National Wood Flooring Association Hardwood Installation Guidelines

Essential Aspects of the National Wood Flooring Association Hardwood Installation Guidelines

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) is the leading trade organization for the hardwood flooring industry. They have developed a set of installation guidelines that are considered the industry standard. These guidelines are designed to help ensure that hardwood floors are installed correctly and will last for many years to come.

There are many different aspects of hardwood floor installation, and the NWFA guidelines cover them all in detail. Some of the most important aspects include:

Subfloor preparation: The subfloor is the foundation of the hardwood floor, so it is important to make sure that it is properly prepared. The NWFA guidelines specify the minimum requirements for subfloor preparation, including the type of underlayment that should be used.
Moisture control: Moisture is the enemy of hardwood floors, so it is important to control moisture levels in the subfloor and the surrounding environment. The NWFA guidelines specify the maximum moisture content that is allowed in the subfloor and the surrounding environment.
Acclimation: Hardwood flooring must be acclimated to the environment in which it will be installed. This means allowing the flooring to sit in the room for a period of time before it is installed. The NWFA guidelines specify the minimum acclimation time for different types of hardwood flooring.
Installation: The actual installation of the hardwood floor is a critical step. The NWFA guidelines specify the proper techniques for installing hardwood flooring, including the type of nails or staples that should be used.
Finishing: The final step in the hardwood flooring installation process is finishing. The NWFA guidelines specify the different types of finishes that can be used on hardwood floors, as well as the proper application techniques.

By following the NWFA hardwood installation guidelines, you can help ensure that your hardwood floor will be installed correctly and will last for many years to come.