Product certification
NWFA/NOFMA: The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) provides a certification that verifies a product meets industry standards for grade, moisture content, and more. A specific program is available for engineered wood to identify products with wear layers thick enough to be refinished.
FloorScore®: This is an indoor air quality (IAQ) certification from SCS Global Services that tests for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chemicals. It is recognized by green building rating systems like LEED.
GREENGUARD® Gold: This certification from Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) is for products that have been tested for over 10,000 chemical emissions and are suitable for sensitive environments like schools and healthcare facilities.
Installation
Professional installation: For optimal results, it is recommended to hire a qualified installer who is often certified by organizations with specific installation methods.
Subfloor preparation: Before starting, the subfloor must be thoroughly cleaned and free of dust and debris. Using a sweeping compound can help collect dust before final vacuuming.
Installation methods:Floating: Each board is connected to the next without being glued or nailed to the subfloor. This is a common DIY method that can be installed over existing floors.
Nail-down: Boards are nailed to the subfloor, typically used over a wood subfloor. A brad nailer is used to secure the first row and the last row under the baseboards.
Glue-down: Boards are adhered directly to the subfloor with a specialized adhesive.