Solid & Engineered Wood Flooring Life Cycle Analysis
Solid Wood Flooring
Sound Control
Stains
Table Saw Safety
The Filling Process
The Importance of Maintenance & Educating the Customer
The Lacey Act
USDA Forest Service
Volatile Organic Compounds
Water Popping
Wood Bleach
Wood Flooring Basics
Wood Flooring History & Trends
Wood Moisture Control
Wood Moisture Testing
Wood Subfloors Over Concrete
NWFA Basic Install
NWFA Basic S&F
NWFA Intermediate Install
NWFA Intermediate S&F
Other non-NWFA approved courses
On-the-job training
General Health & Safety
Execute OSHA practices on the jobsite
Demonstrate proper knowledge of First Aid & CPR
Identify fire exits, proper use of fire extinguishers and potential hazards on each job
Installation Safety
Demonstrate and practice maintaining physical fitness and stretches directly related to the wood flooring industry
Wear, inspect and maintain proper clothing and PPE needed for installation safety including safety glasses, earplugs, dust masks/respirators, kneepads, etc
Demonstrate proper usage and maintenance of installation tools including, but not limited to hand tools, table saw, circular saw, miter saw, router and pneumatics, etc
Evaluating the Jobsite
Use jobsite checklist to evaluate the jobsite and document all findings. Evaluate all exterior items on checklist and explain findings to customer
Evaluate all structural items of the home/building including, but not limited to foundation, slab, elevated slabs, crawlspace and basement
Explain findings to customer
Evaluate joist span and compare with NWFA guideline requirements
Articulate findings of jobsite checklist, suggested fixes and how they affect installation to customer/client
Environmental Conditions
Demonstrate usage of jobsite checklist to evaluate the environmental conditions of the home/building
Determine type of heating and cooling systems being used, regularity and running schedules
Evaluate temperature and relative humidity of environment and compare with EMC chart
Educate customer on conditions of home/building and those needed for successful installation of wood flooring
Wood Subfloors
Evaluate and determine the condition of the wood subfloor
Know the difference between plywood and OSB and the requirements for each
Understand and execute APA installation standards for wood subfloors
Understand, evaluate, execute and maintain flatness requirements for wood subfloors
Concrete Subfloors
Evaluate concrete subfloors
Understand the age of concrete and its role in the evaluation process
Identify and assess different types of concrete subfloors
Evaluate blemishes in concrete subfloor and address fixes through removing contaminants, crack repairs, spot repairs, and scarification
Evaluate flatness requirements
Demonstrate use of self-levelers
Perform grinding on high spots
Demonstrate the use of jobsite checklist when evaluating concrete subfloors. Assess findings and provide solutions for jobsite preparation
Moisture and Wood
Understand the anatomy of the tree and how it affects the installation and performance of wood
Understand the cuts of wood and how they affect appearance, installation and performance of wood
Understanding Water & Wood
Understand the relationship of water and wood and how it affects the installation process
Demonstrate knowledge through evaluating and assessing environmental conditions of the jobsite
Conduct moisture readings of wood subfloor and wood product
Demonstrate acclimation/conditioning practices on the jobsite and communicate the importance/significance to client
Moisture Testing (Wood)
Demonstrate proper usage, assessment of results and maintenance of wood moisture meters including, but not limited to pin meters, pinless meters and insulated pins
Demonstrate proper usage, assessment of results and maintenance of thermos-hygrometers
Moisture Control (Wood)
Differentiate between types of vapor retarders and understand use cases
Select proper vapor retarder to be used with wood substrate. Properly install vapor retarder using manufacturer guidelines
Moisture Testing (Concrete)
Demonstrate proper usage, assessment of results and maintenance of concrete moisture testing methods including, but not limited to calcium chloride, in-situ RH probe, scan meters and plastic and tape test
Document moisture readings
Comply to manufacturer guidelines for moisture meters, moisture tests and wood
Evaluate results and propose solutions for all moisture readings
Moisture Control (Concrete)
Differentiate between types of vapor retarders and understand use cases
Select proper vapor retarder to be used over concrete substrate. Properly install vapor retarder using manufacturer guidelines
Alternative Subfloor Systems Over Concrete
Evaluate and determine type of concrete subfloor before installation
Use proper vapor retarder applicable to subfloor type
Follow NWFA guidelines for installation techniques on concrete subfloors
