Hardwood Flooring Installation – From the Initial Site Survey to the Finished Floor

Professional installation of solid and engineered hardwood flooring begins long before the first plank is laid. Proper subfloor preparation, preliminary measurements, and clarification of all technical details are essential of the final result and the durability of the flooring.

When ordering hardwood flooring along with installation from PHIVEX ECO, a mandatory preliminary site inspection is conducted. The inspection is subject to a fee, which is subsequently deducted from the order total when the for the hardwood flooring and installation. An inspection is conducted only when PHIVEX ECO also handles the installation of the flooring.

Preliminary Quote

Prior to the inspection, the customer receives a preliminary quote based on the square footage provided. This can be determined based on architectural plans or information provided by the customer.

This initial estimate provides a clear idea of the expected cost of the hardwood flooring, the necessary installation materials, and the labor involved. After the site inspection, the quantities and any required preparatory work can be refined based on the actual condition of the site.

What do we check during the site inspection?

The main purpose of the site inspection is to determine whether the site is technically ready for installation and what additional work, if any, will be required.

Once the subfloor has been finished and is ready for measurements, several key parameters are checked.

Subfloor Moisture Content

The residual moisture content of the subfloor is measured, as excessive moisture is one of the most serious risks during the installation of solid hardwood flooring.

Installation can only be scheduled once the subfloor has reached the required specifications and meets the requirements for the selected system.

Subfloor Levelness

The levelness of the subfloor is checked at various points in the room.

Multilayer hardwood flooring requires a stable and sufficiently level subfloor, especially when using wider planks, herringbone, chevron, or other precise laying patterns.

If deviations are found, determine whether additional leveling will be necessary.

Room Humidity

The relative humidity of the air is also measured.

Hardwood flooring is a natural material and reacts to climatic conditions; therefore, the site must be in a stable environment both before installation and during the installation process itself.

Checking the Strength of the Subfloor

A test is performed to verify the strength and stability of the subfloor.

Good flatness alone is not sufficient. The subfloor must be sound, stable, and capable of providing a reliable bond for the parquet without crumbling, delamination, or compromised areas.

Discussion of the Direction and Method of Laying

The inspection is not merely a technical check.

The following are considered:

  • the laying direction;
  • the orientation relative to windows and natural light;
  • transitions between rooms;
  • the the connections with other floor coverings;
  • the joints and finishing details;
  • the chosen pattern—straight lay, herringbone, chevron, or another design.

This allows the technical capabilities of the project to be combined with the desired architectural result.

Installation is performed using full-surface adhesive bonding

For the multilayer hardwood floors we install, the primary installation method is full-surface adhesive bonding to the prepared subfloor.

This method ensures stable contact between the flooring and the subfloor, a more comfortable feel when walking, and high stability of the finished floor.

For projects with underfloor heating, full-adhesive installation is particularly suitable, as it allows for better and more even heat transfer through the subfloor structure.

Leveling

If there is a difference between the design and actual levels at the site, additional preparation of the subfloor may be necessary.

When differences of approximately 3–5 mm need to be corrected, depending on the specific situation, suitable self-leveling compounds or other professional methods for preparing and leveling the subfloor may be used.

The specific technique is determined on a case-by-case basis following an inspection, based on the condition of the screed, the required final level, and the selected type of hardwood flooring.

Inspection Report

After each inspection, an inspection report is prepared describing the actual condition of the site.

It notes:

  • which parameters are within acceptable limits;
  • which parameters do not meet the necessary requirements;
  • what corrections must be made prior to installation;
  • the condition of the screed;
  • the need for leveling or other preparation;
  • the specified technical solutions;
  • the specific characteristics of the site.

In this way, the client receives clear information about what needs to be done before installation begins and which conditions have already been met.

From the Site Inspection to Installation

The entire process follows a logical sequence:

  1. preliminary quote
  2. technical site survey
  3. measurements and inspections
  4. selection of orientation and installation pattern
  5. inspection report
  6. subfloor preparation, if necessary
  7. final installation

This approach allows potential problems to be identified before work begins, rather than after the flooring has been installed.

Professional installation is part of the quality of the hardwood flooring

Even the highest-quality multi-layer hardwood flooring requires a properly prepared subfloor and professional installation.

That is why at PHIVEX ECO, we do not view installation simply as laying a finished product. The process begins with a technical assessment of the site, measuring key parameters, and planning every detail in advance.

The goal is for the finished floor to be not only beautiful upon project handover, but also stable, properly installed, and long-lasting.

PHIVEX - Natural Luxury Hardwood Flooring, Facades, and Decking

Natural luxury hardwood floors, three-layer and figured hardwood floors, solid wood facades and decking

Hardwood Flooring Showroom

91 Pirin Street, Sofia, Bulgaria

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