The following paragraphs are aimed at the wood floor installer, whose primary focus is on delivering a high quality installation and the best finished product possible.

The professional wood floor installer takes responsibility for the project from the start to finish. This usually begins with a job site inspection. He will firstly accurately measure the job site area to make sure enough product is ordered, he will allow for waste and cutting at approx 6-10% of the net measure.

Keeping in mind best procedures in job site inspection he will make sure the sub floor is structurally sound, he will test the moisture content of the sub floor, relative humidity and sub floor levels. He will ensure that all wet trades are finished such as plasterers, painters etc. and that the sub-floor is clear of all defects. If the job site is not ready for install he should advise the client or his agents and seek instruction.

At this stage he should discuss with the homeowner the choice of wood floor suitable to site conditions, also the method of installation, finishing details such as door trims and profiles. He should always make sure the client understands what finishing detail is being employed and why.

If the homeowner has purchased the floor independently of the installer and prior to the installer being engaged, then the quality and grade of the wood floor is the client’s responsibility.

Once the product is delivered to site it must be inspected by the homeowner or the person who purchased the floor to make sure its the correct product. If the product is delivered wrong, damaged or there are any other concerns you must advise the company from were the product was purchased immediately. Remember, NO retailer, importer / distributor will accept any claims for delivered, damaged or defective product once the floor has been installed. Once the installer is satisfied that the job site is good, the product is as ordered and it has acclimatized to house conditions he will begin his install.

Different manufacturers vary on their installation guidelines so its the installer’s responsibility to check these to protect any warranties offered by the manufacturer.

Remember, what comes out of the box in a factory-finished floor is what the floor is going to look like. The installer is the last person to inspect the floor prior to installation so it’s always advised to dry lay a pack or two out in advance. Once he is happy he will continue to install the floor as per manufacturer’s recommendations. He will constantly check for defects and make sure according to grade that he will not install boards that are dramatically different in grain structure. He will save these for close areas and rips if he is running short. He will constantly get off his knees and inspect the floor from a standing position and needless to say he will always work in good light, this ensures that there are no surface differences in the final finish.

It is just a matter of sweeping and or vacuuming the floor for the final inspection and approval of the client.

Many of the points made here will come as second nature to the professional installer, but it’s never a bad idea to remind ourselves from time to time!

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