Layout
Build a usable trammel point
Use trammel point to develop center layout
Follow steps
Use Pythagorean theory to check accuracy of measurements
Transfer layout to hallway and additional rooms
Conduct wall layout using trammel points
Determine starter rows
Demonstrate proper usage of slip tongue and spline to reverse directions
Installation Methods Ð Nail Down
Demonstrate proper technique for racking
Demonstrate and execute understanding of proper nailing schedule by complying to NWFA guidelines
Identify and use appropriate fasteners for type of wood and subfloor
Differentiate techniques of solid and engineered nail down installation and execute proper techniques for each
Display proper technique, usage, safety and maintenance of nailing tools including, but not limited to pneumatic nailers, staplers and air compressors
Installation Methods Ð Glue Down
Differentiate between types of adhesives and understand when to use different types
Read and comply with manufacturer guidelines of adhesive and wood
Demonstrate proper trowel selection for different types of adhesives, wood and subfloors and comply with manufacturer guidelines
Demonstrate proper usage of trowel and coverage rates for adhesives
Safely clean adhesive from tools, wood and jobsite
Installation Methods-Floating
Execute proper installation techniques for floating floors
Determine and install proper underlayment pads/systems
Evaluate and determine appropriate sound control systems
Installation Methods-Existing Floors
Determine layout for new floor to existing
Display proper techniques used for lacing in/out of an existing floor
Evaluate existing floor
Determine requirements for elevation differences, crooked floors, and other challenges
Execute installation techniques to address each challenge
Evaluate remodels. Assess for damage of current floors and lead testing
Address new installation according to results
Installation Methods-Cork, Bamboo & End Grain
Understand cork
Learn differences in cork installation methods, and finishing techniques
Understand bamboo
Learn differences in bamboo installation methods, and finishing techniques
Understand end grain flooring
Learn differences in end grain installation methods, and finishing techniques
Installation Methods-Herringbone/Parquet
Demonstrate and execute proper and accurate herringbone layout using trammel points, Pythagorean theory, center layout and backer boards
Designing and creating patterns by using templates, jigs and sleds
Determining accurate measurements for ordering product
Identification of compatible species from a technical and aesthetic perspective
Execute proper installation of herringbone layout
Demonstrate and execute proper and accurate parquet layout using trammel points, Pythagorean theory, center layout and backer boards
Execute proper installation of parquet layout
Installation Methods-Borders & Medallions
Measure and determine proper layout for designing and installing borders
Measure cut and install borders
Understand the components of a border, skirt, different corner details
Determining accurate measurements for ordering product
Identification of compatible species from a technical and aesthetic perspective
Identify pre-fabricated and hand-designed
Board Replacement/Repairs
Determine if/when boards should be replaced/repaired versus entire re-install
Determine proper steps for board replacement. Differentiate process based on type of install; nail, glue or float
Execute proper board replacement steps including, but not limited to cutting and removal of damaged board, cutting new board to size, installing new board and cleaning repaired area
Execute proper repair skills for isolated damages including, but not limited to scratches and dents
Determine proper tools/items for isolated repairs including, but not limited to waxes, fill sticks and graining tools
Identify and be able to address many of the common irregularities
Sand & Finish Safety
Wear, inspect and maintain proper clothing and PPE needed for sanding and finishing safety including, but not limited to safety glasses, earplugs, dust masks/respirators, kneepads, etc
Demonstrate proper usage and maintenance of sanding and finishing tools including, but not limited to hand tools and machines used
Demonstrate proper understanding of electrical and chemical safety and execute safety protocols on the jobsite
Abrasives
Understand and distinguish the difference between the different types of mineral grains used in abrasives
Understand the different levels of grist used for abrasives
Determine and execute the proper grit sequence for flattening a floor
Understand the types of abrasives used on different machines and execute application of knowledge
Sanding Equipment-Big Machine
Understand and demonstrate proper safety, usage, storage and maintenance of big machines
