Tips for Writing a Wood Flooring Spec in Commercial Projects

Many wood flooring problems are easily prevented. Writing an appropriate spec is one of the most practical ways to make sure that things are done correctly.

1. Ensure the Slab is Dry, Flat, and Fully Cured

It is imperative that the subfloor be properly prepared prior to installation of wood flooring. Three things will cover the vast majority of issues when it comes to subfloor prep:

• Moisture Test Per NWFA Guidelines (ASTM F1869 calcium chloride or ASTM F2170 in-situ relative humidity)
• Ensure the Slab is Flat: specify flat within 3/16 inch over a 10 foot span (or 1/8 inch over 6 feet), the NWFA tolerance for wood flooring substrates. Installers can use self leveling compound to fill low spots, or resurface the slab to remove high spots.
• Ensure the slab is fully cured: different types of concrete will require different amounts of time to fully cure. It is very important to make sure that the slab is fully cured prior to wood flooring installation.

2. Make Sure HVAC is Operational

Wood is hygroscopic. That's a fancy word that means wood will respond to the moisture levels in its environment by expanding when high levels of moisture are present, and shrinking in drier conditions. Because of this, it's important to maintain consistent environmental conditions. The HVAC system is designed specifically to accomplish this task. The NWFA recommends that the HVAC system be operational and in use 5 days prior to delivery and acclimation of wood flooring, during installation, and indefinitely after installation. If wood is installed in exceptionally humid conditions, it's very possible that the boards will separate or crack when the air is dried out by the HVAC system. Alternatively, if the wood is installed in dry conditions it can cup or buckle when the wood is exposed to humidity.

The NWFA recommends that the temperature be maintained between 60 to 80 degrees F, and humidity between 30 to 50 percent (always confirm the range your specific flooring manufacturer publishes). Basically, if it's comfortable for us it's comfortable for a wood floor.

We occasionally hear from GC's who want to rush the flooring installation before HVAC is up and running. This is not the place to make up time unless they are willing to install the floor, tear it up after it fails, and reinstall it.

3. Specify the Specific Product

Sometimes Master Specs are used from project to project, and generic information is used to describe the product. We would recommend calling out the specific product whenever possible. This helps ensure the correct product is ordered and installed, and also that whatever installation requirements are mentioned in the spec match the actual wood flooring manufacturer's recommendations. It also helps maintain consistency in things like board thickness. As an example, we recently reviewed a spec that called for an acrylic impregnated treatment on a floor that actually has a urethane finish. Details like that are much easier to catch when the spec names the exact product.

4. Specify a Particular Adhesive

Interior designers go to great lengths to select products that are beautiful AND functional. They want materials that will stand the test of time. We recommend selecting a high quality adhesive to accompany your wood flooring selections. This ensures that the floor you choose will perform as designed and last a very long time for the end user.

When no specific adhesive is required, it's always possible that flooring contractors who bid the project will bid using the lowest priced adhesive and not the highest quality in order to be more competitive. Specifying the adhesive with the wood floor keeps an even playing field, and ensures the quoted installation accounts for the cost of high quality adhesive.

When selecting an adhesive we recommend leaning on the wood flooring manufacturer for recommendations. They often know what will perform best with their products even if they don't provide the adhesive.

When in doubt, specify that the adhesive used should be what's recommended by the flooring manufacturer. However, specifying a particular adhesive is an even better approach.

5. Defer to the Adhesive and Wood Manufacturer for Installation Details

When it comes to things like adhesive spread rate, rolling the floor, how to cover the floor post-installation, whether or not to use tape on the floor, and other installation questions we recommend deferring to the wood flooring and adhesive manufacturer. Warranty claims will be decided based on manufacturer guidelines, so pointing installers back to those requirements is the best way to ensure avoidance of issues in the first place, and to have the support of the manufacturer if a legitimate warranty claim occurs.

6. Protect the Floor from Other Trades

We recommend that wood flooring be installed as late in the project as possible. However, in many cases there are still unfinished tasks by other trades when the wood floor is installed. When this happens it's important to protect the wood floor.

Make sure that the adhesive has time to fully cure per the adhesive manufacturer's guidelines. Most glues will have a set up time for light foot traffic, and for a full strength set. Lean on the adhesive brand requirements here.

If anything is laid on the surface of the wood floor to protect it, be sure that it is done in accordance with wood flooring manufacturer guidelines. Certain products can damage or dry out the surface of certain wood finishes.

If the wood is exposed to dry wall dust or wet trades it will be important to clean the floor ASAP to avoid permanent damage to the floor. Be sure to use cleaning products and methods that the wood flooring manufacturer recommends. One more note here: prefinished urethane floors should never be waxed or polished. Approved cleaners only.

7. Ask for Craftsmanship

As an interior designer you will often begin to develop relationships with tradesmen that perform work on your projects. When you see someone doing an outstanding job don't be afraid to share that with the end user and the GC, or to specifically ask for them again. You may find that you have more influence than you think.

Have a wood spec in progress?

Send it to us before it goes out. Brandon White, our commercial A/D specialist, will personally review the wood flooring section with you and flag anything that could cause trouble at bid or install. No charge, no obligation. Reach him at brandon.white@southcypress.com or 800-891-2623.