Please find below information on fitting your floor. If you have a question that’s
not covered here please call or email and we’ll be happy to answer any query you
may have.
Storage Prior to fitting
Always ensure that all wet work is complete and dry before delivery. Always try
to store the wood in the area where the flooring will be installed as this will
allow for perfect acclimatisation. Do not store in a damp environment, next to radiators,
in any drafts or direct sunlight as these situations will affect acclimatising.
The room in which the floor is to be laid must have settled to ambient conditions
of temperature and humidity. Always store the packs flat and leave in their original
packaging until ready to lay. Never lean against a wall as this will cause the wood
to bow. Allow at least 7 days for solid floors, 48 hours for engineered & laminate floors.
Fitting Of Wood
Solid wood can be laid upon existing floor boards, if in good condition and level,
or laid directly on to ply-board. Solid wood floors must be nailed entirely to the
sub floor. Always allow an expansion gap of at least 10mm around the perimeter of
the room. Secretly nail the flooring to the sub floor using the correct tools. (Secret
nailers can be hired from most tool hire companies). Always follow manufacturers
instructions when fitting your floor.
Why Do I Need Damp Proofing?
When installing a wood floor, solid or engineered, on a concrete base the use of
a damp proof membrane is always recommended. No matter how dry your floor feels
it will always contain damp, which can be drawn to the wood if not treated causing
cupping, lifting and general damage to the floor. For engineered flooring use a
plastic membrane sheet exceeding 0.2mm. For solid floors a liquid dpm should be
used.
Underfloor Heating
Solid woods are not recommended
for underfloor heating as the extra heat produced can result in instability sometimes
causing gaps in between boards, cracking and lifting. Some manufacturers will recommend
that any solid wood less than 100mm wide will be suitable for underfloor heating
as long as all manufacture instructions are followed. Only water piped heating is
recommended. Acclimatise the wood flooring with the heating on, for at least two
weeks. Ensure that when fitting that the flooring is fully secured to the sub floor
either by gluing or secret nailing. Floorsave recommend the use of engineered flooring
as these products are more suitable.
Engineered & Laminate
Engineered flooring is installed
as a floating floor, glued or clicked together, laid over a suitable underlay. The
flooring should be acclimatised for a minimum of 48 hours. Carefully check all boards
prior to installation, never use a damaged board. Always work from several packs
at the same time to ensure a balanced mix. The sub floor should be dry, clean, flat
and free of any cracks. A plastic Vapour Barrier (dpm) should be used when installing
over concrete floors. An expansion gap of approximately 15mm should be allowed around
the perimeter of the room. Always follow manufacturers instructions when fitting
your floor (enclosed in wood packaging).
Fitting On concrete
Allow at least 7 days for the wood to acclimatise before installing. Ensure that
the Moisture content of the sub floor does not exceed 2.5%. Always use a recommended
paint on damp proof membrane prior to installation i.e. F Ball’s F76 or EP21. The
flooring must be entirely adhered to the sub floor using a recommended adhesive
i.e. SLC SL11. Allow an expansion gap of at least 10mm around the perimeter of the
room. Always follow manufacturers instructions when fitting your floor.