Article Number : 2375 |
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| Date | 8/30/2007 9:21:23 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=2375 |
| Abstract | BY JASON WEBB/Hardwood product manager, Tarkett In purchasing hardwood flooring, consumers are making a significant long-term investment in their homes... |
| Article | In purchasing hardwood flooring, consumers are making a significant long-term investment in their homes. Thus, it is worth investing their time, and yours, in making sure they purchase the wood product that is best for them—one that suits their lifestyle, their personal style and the construction of their home. It is also worth your time to help them understand the importance of a qualified installer—or if they are going to do it themselves, the importance of ensuring that the wood, environment and subfloor are appropriately prepared. Your investment in customer satisfaction up front will save you from fixing problems later. And enthused customers, who are thrilled to show off their homes to their friends, are your best advertisement. The right product Start with color. Research has shown that color is the consumer’s most important and first element in her purchase. We “wood guys” may want to focus on the flooring’s thickness or the wood’s hardness factor, but your customer wants a beautiful wood floor to complement her beautiful home. Once you have narrowed down her color and styling choices, you can talk about her preferences or needs related to solid vs. engineered wood. The right installer The majority of consumer complaints directly relate to installation errors or home environment problems. Encourage your customer to place the installation in the hands of a worthy installer. Remember, this is an investment. Tell her not be afraid to ask for credentials, certifications or even references. NWFA credentials are highly recommended. The right installation Talk with your customer about the installation environment; be sure she realizes that the wood will need to acclimate to the room once it is delivered. This takes three to five days. Longer term, she will need to take care of her wood’s environment; the relative humidity should be kept between 35% and 55% year round. Your customer needs to be aware that an improper subfloor can totally change the final look of an installed floor. Two key issues for subfloor preparation include moisture and flatness. Moisture control is vital for wood flooring. Encourage her to reference the product’s installation instructions to ensure proper moisture requirements. In general, a wood or plywood subfloor should not exceed 14%, and the difference between the subfloor and flooring should not be more than 4%. Concrete subfloors should be tested as well. A couple of example guidelines include a maximum of 3 pounds with a Calcium Chloride Test or a maximum reading of 4.5 with a Tramex Moisture Meter. A flat, clean subfloor is also very important. Otherwise, depending on the type of floor installation (float, staple or glue), there may be various problems presented. These problems could range from movement of the floor to separation of planks or simply visual undulations in the finished floor. Some of these details will seem daunting to a consumer, but you are the expert who can help her understand the importance of protecting the investment she is making in her home. By taking a little extra time and attention up front, you are investing in customer satisfaction and ensuring success in the long run. |