Procedure for Installing Hardwood

Please note, every job varies, this is just a typical description of the procedures we do.

• The sub floor [usually plywood] is cleaned by vacuuming, sweeping, etc...
• Then the subfloor is re-nailed by nailing along the floor joist to eliminate all squeaks. Then tarpaper is laid.
• Tarpaper is always laid prior to installation of hardwood flooring as it acts as a vapor barrier from the floor beneath it. Red Roslin paper is not used, as it is less absorbent than tarpaper.
• Flooring is installed with 2 1/4" staples using a pneumatic staple gun and factory applied glue on the staples.
• The pneumatic staple gun is run off of an air compressor to ensure an exceptionally tight-fitting floor.
• All starter and end pieces are cut at a 5-degree angle, changing the angle at all times to ensure a tight fit against the baseboard.
• Floor stock is pre-inspected prior to laying, for pieces with knots, bad mills, or darker boards.
• Beginning a floor, a select piece of wood is top nailed into the floor joist, so there is always one-piece top nailed at the beginning of the job, and one top nailed upon completion.
• The use of pneumatic nailer is then incorporated for the remaining floor.
• After installation of the flooring, filler is made to match the color of the wood. Mixing color tints, to ensure proper color is matched, does this.
• All nail holes and any imperfections are then filled with the mixture.
• Your hardwood floor is now ready for the sanding and finishing process.
• Clear is wood that has very few flaws or character marks.
• Select has a bright grain, a few flaws, and most pieces match well.
• No.1 Common has both light and dark pieces, some marks.
• No.2 Common allows for all character marks; like knots, wormholes, and discoloration.