors are covered with a resilient material, foam underlayment or cork. Follow manufacturer's instructions for correct materials and thickness. 7. Typical: floating engineered flooring is edge-glued or edge-attached with a self-locking mechanism. a. For edge-glued products, use an adhesive approved by the manufacturer. b. Apply adhesive at the spread rate to the side grooves and/or ends as recommended by the manufacturer. 8.
Chapter 9 – Solid Strip & Plank Flooring Installation CHAPTER 9 SOLID STRIP AND PLANK FLOORING INSTALLATION Part I - Acceptable Jobsite Conditions and Jobsite Checklist A. Refer to Chapter 1 Grade Level diagram Part II - Acclimation Guidelines A. See Chapter 2 and Appendix B. Part III – Appropriate Grade Levels A. Solid strip and plank wood floors can be installed successfully above grade level or on grade, but are not recommended for installation below grade. B.
Chapter 9 – Solid Strip & Plank Flooring Installation Part VI – Solid Strip & Plank Installation Methods A. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation procedure. B. Unfinished and factory-finished solid strip and solid plank flooring should be installed perpendicular to the joists or on a diagonal for any single layer subfloor. (Exception: Over diagonal, solid subfloor boards, install perpendicular to joists or subfloor direction.) C.
Chapter 9 – Solid Strip & Plank Flooring Installation Figure 9-1 Stagger End Joints Figure 9-2 Avoid “H” Joints 9. Where spacing is required: Use a washer or removable spacer to leave additional space every few rows and/or start in center of room and work out to both sides. Do not use spacers that may cause damage on factory-finished products. 10. Nailing: Blind-nail through the tongue using 1½"-2” fasteners. Use 1½" fasteners with nominal ¾" plywood subfloor direct to concrete slab.
Chapter 9 – Solid Strip & Plank Flooring Installation 2. Install a starter board on the line. Fasten the starter board to the floor using wood screws. 3. Nail the first row of wood flooring against the starter board, being careful not to move the starter board when nailing. The groove of the flooring should be against the starter board. 4. Drill and hand-nail the first three rows through the tongue. DO NOT USE TOP NAILS. 5. Use a blind nailer to install the remaining rows of wood flooring.
Chapter 10 – Installation Over Existing Floors CHAPTER 10 INSTALLATION OVER EXISTING FLOORS Part I – Existing Floor Requirements A. Always follow the manufacturers recommendations for installation over existing flooring B. Glue-down parquet applications that require the use of PVA adhesives are not recommended over existing sheet vinyl or vinyl and cork tile flooring unless an underlayment is put down first. Underlayment should be in accordance with adhesive and/or flooring manufacturer’s recommendations.
SECTION IV APPENDICES Appendix A SAFETY GUIDELINES ...................................................................Page 1 Appendix B ACCLIMATION ..............................................................................Page 3 Appendix C MOISTURE GUIDELINES & MOISTURE TESTING ......................Page 7 Appendix D MOISTURE BY AREA – US ...........................................................Page 13 Appendix E MOISTURE BY AREA – CANADA .................................................
Appendix A – Safety Guidelines APPENDIX A SAFETY GUIDELINES Safety first Safety on the job is the foremost concern for contractors, because accidents with power tools can be critical, even disabling or deadly. No amount of experience or expertise exempts you from safety risks inherent in using the tools required to install hardwood floors. The goods news is that these risks are easily managed.
Appendix B - Acclimation APPENDIX B ACCLIMATION ALWAYS FOLLOW MANUFACTURERS’ RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING HOW AND WHETHER TO ACCLIMATE WOOD FLOORING. Wood flooring is a hygroscopic material subject to dimensional change as a result of variations in moisture, temperature and humidity in the surrounding environment. That has led to increasing awareness of the need to properly acclimate wood flooring before installation.
Appendix B - Acclimation Equilibrium Moisture Content of North American Wood Species at Various Temperatures and Relative Humidity Readings Wood Flooring Has a Comfort Level Too: Wood flooring will perform best when the interior environment is controlled to stay within a relative humidity range of 30 to 50 percent and a temperature range of 60° to 80° Fahrenheit. Fortunately, that’s about the same comfort range most humans enjoy.
Appendix B - Acclimation Proper Installation By Calculating Coefficients of Change Proper installation depends not only on the moisture content of the wood and the environmental conditions at the time of installation, but also on expected seasonal changes in temperature and humidity at that location — changes that may cause the wood flooring to gain or lose moisture content over time.
