CFI Hardwood & Engineered Wood Flooring Flashcards

Which installation method is most commonly used for engineered wood flooring over a concrete slab?

Answer: Floating

Floating installation is commonly used for engineered wood over concrete because it allows the floor to move as a unit without being bonded to the slab.

What does 'crowning' in hardwood flooring indicate?

Answer: The center of a board is higher than its edges due to moisture on the top surface

Crowning occurs when the center of a hardwood plank rises higher than its edges, typically caused by moisture absorbed from the top surface of the board.

When installing hardwood flooring parallel to floor joists, CFI recommends:

Answer: Adding a layer of 3/8-inch plywood to stiffen the subfloor

Installing perpendicular to joists is ideal, but when parallel installation is required, adding 3/8-inch plywood provides needed rigidity to prevent deflection and squeaking.

What is the purpose of staggering end joints in hardwood flooring installation?

Answer: To prevent a weak structural seam and improve aesthetics

Staggering end joints by at least 6 inches prevents weak structural seams and creates a more visually appealing random pattern.

Which tool is used to pull the last few rows of hardwood flooring tight against the preceding row when a pneumatic nailer cannot fit?

Answer: Pull bar and rubber mallet

A pull bar hooked on the board's end combined with a rubber mallet drives the final rows tight without damaging the flooring surface.

Solid hardwood flooring should NOT be installed over radiant heat systems unless:

Answer: The manufacturer specifically approves it and temperature limits are followed

Only hardwood products explicitly approved by the manufacturer for radiant heat use should be installed over such systems, with surface temperature not exceeding 80°F.