Installation

Lebanon Oak Flooring

National Wood Flooring Association

Hardwood flooring is a product of nature and therefore; not perfect. We start with all wood being manufactured in accordance with industry standards, which permit a defect tolerance not to exceed 5% determined within its grade. The defects may be of a manufacturing, finishing, milling or natural type.

NOFMA

Installer/Owner Responsibility

  • It is the responsibility of the installer/owner to make final inspection of any product prior to installation. Carefully examine flooring for color, finish, milling and quality before installing. If flooring is not acceptable, in grade, color, milling or finish, do not install and contact the seller immediately. Flooring that is laid and later found or decided by installer/owner not to be what was ordered it will not be replaced or any monies reimbursed.
  • Prior to installation of any hardwood flooring product, the installer/owner must determine that the job-site environment and the sub-surfaces involved meet or exceed all standards and recommendations of the construction and materials industries. The manufacturer declines any responsibility for job failure resulting from or associated with the sub-surface or job-site environment deficiencies.
  • Should an individual piece be doubtful as to grade, color, manufacture or factory finish, the installer should not use the piece. If he does, seller's liability is limited to replace the defective material above the 5% allowable defect limit (not the labor cost involved).
  • Use of stain, filler or putty stick for defect correction during installation should be accepted as normal procedure.

Job-Site Inspection

  • Check the job-site before delivery. Be sure the flooring will not be exposed to excessive periods of high humidity or moisture. The surface grade or slope should direct water away from the building.
  • Do not install below the outside soil line. Flooring should not be delivered until the building has been closed in and cement work, plastering, painting and other materials are complete and dry. Concrete and plaster should be 60-90 days old. Check all spaces under your home to be sure they are dry and well vented to avoid damage caused by moisture.
  • Flooring should be at the job-site at least 72 hours prior to installation. This will allow flooring to acclimate to room conditions. If the job-site is unsatisfactory, have the flooring delivered and broken up into small lots and stored in the room where it is to be installed.
  • The installation site should have consistent room temperature of 60-70 degree F for a minimum of 5 days prior and always after the installation of any hardwood flooring product.

Preparing Subfloor & Job-Site

  • CLEAN-Sub floor must be scraped or sanded, broom cleaned, free of wax, grease, paint, oil and other debris. Subfloor must be smooth.
  • PLYWOOD-Do not install over particle or chipboard. Subfloor should be constructed of 5/8" or thicker plywood (3/4" plywood is recommended). When installing directly over old wood or boards, sand any high spots, renail old floor to eliminate squeaks or loose boards.
  • STRUCTURALLY SOUND-Nail or screw any loose areas that squeak. Replace any water damage subflooring or underlayment flooring product.
  • DRY-Check moisture of subfloor. Moisture content of subfloor not to exceed more than 13% on a wood moisture meter. IF MOISTURE IS PRESENT CONTACT A PROFESSIONAL HARDWOOD FLOORING INSTALLER TO INSTALL A MOISTURE BARRIER SYSTEM. For homes without a basement, install a ground cover in a crawl space. Overlap plastic and tape seams. In a climate with extreme humidity or areas with excessive soil moisture, consider including expansion within the floor. This is done by using steel washers or putty knives as spacers.