Appendix B - Acclimation In other words, for every 3-percentage-point increase in moisture content, a 5-inch board will th expand by more than 1/20 of an inch. Over 10 boards, that will equal over ½ inch of expansion — something the installer will need to take into account, although in actual practice the installation and fastening process will tend to restrain board movement somewhat.
Appendix C – Moisture Guidelines & Moisture Testing APPENDIX C MOISTURE GUIDELINES & MOISTURE TESTING Determining moisture content is an essential part of quality control within the flooring installation process. Flooring installers must know the moisture content of the wood flooring, as well as the subfloor. The most accurate measurement for moisture content in wood is the oven-bake-out method. However, it is not widely used because the cost and difficulty of performing the test on-site is not practical.
Appendix C – Moisture Guidelines & Moisture Testing Moisture Testing For Concrete Slabs: Note: Before moisture testing begins, the concrete slab must be a MINIMUM of 30 days old. Moisture meters for concrete can be probe-type or pinless. Some meters designed to provide qualitative results – that is, the readings they provide can indicate potential moisture problems, but will not provide a definitive reading. In that case, quantitative testing is required.
Appendix C – Moisture Guidelines & Moisture Testing Calcium Chloride Test - ASTM F-1869 Select test locations to provide information about moisture distribution across the entire concrete floor slab. Perform three tests per 1,000 square feet of surface area. Add one additional test for each 1000 square feet thereafter.
Appendix C – Moisture Guidelines & Moisture Testing Acceptable Vapor Retarders Over Wood Subfloors ALWAYS FOLLOW LOCAL CODES AND MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCEPTABLE VAPOR RETARDERS. An acceptable vapor retarder is a vapor resistant material, membrane or covering with a vapor permeance (perm rating) of greater than or equal to .7 and less than or equal to 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E-96 Method A.
Appendix C – Moisture Guidelines & Moisture Testing recommended by the manufacturer having a permeance rating of 1 perm or less, when tested in accordance with ASTM E-96 Method A. D. The NWFA recommends an "impermeable" vapor retarder with a perm rating of less than or equal to .15, thereby limiting the passage of moisture to near zero. E. Some acceptable vapor retarders over concrete include: 1. A minimum 6 mil construction grade polyethylene film, with perm of .
Appendix D – Moisture Content By Area – U.S. APPENDIX D MOISTURE CONTENT BY AREA – U.S. NOTE: Relative humidity in the building should be maintained at between 30-50 percent year-round. A consistent interior climate environment is the key to optimum wood flooring performance.
Appendix E – Moisture Content By Area – Canada APPENDIX E MOISTURE CONTENT BY AREA – CANADA NOTE: Relative humidity in the building should be maintained at between 30-50 percent year-round. A consistent interior climate environment is the key to optimum wood flooring performance.
Appendix F – Fastener Schedule APPENDIX F FASTENER SCHEDULE Hardwood flooring must be installed over a proper subfloor. Tongue and grooved flooring MUST be blind nailed. Wood Flooring Type Solid Strip T&G ¾” x less than 3” Solid Strip T&G Fastener to be used Blind fastener spacing along the lengths of the strips, minimum two fasteners per piece near the ends (1-3”). In addition, every 8-10” apart for blind nailing, 10-12” for face nailing.
Appendix G – Trammel Point Method APPENDIX G TRAMMEL POINT METHOD Trammel Points Trammel points, which are used to scribe a circle or radius, consist of two points mounted on a beam – typically a piece of wood – and designed to slide along the beam to increase or decrease the radius. Typically, one of the points is a pencil or pen, while the other is usually a metal point used to anchor the center of the circle or the radius.
Appendix G – Trammel Point Method 5. Adjust for any difference in center between Point B & Point D. For example, if Point B is one inch different than Point D, divide the difference by two to establish the new center point of Line A 6. Snap a line the length of the room from Point B through Point D. This is now Line E. 7. Find the center point of Line E and mark it Point F. 8. From Point F, use trammel point at fixed position on flat board to mark through Line E left of center, and mark it Point G. 9.
Appendix H – Radiant Heat Installations APPENDIX H RADIANT HEAT INSTALLATIONS With radiant heat, the heat source is directly beneath the flooring, so the flooring may dry out faster than a similar floor in a home with a conventional heating system. Wood flooring can be installed over radiant heat as long as you understand radiant heat and how it can impact wood flooring, what precautions to take, and what type of wood flooring to use.
