Page 130 - CFJ_Dec25

SECTOR FOCUS WOOD,CORK & LAMINATE FLOORING

OPTIMISING THE APPEARANCE AND LONGEVITY
OF WOOD FLOORING INSTALLATIONS

OOD flooring is an investment Using a calibrated digital hygrometer, in
Wthat delivers warmth, character accordance with British Standards, is the
and visual appeal to any room. only way to accurately measure subfloor
However, preserving its beauty over relative humidity levels.
a lifetime requires more than just Normally, a waterproof surface
careful installation, it also needs an membrane will be required to suppress
approach that respects wood's natural excess subfloor moisture when subfloor
characteristics. Flooring contractors RH levels are above 75%. However, the Wood fl ooring brings natural
need to take a holistic view of wood maximum permitted figure is 65% where warmth and style, but lasting
flooring installations, following the wood floorcoverings will be installed
basics of floorcovering installation because of the wood’s sensitivity to results demand precision. Neil
while bearing in mind a few unique moisture. Sanders explains how to keep
considerations, explains. Waterproof surface membranes create installations beautiful for years
Key issues a barrier between floorcoverings and
subfloor, protecting the floorcovering
Wood is naturally hygroscopic, meaning from the adverse effects of excess
it readily absorbs and releases moisture. subfloor moisture. For example, F Ball’s Styccobond B95
Unmanaged excess subfloor moisture is, Once a moisture management solution flexible wood floor adhesive provides
therefore, the single greatest threat to a is in place, contractors should prime good initial tack whilst also allowing for
wood floor, leading to aesthetic failures the subfloor before the application of repositioning of floorcoverings during
like cupping, warping, or buckling, and a smoothing compound to ensure a the initial stage of drying, an advantage
ultimately attacking the adhesive bond, perfectly smooth base for the receipt of when installing wood blocks.
causing complete floor failure. the floorcovering. F Ball also recommends Stycco
Wood also expands and contracts F Ball recommends using a heavy- Flex, its rapid-curing flexible cartridge
significantly as a result of changes duty smoothing compound, such as its adhesive, as an alternative for securing
in atmospheric conditions, including Stopgap 300, prior to the installation header rows. Its rapid strength build-up
temperature and humidity. This exerts of wood floorcoverings because they aids installations where subsequent
strain on adhesives and the surface are better able to withstand the added rows are butted up to the head row
to which floor coverings are bonded. strain exerted by the natural movement using a mallet and a tapping block.
Engineered wood, while less prone to of the wood. Stycco Flex can also be used to install
this, will still be affected. Adhesive selection skirting boards and trims.
First steps Finally, contractors must select a Taking this systematic approach to
Having ensured the subfloor is suitably specialist wood adhesive to install wood flooring installations not only
sound, smooth and free of any wood blocks or planks. Utilising the optimises their appearance from the
contaminant, including any old adhesive latest technology, flexible wood floor outset, but for years to come. 
residues, it’s essential to determine if it adhesives provide an elastic but strong www.f-ball.co.uk
is dry enough to receive floorcoverings bond, which will accommodate natural Neil Sanders is technical director at
by undertaking a moisture test. F Ball movement of wood flooring over its F Ball and Co
recommends this as a routine procedure lifetime, ensuring a long lasting, visually
as part of any flooring installation. attractive floor finish.
‘Once a moisture
management
solution is in

place, contractors
should prime the
subfloor before

the application
of a smoothing
compound’

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130 CFJ December 2025 www.contractflooringjournal.co.uk
@CFJMagazine