Demonstrate proper walking speed and drum pressure and comply with manufacturer and NWFA guidelines
Determine proper abrasive selection to match job and machine used
Use proper grit sequence for desired results
Execute proper technique while feathering with big machine
Use proper and effective dust contamination systems or practices
Dispose of dust properly
Demonstrate proper inspection and maintenance of big machine including, but not limited to removal/replacement of drum, cleaning wheels and adjust tracking
Evaluate floor for common sanding flaws and fix flaws as needed
Sanding Equipment-Edger
Understand and demonstrate proper safety, usage, storage and maintenance of edger
Demonstrate proper clocking techniques and hand pressure and comply with manufacturer and NWFA guidelines
Determine proper abrasive selection to match job and machine used
Use proper grit sequence for desired results
Execute proper technique with edger
Use proper and effective dust contamination systems or practices
Dispose of dust properly
Demonstrate proper inspection and maintenance of edger including, but not limited to brushes, wheels and driver pad
Evaluate floor for common sanding flaws and fix flaws as needed
Sanding Equipment-Rotary Sander (Buffer)
Understand and demonstrate proper safety, usage, storage and maintenance of buffer
Demonstrate proper clocking techniques and comply with manufacturer and NWFA guidelines
Determine proper abrasive selection to match job and machine used
Use proper grit sequence for desired results
Use proper and effective dust contamination systems or practices
Dispose of dust properly
Demonstrate proper inspection and maintenance of buffer including, but not limited to wheels and driver pad
Evaluate floor for common sanding flaws and fix flaws as needed
Understand and demonstrate proper safety, usage, storage and maintenance of multi-head sanders
Demonstrate proper techniques and pressure and comply with manufacturer and NWFA guidelines
Determine proper abrasive selection to match job and machine used
Use proper grit sequence for desired results
Use proper and effective dust contamination systems or practices
Dispose of dust properly
Demonstrate proper inspection and maintenance of multi-head sanders including, but not limited to brushes, wheels and driver pad
Evaluate floor for common sanding flaws and fix flaws as needed
Sanding Equipment-Dust Containment Systems (DCS)
Understand and demonstrate proper safety, usage, storage and maintenance of dust containment systems
Demonstrate proper techniques and compatibility with different equipment types
Dispose of dust properly
Sanding Final Detailing
Determine when scrapper is needed on job
Display proper safety when using and sharpening blade
Execute proper hand scraping technique for desired results
Demonstrate usage when scraping to blend flatness
Demonstrate usage when scraping for texture results
Determine when hand sanding is needed to blend edges
Select proper abrasive and grit sequence for the job
Comply with NWFA guidelines
Filling
Select proper type of fill to be used
Execute proper technique by using all types of fills including, but not limited to trowel, spot, putty, flour cement, wood dust, epoxy and Dutchmen/slivers
Adhere to manufacturer guidelines of fill type
Create wood dust mix and demonstrate proper use on jobsite
Learn to match species and grain, then cut and install slivers/Dutchmen
Stains/Colorants
Understand the different types of stains available for use
Communicate differences, their performances and available options to customer
Prepare floor for stain application
Understand the different types of methods used to apply stain and execute including by not limited to trowel, T-bar, rag, etc
Execute proper safety standards when applying stain
Dispose of stain and stain rags safely and appropriately
Follow manufacturer and NWFA guidelines for all applications
Sealers and Finishes
Learn about the different types of wood floor sealers and finishes and application processes
Understand what Safety Data Sheets are, safety precautions and federal requirements surrounding sealers and coatings
Review different manufacturer systems, and characteristics of each one
Communicate differences, their performances and available options to customer
Finishing Process
Understand the different types of application methods
Prepare floor for sealer and finish application
Understand the different types of methods used to apply sealers/finishes and execute including, but not limited to trowel, T-bar, roller, etc
Execute proper safety standards when applying sealers and finishes
Follow manufacturer and NWFA guidelines for all application
Maintenance & Customer Education
Communicate bids to customer
Communicate maintenance instructions with customer
Preparation and application of maintenance coats/recoats
Learn about contaminations/cleaning products that can affect adhesion of finishes