Appendix H – Radiant Heat Installations • Radiant heat is dry heat. A humidification system may be necessary to maintain wood flooring in its comfort zone. The following installation and subfloor systems can be used successfully over radiant heat: • 1. Glue-down, engineered or solid parquet • 2. Floating engineered • 3. Direct-nail, solid wood or engineered wood flooring to wood subfloor • 4. Solid T&G floor direct-nail to sleepers • 5. Single layer of plywood on sleepers • 6.
Appendix H – Radiant Heat Installations DIRECT NAIL, SOLID WOOD OR ENGINEERED TO WOOD SUBFLOOR NOTE: Follow manufacturer’s installation instructions. • Install over approved subfloor. Refer to Chapter 8, Engineered Flooring Installation, and Chapter 9, Solid Strip & Plank Installation. • Always check for subfloor moisture. See Chapter 3, Moisture Requirements and Moisture Testing. • Solid wood must be properly acclimated to normal living conditions.
Appendix H – Radiant Heat Installations SOLID T & G FLOOR DIRECT NAIL TO SLEEPERS NOTE: Follow manufacturer’s installation instructions. Vapor barrier 3/4-in. solid wood flooring 2x4 sleeper Blind-nail flooring to sleepers Radient slab Radiant tube Subfloor • The use of solid wood flooring 4 inches and wider is not recommended over sleepers. • Solid wood must be properly acclimated. • Cannot use shorts. • Maximum subfloor surface temperature - 85° F (29.
Appendix H – Radiant Heat Installations DOUBLE PLYWOOD NOTE: Follow manufacturer’s installation instructions. screw, nail or 3/4-in. solid wood flooring staple 12" o.c. 1/2-in. ACX or Vapor barrier Adhesive CDX plywood Radient slab • Solid wood must be properly acclimated. • Maximum subfloor surface temperature - 85° F (29.44° C) FLOATING ENGINEERED NOTE: Follow manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Appendix I - Installation on Screeds APPENDIX I INSTALLATION ON SCREEDS • NOTE: Solid ¾” and 33/32” tongue-and-groove strip flooring may be installed directly to screeds. • NOTE: Engineered wood flooring less than ¾” thick, thin-classification strip flooring (including ½”) and solid plank flooring (4” or wider) cannot be installed directly to screeds.
Appendix J – Sound Control APPENDIX J SOUND CONTROL When installing wood floors (hard surface flooring) in multi-family dwellings it is necessary to take into consideration both the UBC and NBC requirements. The UBC Uniform Building Code and the BOCA National Building Code both have requirements regarding sound control for multi-family dwellings. Areas of the country that do not follow either of these code standards may have local building code regulations with their own sound control requirements.
Appendix J – Sound Control Installation Product installation varies by product and manufacturer. One basic key to peak performance is to avoid hard surface transference points. This would mean that the floor should not come in direct contact with the wall or the molding. A small gap should be left between the molding and the floor as well as the floor and the wall.
Appendix K – Trim & Thresholds APPENDIX K TRIM & THRESHOLDS MOLDINGS USED WITH HARDWOOD FLOORS Wood floors require expansion space at the wall and all vertical obstructions. Moldings are used to cover the expansion area, to hide cut ends, to adjust height differences or transitions between floors and to aesthetically finish the area. Profiles are many and vary through the industry. Here are some examples of standard profiles.
Appendix K – Trim & Thresholds STAIRS/STEPS • STAIR RISER -- 3/4" thick, various heights and lengths, used to create the vertical "rise" in the step. • STAIR TREAD -- 3/4" to 1 1/16" thick, various widths and lengths. It is the actual step surface. • NOSING -- also called stair nosing, bull nose, stairwell trim, landing tread. Thickness same as flooring. Used to create finished edge on top step, around stairwell, sunken living room, etc.
Appendix L – Sample Specification APPENDIX L SAMPLE SPECIFICATION For format purposes only PART 1 – GENERAL 1.1 SUMMARY A. Section includes: 1. Solid strip wood flooring 1.2 SUBMITTALS A. Product Data: For each type of product indicated B. Shop Drawings: Show installation details, including location and layout of each type of wood and accessory. C.
Appendix L – Sample Specification 2. Do not install wood flooring until it adjusts to the relative humidity of and is at the same temperature as the space where it is to be installed. 3. Close spaces to traffic during flooring installation and for time period after installation recommended in writing by flooring and finish manufacturers. B. Install factory-finished wood flooring after other finish operations, including painting, have been completed. 1.6 WARRANTY A.
