For a quality installation the subfloor should be flat, solid, thick enough and dry. If the subfloor is also level that is a bonus. There are many types of subfloors in our area; solid boards laid straight, as well as on an angle (50s and 60s era) , Plywood ,OSB and concrete. Subfloors can sometimes be heated from underneath. Both the National Wood Flooring Association and the flooring manufacturers have strict rules on how thick the subfloor should be depending on the spacing of the supporting floor joists and the type of floor to be installed. 

After making sure that the subfloor is at the required strength and ensuring it is fastened well with no squeaks it is time to make sure that it is dry enough to lay your new floor on. This is of the utmost importance because Wood is hydroscopic, which means that it constantly changes its moisture content to match its environment. With the change in moisture comes a corresponding change in dimensions. Wood expands as the moisture content increases and contracts as the moisture decreases. After the floor is installed these changes will be evident. Higher moisture will make the floor cup and buckle and lower moisture will enlarge the spaces between the boards. Testing the moisture content requires the use of a moisture meter to make sure the floor is in the normal living range of your geographical area. If it is not at the correct moisture content the levels must be adjusted with your HVAC and or correcting one of many factors that can affect the Relative Humidity in your house like wet basement, leaky pipes, etc.  

When you are sure the subfloor is ready we bring the floor on site. The moisture meter is again used to test the moisture content in the new flooring. Depending on what type of flooring is going to be installed there are strict guidelines on moisture content percentage difference between the subfloor and the new flooring. Then and only then will we proceed with the installation. 

Our installers are experts at installing your floors to both the manufacturers and National Wood Flooring Association Guidelines to ensure a lifetime of worry free flooring.