Pre-Installation Checklist for Timber Flooring

🛠️ Pre-Installation Checklist for Timber Flooring

Ensure a Flawless Start to Your Flooring Project

Installing timber flooring is a significant investment in both aesthetics and property value. To make sure the process goes smoothly and your floor performs as expected, it’s crucial to complete the right pre-installation steps. Here’s your complete checklist to prepare the space, materials, and environment before installation begins.

✅ 1. Assess and Prepare the Subfloor

The subfloor must be clean, dry, level, and structurally sound.

Remove any existing flooring, adhesives, or debris.
Check for high/low spots using a straightedge (no more than ±3mm over 3m).
Moisture content should be appropriate (see product-specific recommendations).
Use a moisture barrier or underlay where necessary.

✅ 2. Acclimatise the Timber

Allow your timber flooring to adapt to the room’s conditions.

Store timber in the room where it will be installed for 5–7 days.
Keep it in sealed boxes or stacked flat with spacers for airflow.
Maintain room temperature at 18–25°C and relative humidity between 45–65%.

✅ 3. Check Site Conditions

Installation should not begin until the environment is stable.

All wet trades (plastering, painting, tiling) must be completed.
Windows and doors must be installed to protect from the elements.
Interior climate control (especially HVAC systems) should be operational.

✅ 4. Confirm the Layout

Plan your flooring layout ahead of time for best visual results.

Decide the direction of the boards (usually parallel to the longest wall or light source).
Identify starting points and tricky areas (e.g., stairs, doorways).
Lay out a few rows dry (without adhesive) to visualise spacing and joints.

✅ 5. Inspect the Timber Boards

Check each board for quality and consistency before installing.

Look for damage, warping, or colour inconsistencies.
Mix boards from different boxes for a more natural variation.
Set aside any boards that do not meet your visual expectations.

✅ 6. Tools & Adhesives Checklist

Have all necessary tools and materials ready:

Timber flooring adhesive (if glue-down)
Moisture barrier or underlay
Spacers, tapping block, pull bar, and saw
Cleaning materials (vacuum, broom)
Personal protective equipment (PPE)

✅ 7. Communicate with the Installer

Whether you’re DIYing or hiring a professional, alignment is key.

Discuss your vision for board direction, pattern, and transitions.
Clarify expansion gaps, trims, and stair connections.
Make sure the installer has access to all relevant spec sheets and manufacturer’s guidelines.

📌 Final Tip

Never rush the preparation process. Proper pre-installation planning reduces long-term issues like cupping, gaps, and uneven wear — and ensures a stunning final result that lasts for decades.

Pre-Installation Checklist for Timber Flooring