Appendix L – Sample Specification B. Pattern: Lay wood flooring in pattern indicated in drawings or, if not indicated, as directed by Interior Designer, Architect or Owner. C. Flooring: Install using one of the following methods, as approved by Interior Designer, Architect or Owner: 1. Blind nail flooring to substrate according to methods specified in the National Wood Flooring Association’s “Installation Guidelines and Methods. 2. Glue flooring to substrate as recommended by wood flooring manufacturer. 3.
Appendix M – Jobsite Checklist APPENDIX M JOBSITE CHECKLIST (Also see Chapter 1, Jobsite Conditions) One primary rule will eliminate many potential problem-causing jobsite conditions: Wood flooring should be one of the last jobs completed on any construction project. In particular, the jobsite should be enclosed and climate-controlled before wood flooring is delivered or installed.
Appendix M – Jobsite Checklist Copyright 2007 National Wood Flooring Association 3399 Revised March 2007
Appendix M – Jobsite Checklist Copyright 2007 National Wood Flooring Association 40 Revised March 2007
Appendix M – Jobsite Checklist Copyright 2007 National Wood Flooring Association 41 Revised March 2007
SECTION V GLOSSARY OF WOOD FLOORING TERMS Copyright 2007 National Wood Flooring Association Revised March 2007
Glossary of Wood Flooring Terms GLOSSARY OF WOOD FLOORING TERMS Abrasion Resistance That property of a surface that resists being worn away by a rubbing or friction process. Abrasion resistance isn't necessarily related to hardness, as believed by some, but is more closely comparable to, or can be correlated with, toughness. Acclimation The act of allowing wood moisture content to become at equilibrium with the environment in which it will perform.
Glossary of Wood Flooring Terms Bow The distortion of lumber in which there is a deviation, in a direction perpendicular to the flat face, from a straight line from end to end of the piece. Burl A swirl or twist of the grain of the wood that usually occurs near a knot, but doesn't contain a knot, commonly found in the stump of a tree and where limbs branch out from the tree. Chatter Marks Slight, closely spaced indentations causing a ripple effect on the surface of a wood floor.
Glossary of Wood Flooring Terms Distressed A heavy artificial texture in which the floor has been scraped, scratched or gouged to give it a time-worn antique look. Drywall Interior covering material (such as gypsum board, hardboard or plywood) that is applied in large sheets or panels.
Glossary of Wood Flooring Terms Fire Resistance the property of a material or assembly to withstand fire or given protection from it. Certain species naturally provide greater fire resistance than others. Classes are I-II-III or A-BC with Class I or A being the most fire resistant. Fire Retardant A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to reduce flammability or to retard the spread of a fire over a surface. Flag A heavy dark mineral streak shaped like a banner.
Glossary of Wood Flooring Terms control testing is done in the field or “in situ,” and moisture testing of concrete slabs is often done using “in situ” probes. Intensity The intensity of a color is its purity or degree of hue as seen by the eye. Jointed Flooring Strip flooring, generally birch, beech, hard maple or pecan, manufactured with square edges, not side-matched, but usually end-matched. It is used principally for factory floors where the square edges make replacement of strips easier.
Glossary of Wood Flooring Terms OSB Oriented Strand Board commonly used as an underlayment or subfloor material. Strands tend to be oriented with their length aligned with the panel length (typically). OSB is therefore stiffer and stronger when installed with the long axis across supports. Overwood/Underwood A flooring condition in which there is a perceived misalignment of the flooring surface, with some wood pieces raised above adjacent pieces leaving a slightly uneven surface. Also called lippage.
Glossary of Wood Flooring Terms Relative Humidity Ratio of the amount of water vapor present in the air to that which the air would hold at saturation at the same temperature. It is usually considered on the basis of the weight of the vapor, but for accuracy should be considered on the basis of vapor pressures. Rift Sawn Lumber (primarily hardwoods) in which the annual rings make angles of 30° to 60° with the surface of the piece. Also known as bastard sawn.
Glossary of Wood Flooring Terms Strip Flooring Solid or engineered boards, less than 3 inches in width, to be installed in parallel rows, produced in various thicknesses and widths. The strips are side-matched and end-matched (tongue-and-grooved). They are for nail-down installation directly to wood or plywood subfloors, or over wood screeds on concrete slab construction. Some types can also be glued directly to a concrete subfloor. Surface The outside or exterior boundary of any substance.
