Before starting the installation, read the following instructions carefully. 
 
These are guidelines and do not replace official rules, building regulations and/or instructions by architects, engineers or contractors.

For any warranty to be valid a professional installer must be used and this installer must complete our “Guarantee Certificate” and send this back to us within 30 days after installation.
 
1. Introduction
    a. Coverage
    b. Colour
    c. Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC)
    d. Relative Humidity (RH)
    e. Moisture Content (MC)
    f. Sub-floor
    g. Acclimatisation
 
2. Under-Floor Heating
 
3. Sub-Floor
    a. Sound
    b. Dry
    c. Level
    d. Clean
 
4. Installation
    a. Site-conditions
    b. Check-list
    c. Method of installation
    d. Expansion gaps
    e. Installation
 
5. Maintenance
    a. Pre-Oiled floors
    b. Varnished floors
 
6. Tips and Advise
    a. Protection of the wooden floor
    b. Airborne particles
 

 
a) Coverage
 
Wood is a beautiful product of nature and WoodTrend’s Floors are graded in accordance with established criteria. Up to 4% must be allowed for on-site selection and/or repair. In addition, 4% is recommended to allow for necessary cutting during installation (depending on layout). We also do recommend extra boards, to be stored in a dry and level place, for possible replacements. Therefore we always recommend an extra 8% to be ordered, slightly less for bigger areas.
 
b) Colour
 
Wood, to a varying extent, tends to darken over time. This is a natural process and not a defect. Rugs, or carpets, should not be put down for about 4 weeks after installation. Even with this precaution a difference in colour should be expected over time, between any covered and un-covered area. Individual boards normally vary as well.
 
c) Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC)
 
A wooden floor is a completely natural product. Natural timber is hygroscopic and thus continually takes up and gives off moisture to keep in balance with its surroundings. The point where the wood is in balance is called the equilibrium moisture content or EMC. However, continuously changing temperatures and humidity results in a continuous, natural shrinkage and expansion, mainly seen on the width of a board. This can be reduced by correct installation and especially by controlling temperature and humidity levels.
 
The importance of the EMC above and below the floor is highlighted by the fact that if one is too different from the other, then instead of the normal shrinkage and expansion, the floor is at risk of either cupping or becoming concave. Cupping results if the humidity is much higher above the floor than below it and caution must be taken when installing above under-floor heating, as the heat dries not only the sub-floor but also the underside of the wood floor. The floor becomes concave if too much moisture is present below the floor compared to above the floor. This emphasizes the importance of a dry sub-floor and the use of a damp-proof membrane (DPM) and possible a primer or vapour barrier ...