Installation Instructions
042-14 CFS Solid Hardwood Flooring Installation Instructions Page | 7
11. Maintain a 35% - 55% air humidity and 60-78ºF temperature at all times within the room.
On Site Protection
1. Entry mats will help collect the dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that might
otherwise be tracked onto your floor.
2. When placing a rug, do not use rubber or foam backed plastic mats directly on the flooring as they may discolor the flooring
finish. To prevent slippage, use an approved vinyl rug underlayment.
3. Use 1" minimum diameter felt floor protectors. As a rule, the heavier the object, the wider the floor protector. Proper
Floor Protectors” on feet of all furniture is defined as any soft, cushioned product that will cover the feet/posts entirely.
Metal or Plastic gliders, cardboard, or any other hard surface or pads too small for the feet are not considered “proper floor
protectors”.
4. Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level between 35% and 55% throughout the year to minimize the natural
expansion and contraction of the wood.
a. Heating season (Dry): A humidifier is recommended to prevent excess shrinkage due to low humidity levels. Wood
stoves and/or electric heat tend to create very dry conditions.
b. Non Heating Season (Wet): An air conditioner, dehumidifier, or periodically turning on your heating will help to
maintain humidity levels during summer months.
5. Avoid excessive exposure to water during periods of inclement weather.
6. Do not walk on your floor with stiletto heels, spiked golf shoes, or other types of sports cleats.
7. Do not allow sharp, pointed, or rough textured objects to be exposed to the hardwood flooring.
8. Keep your pet’s nails trimmed to prevent them from scratching your floor.
9. Periodically rearranging your area rugs and furniture will allow the floor’s finish to age evenly and the color to remain
uniform. UV sunlight will change the color of hardwood to varying degrees based on exposure and species type.
10. Use a dolly when moving heavy furniture or appliances; but first, put down a piece of quarter inch plywood or Masonite to
protect the floor. Never use Cardboard to protect the floor when moving or rolling heavy objects. Never try to slide or roll
heavy objects across the floor.
11. A hard, smooth bottomed protective mat designed for Hardwood Flooring should be used for furniture or chairs with
casters.
GENERAL TIPS: HARDWOOD MAINTENANCE AND ANNUAL SEASONS
Wood floors will be slightly affected by varying levels of humidity within your building. To make sure the floors are protected for
as long as possible, it is necessary to keep the relative humidity levels between 35% - 55% and maintain the temperature between
60 and 78 ºF throughout the life of the floor. Below are some recommendations on how to achieve proper indoor environment
conditions throughout the year.
Wet/Humid Seasons (Wood may expand): Heaters are not generally used during these months. Therefore the floor holds in
the humidity and expands. To maintain a proper humidity level, the use a dehumidifier or air conditioner may be required.
Dry Seasons (Wood may contract or shrink): Wood-burning stoves, gas and electric heating systems, and forced air heating
systems are used often during winter months – creating very dry conditions indoors. Low indoor relative humidity causes
the wood lose moisture and subsequently contract and change shape, (cupping), resulting in gaps, misshapen boards, and
permanent damage from cracking of the flooring surface, delaminating of the core. The use a humidifier to keep the
humidity level between 35% - 55% may be required. In winter months, Forced air Heat Systems are capable of removing 15
gallons or more of water from indoor air per day in 1000 square feet of heated space.
Other Installation Methods and Warranty Information
You may obtain the “CFS Solid Hardwood Flooring Warranties and Floor Care Guide” as well as the installation instructions
for all approved installation methods at our website www.cfscorporate.com.