Depending on which type of hardwood flooring you choose, there are different installation techniques used. An Okanagan Hardwood Flooring installation job is designed specifically for each customer. Sometimes we are working on job sites with multiple trades, and our scheduling department will coordinate with your builder as to the best time for our craftsmen to install your floor. Below is a general overview of what takes place.
SOLID, UNFINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORING:
- Installed over a level sub-floor, a moisture barrier may be laid first.
- The tongue and groove boards are then installed by nailing with flooring cleats and a pneumatic floor nailer or nail gun.
- Floor filler is then spread over the entire floor and left to dry.
- The floor is sanded with our Dust Free Sanding system, eliminating up to 98% of the airborne dust generated by the sanding process and transports it to an outside trailer.
- If desired, this is when the stain is applied and allowed to dry.
- A sealer is then applied to the floor, and then lightly sanded again.
- The floors are vacuumed so that no dust remains on the floor
- Finish is then applied, usually two or three coats (unless an additional coat of finish is requested). The floor is screened and vacuumed between coatings.
- A water based finish will allow for less drying time than an oil-based finish, which needs 24 hours to dry between coats.
- Care must be taken when walking on the floors after they have dried. Usually, you will wait about 24 hours after the application of the final coat, and no shoes or bare feet for about 48 hours after – socks only.
- Allow 48 hours before letting pets walk on the newly finished floor.
- Wait at least 4 weeks after finishing to put area rugs back in place, allowing time for the floors to cure.
SOLID, PREFINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORING:
- Installed over a level sub-floor, a moisture barrier may be laid first.
- The tongue and groove boards installed by nailing with flooring cleats and a pneumatic floor nailer or gun.
- Floors are ready to be walked on immediately after installation.
ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORING:
- Can be installed on a plywood or concrete subfloor, and over radiant heating systems.
- Floating floors have a glueless tongue and groove locking system that allows for faster completion time.
- Glued floors have wood glue applied to the tongue and groove seams prior to connecting.
- A moisture barrier is laid between the subfloor and the engineered floor.
- Can be used in conjunction with our sound barrier systems.
- Once the new floor is complete, transition pieces, baseboards and shoe mouldings can be installed.
- If the glue-down method is used, wait 24 hours before walking on the floors, to allow the glue to dry completely.
CUSTOM DESIGNS AND INLAYS:
- Additional time will be needed for the design and installation of medallions and borders.
