CFI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CFI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What does the AC (Abrasion Class) rating system classify in laminate flooring? → Wear layer durability under foot traffic
2. What is a key advantage of laminate flooring? → Durability and cost-effectiveness
3. A flooring installer uses a tapping block during plank installation to: → Protect the plank's locking edge while tapping planks together with a mallet
4. What type of drill bit is recommended for pre-drilling pilot holes near the end of hardwood flooring planks to prevent splitting? → Brad-point bit or countersink bit
5. What type of core material is used in the vast majority of laminate flooring products on the market? → High-density fiberboard (HDF)
6. Prefinished hardwood flooring differs from site-finished hardwood in that it: → Has factory-applied finish requiring no on-site coating
7. Which of the following hardwood species has the HIGHEST Janka hardness rating among commonly used US flooring species? → Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba)
8. What is the risk of improper surface leveling? → Uneven flooring and damage
9. When staggering hardwood flooring end joints, what is the minimum recommended offset between joints in adjacent rows? → 6 inches
10. What is the primary purpose of 'back-rolling' adhesive before installing glue-down hardwood? → To ensure uniform coverage and collapse air pockets in the adhesive bed
11. Which trowel notch size is typically used for spreading full-spread sheet vinyl adhesive? → 1/16 × 1/16 × 1/16 inch V-notch
12. What is the best subfloor material for vinyl flooring? → Plywood or concrete
13. What is the primary reason for staggering end joints when installing laminate flooring? → To provide structural stability and prevent a weak 'H' joint pattern
14. Why is it important to follow manufacturer instructions? → Maintain warranty and performance
15. What is the benefit of using layout chalk lines? → Provide visible straight guides
16. Engineered hardwood flooring differs from solid hardwood primarily because it: → Uses a multi-ply construction for greater dimensional stability
17. What is the correct method for handling a laminate floor transition in a doorway between two separate floating floor installations? → Cut planks at the doorway center and install a T-molding transition strip
18. What is the purpose of a layout diagram? → Plan placement and orientation
19. What tool helps ensure right angles during layout? → Carpenter’s square
20. What is the maximum recommended subfloor surface temperature when installing laminate flooring over a radiant heat system? → 85°F (29°C)
21. When installing solid hardwood flooring, what minimum expansion gap should be left around the perimeter of the room? → 3/4 inch
22. What minimum wood moisture content difference between the hardwood flooring and the subfloor does CFI recommend investigating before installation? → 4%
23. When using a tile wet saw, the blade must be kept cool and clean by: → Maintaining a continuous flow of water over the blade during cutting
24. What standard waste/overage percentage should be calculated when ordering laminate for a rectangular room with a straight-lay pattern? → 10%
25. Which installation method is most commonly used for engineered wood flooring over a concrete slab? → Floating
26. What is 'peaking' in the context of a laminate flooring installation failure? → Upward buckling at plank joints caused by unrelieved expansion pressure
27. Which tool is used to scribe flooring material to an irregular wall profile such as a curved fireplace surround? → Compass (scribing tool)
28. Which installation method involves gluing flooring directly to the subfloor? → Glue-down installation
29. What is the standard minimum acclimation period for laminate flooring prior to installation in most residential environments? → 48-72 hours
30. A knee kicker is a flooring tool primarily used when installing: → Carpet, to stretch it over the tack strip before power stretching