Installation Guidelines

Precision installation. Lasting performance.

The quality of a wood floor is defined not only by its material, but by the way it is installed. Careful preparation, controlled conditions, and expert fitting are essential to ensure your floor performs beautifully for years to come.

These guidelines are designed to support a refined and technically sound installation process.

Professional Standards

All Oak & Edge Flooring Ltd engineered flooring should be installed in accordance with recognised industry standards, including BS8201 (UK) or the relevant equivalent internationally.

We strongly recommend installation by experienced flooring professionals to ensure optimal results.

Installation Approach

For the highest level of stability and performance:

  • Direct adhesive fixing to the sub-floor is the preferred method

  • Floating installations are possible but may introduce slight movement underfoot

  • Floating floors may also reduce the efficiency of underfloor heating systems

Where underfloor heating is present, adhesive fixing should always be used. Floating or secret fixing methods are not advised in these conditions.

Before Installation

Product Inspection

Upon delivery:

  • Check all materials carefully against your order

  • Inspect for any visible damage or inconsistencies

Beginning installation confirms acceptance of the product.

Site Readiness

Installation should only begin once the property is fully prepared.

Ensure:

  • All wet trades (plastering, decorating, etc.) are complete

  • Kitchens and fixed joinery are installed

  • The building is dry, sealed, and weather-tight

Flooring should be stored flat, in the room of installation, in a dry and protected environment.

Acclimatisation

Wood must adjust to its surroundings before installation.

  • Allow a minimum of 48 hours acclimatisation

  • Extend to 5 days where underfloor heating is present

This allows the material to stabilise in line with site conditions.

Environmental Conditions

Maintaining the correct environment during installation is critical.

Recommended conditions:

  • Sub-floor temperature: 15–18°C

  • Ambient room temperature: ~20°C

  • Relative humidity: 45–65% (ideal ~55%)

Consistency is essential, not only during installation, but throughout the life of the floor.

Sub-floor Preparation

A flawless finish begins beneath the surface.

The sub-floor must be:

  • Clean and free from debris

  • Completely dry

  • Structurally sound

  • Level within 3mm over 1 metre

Moisture Limits:

  • Cement: ≤ 2%

  • Timber: ≤ 10%

  • Anhydrite: ≤ 0.5%

If moisture levels exceed these thresholds:

  • Apply an appropriate damp proof membrane (DPM)

  • For floating floors, install a vapour barrier (minimum 0.2mm thickness, fully sealed)

Timber Sub-floors

When installing over existing floorboards:

  • Ensure all boards are securely fixed with no movement

  • Correct unevenness before installation

  • Use a suitable sheet material where required

If installing in the same direction as existing boards:

  • A structural sheet layer must be installed first

  • Fix securely at regular intervals (approx. 150mm centres)

Installation Detailing

Adhesive Application

  • Use a flexible flooring adhesive

  • Follow manufacturer recommendations precisely

  • Avoid rigid or water-based adhesives

Board Layout

  • Stagger joints with a minimum offset of 300mm between adjacent rows

  • This enhances both structural integrity and visual balance

Natural Tolerance

Engineered boards may exhibit slight curvature due to natural tension within the layers.

  • A tolerance of up to 30mm bow is acceptable

  • Boards exceeding this should not be installed

Expansion Allowances

Wood requires space to move naturally.

  • Leave an expansion gap of approximately 15mm around all perimeters

  • Include allowances around pipes, door frames, and fixed elements

For larger spaces:

  • Increase the expansion gap by 2mm per metre beyond 5 metres in width

Environmental Responsibility

For long-term performance, internal conditions must remain stable after installation.

In highly insulated or heated environments, humidity may drop significantly, particularly in winter.

In such cases:

  • Consider using a humidification system

  • Maintain consistent conditions to prevent shrinkage or movement

Protection During Installation

To preserve the finish:

  • Use appropriate floor protection throughout the installation process

  • Never apply adhesive tapes directly to the surface

  • Remove all protective coverings before activating underfloor heating

Underfloor Heating

Where underfloor heating is present:

  • Installation must follow dedicated underfloor heating guidelines

  • Correct commissioning procedures are essential

  • Adhesive fixing is mandatory for optimal performance

Failure to follow these principles may affect both performance and warranty.