There are a few key factors that play a large role in a successful hardwood flooring installation. Installation methods will vary depending on the species, width, thickness, and construction of the flooring as well as the subfloor type. Following manufacturers’ recommendations is always a good start. Industry installation guidelines are provided by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) and have become common practice by a large number of hardwood flooring contractors.
Knowing the intended use of a space, as well as the overall look desired, are both very important in the planning stage of a hardwood flooring project. Categorizing a space as light, moderate, or heavy traffic for residential or commercial use will help dictate what type of flooring material will be used. For instance, if the space is a retail shop with lots of daily foot traffic, a softer species like pine would not be suitable. This is where the Janka hardness scale comes into play. This can help decide the proper flooring based upon the traffic it will be subjected to. Wood is a natural product, so this is a big factor in the success of a floor.