By Sarah Zimmerman
As with every category, advancements in technology continue to expand and innovate hardwood’s products and practices— including installation. And, according to industry leaders, with this growth in formats and fundamentals comes the need for equal education and training to make sure and maintain expert installer status.

From the early nail-down practices to the more recent glue-down applications and the latest floating/locking systems, hardwood installation methods have continued to evolve, and installers need to keep up, experts said.

Methods that matter

Each installation method— nail/staple-down, glue-down and floating—has its own pros and cons that make it the preferred application in specific environments. Nail-down is still the most common form of installation for hardwood (usually used for unfinished hardwoods), though some say glue-down is more time efficient and floating seems to be progressing the fastest.

• Nail-down: This installation typically blind nails hardwood through the tongue to keep nails hidden, and is installed over a wood subfloor. Though the method is quite simple, experts warn there are hurdles.

Ed Korzak, executive director of the National Wood Flooring Association ( NWFA), said nailing schedules are critical to ensure quality installations of this type, and offered NWFA’s installation guidelines as a good source on the subject.

And, in the same light, Terry Fitzpatrick, national installation services manager for Mannington, warns, “Because nail-down is an easy concept to grasp, installers may think they need less experience, leaving more room for error.” He added this often happens when speed takes over a job.

• Glue-down: This involves the use of adhesive to directly bond the wood floor to the substrate— typically concrete. However, due to its versatility of applications, glue-down poses some threats, which make floor prep critical.

There are several types of glue to combat this, said Mihir Gandhi, marketing coordinator for W.F. Taylor. “Latex-based adhesives use water to easily mix all components; resin-based glues work well across all wood products and have excellent initial grab strength, which helps eliminate hollow spots; moisture cure urethanes solve issues relating to moisture absorption in sensitive products as they contain no moisture but require it to cure, and modified silanes, which are new to the U.S., are similar to urethanes in that they’re 100% solids, moisture-proof when dry and have quick strength and flexibility of a silicone without isocyanates or a noticeable smell.”

• Floating/locking: The most recent installation method for the wood category was adopted from the laminate family, and has proved to be quite beneficial to the segment.

As Dick Quinlin, general manager of Bruce Hardwood, and Richard Hurr, installation technology manager for Armstrong, noted, however, the main challenge here remains creating a look consumers desire, while providing a product that can work in all environments. “But the many benefits outweigh the challenges, as floating hardwood via locking systems make installation faster, easier to install and replace, and more cost-effective.”

And, John Woolsey, vice president of marketing and merchandising for Anderson, added locking floors are the exception to radiant heat installations. “Radiant heat jobs should always be floated, as future access to the heating system minimizes loss of flooring,” he said. “Locking systems allow this type of installation.”

Positively professional

However, it’s not just the installation method that ensures long-term performance, it’s also the team of professionals hired to do the job. Korzak suggested looking to product knowledge and training when choosing an installation team.

Gandhi also noted the importance of using an expert installer, pointing to respect, a contractor’s license (in applicable states), training certificates, years of experience, willingness to learn and response time as information to ask for.

Fitzpatrick mentioned a few other factors to consider when looking to hire a professional installation team: “Check their history and references, and ask to look in their vehicles and at their tools—their condition will give you an idea of the team’s work efforts and abilities,” he said. “You don’t want everything brand new, never used, but you also don’t want dirt and rust. Look for the happy medium.”

Training

Woolsey continued, stating training is a large part of correct installation. He listed the most common form of training (since there is no standard) is apprenticing with a professional installer, but also listed Anderson, NWFA and WFCA ( World Floor Covering Association) as also affected schools with certification programs.

Similarly, Korzak said generally speaking, different geographic areas tend to lean toward different installation methods, so NWFA provides specialized training for each method so installers can be successful in their market. Though most courses are held at NWFA’s headquarters in St. Louis, many are also offered on a traveling basis.

And, Quinlin and Hurr noted Armstrong’s online and classroom programs, which, to date, have certified approximately 7,000 installers. They also said Armstrong and Bruce offer traveling installation education and will go directly to retailers to give in-store training.

Still to come

As the category moves forward, experts suggest floating/locking products will continue to progress and move the category ahead, as well as updated visuals and finishes. And, continuing to follow the shift toward environmentally friendly, the category focus on supplying new greener glues, manufacturing processes, installation practices and hardwood products.