1. Glue Down: this method is all about adhesives.
The recommended adhesive is spread on with the proper sized trowel to adhere the
wood flooring to the sub-floor.
You should know that engineered wood floors and parquets can be glued down. Solid
strip floors and plank floors can only be nailed or stapled.
2. Nail Down: today’s solid method.
This process is typically used with the 3/4" solid products; however there
are adapters available for thinner flooring sizes as well.
2" nailing cleats are used with a wood flooring nailer and mallet to attach
the flooring to the subfloor.
Please be aware that Solid Strip floors or Plank floors can only be installed on
wooden subfloors on grade or above grade, and thus are not recommended for the concrete
slab subfloors of Arizona.
3. Staple Down: pneumatics at work.
With this method 1-1/2 to 2 inch staples are used versus nailing cleats to attach
the wood flooring to the subfloor.
A pneumatic gun is used to drive the staple into the wood flooring and subfloor.
Not all wood flooring manufacturers recommend the same staple gun so using our professional
installers will insure that the right staple gun and right size staples are utilized.
4. Floating: padding and glue partner here.
With the floating installation method the floor is not mechanically fastened to
any part of the subfloor.
A thin pad is placed between the wood flooring and the subfloor. Then, depending
on the product and manufacturer, wood glue is applied in the tongue and groove of
each plank to hold the planks together.
The padding has its advantages: it protects against moisture, reduces noise transmission,
is softer under foot, and provides for some additional "R" value.
Some engineered floors and all Longstrip floors can be floated. This is a very fast,
easy and clean method of installing your floor.
What to know and do before installation day
Furniture is job number one.
Remove all furniture and other objects and materials from the areas where the installation
will take place.
Before moving, you’ll also need to empty the contents of china cabinets, closets
and the like.
Be aware that the area of installation must be climate controlled (heated or air
conditioned). Hardwood flooring manufacturers require that indoor humidity should
be maintained between 45-65%.
What’s to be done with your present floor covering?
Please consider how your old floor covering will be taken up and disposed of. This
can be a time consuming and messy task. We recommend that you check with us about
the cost and the method of disposal.
If you prefer to remove your present floor covering youself, do it at least one
day prior to arrival of your hardwood product to allow for cleanup and floor preparation.
If removing old carpet, please leave tack strips in place and pull the staples out
of the floor from the original pad.
Now turn your attention to the room’s trim.
You should know that, in many cases, moldings and baseboards need to be removed
for hardwood installation. Our installers will do this for an additional charge
but will not be responsible for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle wood.
Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation
is complete. If necessary, this is your responsibility.
Have a plan regarding the subflooring.
Your existing sub-floor may need to be prepared to receive the hardwood, or a new
sub-floor may be required. The condition of your subfloor cannot be determined until
the existing flooring has been removed.
The first step our installers take is to closely inspect your subfloor for any imperfections.
Should your subfloor require additional labor to allow us to meet the manufacturer’s
requirements for installation, we will discuss this with you prior to any additional
work being done. Please note that most manufacturers require a level subfloor with
a tolerance of 3/16” every 10 feet.
Don’t forget door operation.
When hardwood flooring is installed, there’s always the possibility that the
doors, especially closet doors, basement and bedroom doors, may not clear the new
hardwood flooring and swing free.
Our installers will remove doors in order to install the hardwood flooring and re-hang
them. If there is a clearance issue you will need to arrange for a qualified carpenter
to shave or cut down your door(s) after the installation of your new hardwood. If
necessary, this is your responsibility.
Finally, think about the clean-up.
Installing new hardwood flooring will produce waste. These materials will be collected
and disposed of by our installers.
What to know and do during installation day
Installation day requires your presence.
Be prepared to be at home the day of installation and be available in case our installation
team has questions. Your presence will insure that the correct hardwood flooring
is installed in the right areas. Because it is difficult to estimate the length
and circumstances of each job, we may not be able to give you an exact time of arrival
but we will provide a time frame.
With us it’s safety at all times.
Our installers will use a variety of tools and techniques that can make the work
area hazardous. Please make sure that your children and pets are kept out of the
work area on installation day.
Please walk through and ask away.
We recommend that, prior to the completion of the installation; you walk through
the job with our installation team. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions
and be clear on any final details.
What to know and do after installation day
Clear the air.
If you are sensitive to dust and odors, good ventilation should be established for
48 to 72 hours after installation.
Being prepared is the result of being informed.
We want you to be as well prepared as possible for the installation of your new
hardwood floor. To that end we’ve assembled the most knowledgeable sales people
and the most experienced installers to provide you with solid information, reliable
resources and proven solutions.
Since 1945, Baker Bros. has helped thousands of customers prepare for installation
day by offering them…
More answers per square foot.