Installaion
Acclimation:
Solid wood flooring is for installation on or above Ground level only. Engineered Flooring can be installed at any level. It is very important that the flooring be allowed to acclimate for at least 72 hours (Recommended 7 days depending on the wood species) at the installation site to allow the planks to adapt to the temperature and moisture content of their new environment. Simply stack the bundles in the job-site in a way that they will be protected from draft and moisture.
Job-Site Inspection:
Flooring should be the last item installed. The sub-flooring should be at an equilibrium moisture content with the flooring planks. Effective moisture control and waterproof methods should be incorporated prior to the installation of any flooring materials.
Installation procedures:
We begin by undercutting all door casing, jambs, etc. Remove any existing base, shoe molding or doorway thresholds for replacement after installation. It is extremely important that the floor surface is absolutely clean and dry during installation
Nail/Staple Down Installation Procedures:
We recommend beginning the installation parallel to the longest outside wall. Measuring 1/2" out from the starting wall in two places and snap a chalk line. This line will serve as a straight guide for the first row of flooring. (Lay flooring Perpendicular to the floor joist it it's on the second floor)
Align groove edge on chalk line. Using a pneumatic pin nailer, nail the groove edge to the subfloor. Spacing the nails at 6 inches intervals. Finish installing the first row this way.
Hold the Nailer at a 45-degree angle and nail the full length of the row through the tongue at this angle. Spacing the nails at 6 inches intervals.
Upon completion of the first row, select boards for the second row. Set the boards with the groove edge along the previously nailed tongue edge.
Tap each new board into place with a hammer and block of wood so that the tongue and groove edges are snug and tight. As you work you way across the room, stagger the end joints of the boards at least 6" in adjacent rows. The random lengths supplied in each bundle will help evenly distribute end joints through out the finished floor. (Note: Never strike the board directly with the hammer, as this will damage the board)
Continue installing each new role by repeating steps 4-6. In some cases, such as bay window or closet areas, it may be necessary to reverse directions or back-fill an area.
Glue Down Installation Procedures:
We begin the installation parallel to the longest outside wall. Measuring ?" out form the starting wall in two places and snap a chalk line. This line will serve as a straight guide for the first row of flooring. (Lay flooring Perpendicular to the floor joist it it's on the second floor)
We spread the floor adhesive with an adhesive notched trowel along the chalk line by holding the trowel at a 45-degree angle to the floor according to the manufacturer's directions. Take care not to obscure the layout line with adhesive. Remember to spread only enough adhesive for 5 rows of floorings. Be sure to open doors and windows to allow adequate cross ventilation during installation.
Once the adhesive become "tacky", line up the first piece of flooring with the groove edge on chalk line then press flooring into the adhesive. Working from left to right, lay the next board and continue working towards the right, until you need to cut.
When you are within less than 48" of the end wall, you will need to cut a board. Measure the size you need and cut to length. The balance of the piece you cut will start the next row. If the remaining piece left is 6" long, cut another piece at a random spot, and start the next row with it.
Upon finishing laying down the first couple rows, spread more adhesive that you can cover in approximately three hours of work. Wait until the adhesive is "tacky" then start laying down the boards.
After you've installed three or four rows, use a rubber mallet and a scrap of flooring to gently tap boards together, closing up the seams. All joints should fit tightly. Repeat steps.
Use a cardboard template to fit boards in irregular area. Cut cardboard to match the space but allow for a ?" expansion gap next to the wall. Trace the template outline on a board, then cut it to fit.
Bond the flooring by rolling with a heavy flooring roller. Roll the flooring within 3 hours of the adhesive application.
Avoid heavy foot traffic on flooring for at least 24 hours. Wait 24 hours before moving furniture and appliances into the installed room.
Complete the JOB:
Install any transition pieces that maybe needed and Reinstall your base and/or quarter round moldings. Be sure to nail molding into the wall, not the floor.
Refinishing
To regain the beauty of your natural floors almost any wood floor can be refinished.
For Refinishing wood floors we use only the best available machinery.
Belt Sander:
Superhammel this 12” Belt Sander is designed for efficient and economical work on wood floors, it achieves the highest quality of finish to get the job done no matter what the conditions are.
Edger:
The Edger is a smaller sander ideal for smoothing edges and borders designed to reach those hard to reach places.
Buffer:
Used with fine sanding paper to achieve the smoothest surface.
Vacuum:
We use a high power professional vacuum to eliminate as much dust as possible
Polyurethane:
We use either oil base polyurethane, or water base. We highly recommend oil base due to its durability and longevity.
Staining:
Is available in any color. And we mean it. Avi Custom Floors is known for its custom staining.
Avi Custom Floors Refinishing includes Sanding, Buffing and 3 coats of Polyurethane. In between each coat we buff the floors to give it the final smooth touch.