Video 1: Wood Floor System Overview

Wood Floor Systems include wood framing, subfloor panels, and various finished flooring materials, such as carpeting, hardwood, resilient, and tile. his video series identifies construction techniques that minimize wood subfloor construction issues and highlights installation tips that can improve the quality of the finished flooringmaterials.

The floor design starts by considering the finished flooring materials and the structural requirements. During the design phase, framing materials will be specified based on the building code, finished flooring materials, and manufacturer's installation instructions.

The floor design drawings and specifications are referenced throughout the construction process to ensure a good installation.

The subfloor components include framing members such as beams, joist, connectors, and fasteners, and subfloor panels. Since floor squeaks and other noises are the most common floor complaint, it is important to inspect the installation to verify practices that minimize noise issues.

This includes applying glue and fasteners, allowing the appropriate spacing between panels, and ensuring the appropriate clearance for ductwork penetrations within the subfloor structure.

The finished flooring components and installation requirements will vary based on the type of flooring product. In all cases, the subfloor structure and surface must be free of any defects - this means no nail pops, buckling, damaged panels, or unclean surfaces.

When installing ceramic tile or natural stone, extra attention must be paid to the subfloor wood framing design to ensure the structure is stiff enough to support the finished flooring type.

When installing resilient flooring products such as vinyl, extra attention must be paid to the subfloor and underlayment surfaces, which must be smooth and free of defects; otherwise the finished surface will telegraph these imperfections.

When installing hardwood flooring products, the moisture content of the subfloor panels and acclimation of the hardwood floor material is critical to the long term performance of the finished floor.

When installing carpet, try to minimize seams and ensure that the appropriate mechanical stretching has been done to ensure a good installation. Construction practices will vary by region of the country and local building code requirements.

Our instructional video demonstrates installation practices that comply with the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide and various product manufacturing associations. Although these construction practices are generally applicable throughout the country, they may not be suitable for your project.