Contractor Responsibility

Hardwood flooring contractors work with a natural, infinitely variable, renewable product that has a warmth and beauty all its own.
This unique product can last a lifetime. What is the contractor’s role and responsibility when it comes to providing this lifetime product?

The contractor is obligated to know the product he is installing. He should be accountable for proper placement and installation, as well as the products requirements. Wood is a naturally dynamic and variable product, particularly sensitive to moisture. Each species, size, and construction type will react differently to moisture. A contractor should know the typical environmental conditions for the geographical area in which he is working, and how the flooring to be installed will react. A contractor should know if the product, as specified, is suitable for the intended use and application.

For example:

• A solid product should not be used below grade.
• A wide plank, or species with high expansion tendencies, should not be used with radiant floor heating or in areas with extreme moisture ranges.
• A close grained species, such as maple, should not be used with a dark stain finish.
• Flooring with a lot of character marks should not be used in a formal setting.
• Soft species should not be used in high traffic areas.

For acceptable product performance, and a long life, one should expect exceptional quality workmanship from his contractor. The contractor should also know what conditions are required for the flooring to produce the highest performance possible. Site conditions need to be evaluated, and inadequacies need to be discussed. This will allow the consumer to make the best decisions, and provide the best opportunity to have his or her expectations met.

All manufacturer’s installation instructions and applications should be followed, including using the appropriate tools and proper use of those tools. The contractor should know the specifics for each and every item. Contractors should not install a defective product.

Finally, and maybe most importantly, the contractor is responsible to produce quality work that will satisfy his customer.

As a consumer, do your research, and ask a lot of questions. The more knowledge you have, the more educated your decision will be. And in the end, you will have a hardwood floor that gives you a lifetime of pleasure.

For more information on getting the right floor and making it last, check out the Buyer’s guide at GateWoodFloors.com.