Installation
Always follow the specific manufactures instructions when installing a wood floor. Instructions are usually enclosed within the wood floor packaging.
Wooden Subfloors
Engineered wood floors can be installed on to wooden subfloors using a floating system. A floating system is when the new wood flooring sits on top of an underlay that covers the existing subfloor and is not secured to the subfloor.
1 First make sure the subfloor is in good condition and is even.
2 Check if sound-proofing is required. This can be achieved using a sound-reducing underlay.
3 A tongue and groove engineered floor is installed using a pva adhesive. A click system engineered floor is knocked together without an adhesive.
Solid wood floors can not be used as a floating system and require full fixing to the subfloor. On a wood subfloor we recommend the use of a power nailer or porter nailer. On a concrete subfloor we recommend a flooring adhesive.
1 First make sure the subfloor is in good condition, any loose floor boards should first be secured. If you wish to run the new flooring in the same direction as the original floorboards a 6mm ply board may be required first.
2 Each plank of solid wood flooring should be secretly nailed. Each nail should be fired through the tongue of the board, at least three nails per board or however many is required to secure the board to the subfloor.
Concrete Subfloors
Engineered products can be installed on concrete floors the same way as on wooden subfloors (see above). The only addition is a Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) which should be laid first.
Damp Proof Membrane (DPM)
When installing a wooden floor, it is important to protect it against damp and moisture. This can be achieved with a DPM. Solid wood require a liquid DPM to be applied to the floor, while engineered wood requires a DPM sheet or suitable underlay.
Solid wood floors need to be fixed to a concrete subfloor. To achieve this the following should be carried out:
1 First make sure the subfloor is level, any uneveness should be levelled using a recommended screed or levelling compound.
2 A liquid DPM should be applied to the subfloor. The flooring can be installed using a recommended adhesive.