5.

INSTALLATION

The elimination of conventional onsite multiple sanding, oiling and lacquering processes
lead to higher productivity on site as compared to conventional solid timber flooring. Since
engineered wood flooring is a pre-finished product, it is advisable to install it after all the wet
trades are completed including painting and door frame installation. Table 5.1 demonstrates
the engineered wood flooring installation process.

Table 5.1 Pre-installation Works

Installation works Points to note

• The cleaning of receiving surface and type
of cleaning method should be in
accordance to the approved method
statement.
• Ensure the receiving surface is clean.

Cleaning of surface

• If relative humidity or moisture content

exceeds the requirement, moisture barrier
is to be applied on the subfloor surface.
• The type of moisture barrier and its
application should be in accordance
to approved submissions.
• Use of moisture barrier will help to seal the
residual moisture in the substrate.
• Ensure the application of moisture barrier
and the curing time must be in accordance
to product specification and approved
method statement.
Apply moisture barrier (dependent on subfloor
moisture content and specification)

23
 Installation
Table 5.2 Laying - Direct Lay Method

• The method of adhesive application and

type of adhesive used should be in
accordance to the approved method
statement and material submission.
• In order to achieve optimum use of
adhesive, it is recommended to follow
strictly to the manufacturer’s
recommendation on the pot life of the
adhesive.
• If moisture barrier is used, it is
recommended that non-water based
adhesive be used for bonding engineered
Apply adhesive wood planks to subfloor.
Water based adhesive can contribute
excessive moisture to engineered wood
flooring and cause excessive expansion.
• Ensure the use of proper tools and use the
tools properly.

Table 5.3 Laying - Underlay Method

Underlay and Fixed
• There are many different types of underlay
material. The type of underlay material used
and securing process must be in
accordance to the approved method
statement and material submission.
• Use of underlay material helps to eliminate
any unevenness issue in the substrate.
The proper selection and use of underlay
material can act as a moisture barrier and
sound insulant.
• In the floating system, the underlay and the
engineered wood flooring strips are not
Installation of underlay material fixed to the subfloor or underlay.
Underlay and Floating

Installation of underlay material

24
 Installation

Engineered wood floor installation using direct lay method is shown below. The installation
process on underlay is similar.

Table 5.4 Laying of Engineered Wood Floor

Laying of Engineered Wood Floor Points to note

• The installation of the engineered
wood floor should be in accordance to
the approved method statement. The
engineered wood material should be in
accordance to the approved material and
sample submission.
• Install 1st piece starting from one corner of
the room.
• The groove side of engineered wood floor
to face the wall.
• It is important to leave sufficient expansion
gap, 5-8mm, around the perimeter of the
Install 1st piece of engineered wood after floor (4 sides) to cater for dimensional
applying adhesive changes.
• It is recommended to follow strictly to the
manufacturer’s recommendation on the
open time of the adhesive.
• It is recommended that non-water based
adhesive be used.
• Any excess adhesive shall be immediately
wiped-off with a clean damp cloth. Use a
dry cloth to wipe dry on pre-finished floor
to avoid smearing.
• Use a mallet and tapping block to press
the first board into position and tap into the
other board.
• Use of correct tools and proper installation
Leave expansion gap around perimeter of method will reduce any damage to the
room engineered wood floor.

25
 Installation

• For the last row of boards, measure the

space available and take the expansion
gap into account when installing the last
row of boards. Cut the boards according
to the measurement if necessary. Apply
the adhesive in the groove and install the
boards into place with the spacing bar or
wedge to prevent movement.
• Provide adequate time for the adhesive to
cure.
• Cover the engineered wood flooring with
a protective sheet and prevent any human
Use mallet and tapping block to install traffic during the curing period.
boards

Measure & cut board according to space

available for last row of boards

26
 Installation
Table 5.5 Install Timber Skirting

Installation of Timber Skirting Points to note

• The skirting installation method, type of

skirting used and wood filler should be in
accordance to the approved submission.
• After completion of laying engineered
wood floor, install timber skirting above the
perimeter expansion joints.
• Secure timber skirting in place using full
or spot application of adhesive and brad
head nails or as per manufacturer’s
recommendation.
• Use matching wood filler to conceal nail
Apply adhesive to the back of timber skirting holes.

Secure timber skirting with nails

Use matching wood filler to conceal nail holes

Install timber skirting

27
 Installation

To ensure high workmanship quality, careful planning of work sequences and proper
supervision of in-process work are always essential. Quality control management can prepare
an Inspection Test Plan (ITP) that summarises the project inspection, acceptance criteria
and frequency of inspection. It includes the preparation, installation, finished product and
protection. A sample Engineered Wood Flooring ITP is attached in Appendix A of this guide.

An inspection checklist provides the site supervisor an inspection guide on step-by-step

work execution. Inspection should be carried out at critical stages and rectification should
be carried out before proceeding to the next stage of work. The finished works should be
inspected to ensure they meet the client’s requirements and standards.

Proper use of tools is also necessary for sound engineered wood flooring. Table 5.6 shows
the tools needed for the flooring installation and their condition.

Table 5.6 Tools for Engineered Wood Flooring Installation

Types of Tools Types of Checks

• Use clean tools.
• Notches with dried adhesive will prevent
even spreading of adhesive.
• Appropriate use of tools will also help
towards achieving quality finish.

Use of tools

28