Laying Engineered Wood Flooring

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Laying and Fitting Engineered Wood Flooring

For ease of installation the following tools are required: Saw, P.V.A.Glue, Hammer (500 g minimum), Tape Measure, Pencil, Professional Knocking Block, Professional Pull Bar, Drill, Wedges and a "T" square.

This product is suitable for laying over certain types of underfloor heating systems. Please contact your supplier for technical information before laying.

To keep the wood in excellent condition it is imperative that the humidity level be controlled at all times, from delivery to laying the floor, and during the years that follow installation. The optimal humidity range for hardwood flooring is 45 – 60 %; temperature should be maintained at about 18 °C.

The wood should never be stored outdoors, on a cement floor, in a garage or in any damp conditions. Care should be taken to store the wood flat; packs should never be lent against a wall. The wood should be left in the packaging until you are ready to lay the floor.

In a new construction all windows and doors etc should be installed and all wet trades should be completed. Where a new concrete slab has been laid, the moisture content must not exceed 5 % and the humidity level of the building must not exceed 60 %.

When laying a wood floor avoid areas that are wet or humid, e.g. bathrooms, shower rooms etc.

It should also be remembered that the floor layer is the last person to inspect the flooring. Care should be taken to ensure that a balanced look is maintained when laying out the floor; any pieces that are suspect should not be laid. A waste factor of 5 % should be taken into account.

The appearance of spaces between boards indicates a drying out of the wood and an insufficient degree of humidity.

The appearance of waves or noticeable swelling in the finish of the wood floor indicates the presence of excessive humidity. Heating systems may have to be utilised throughout the year to maintain the correct humidity level. The installation of a humidifier or an air exchange system can prove indispensable in controlling humidity.

Above all don't forget that wood is a natural, living material and that we must look after it for life. A proper maintenance program should always be carried out Barrier matting should be placed at all exterior doorways. Remember that pets running round, stiletto heels, and dirt and grit left on the floor can scratch wood; proper maintenance should be carried out to prevent this.

The following information is based upon practical experience.

Due to the variety of installations we can only generalise. We would always recommend that the floor layer satisfy themselves of the suitability of the conditions before laying the floor.

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