, Author at OLD MASTER PRODUCTS

Flooring Installation Tips for Contractors: Mistakes to Avoid with Old Master Products

Flooring installation is a high-stakes process—one misstep can cost contractors time, money, and reputation. That’s why seasoned pros turn to proven, professional-grade products to simplify the process and prevent costly issues.

At Old Master Products (OMP), we’re committed to helping you do the job right the first time. From adhesives and subfloor prep to tools and finishes, our product lineup is engineered for performance, consistency, and ease of use.

In this guide, we’re sharing practical flooring installation tips for contractors, including the most common mistakes—and how OMP products help you avoid them.

1. Using the Wrong Adhesive (or the Right One the Wrong Way)

Worker laying parquet flooring. Worker installing wooden laminate flooring.

The Mistake: Choosing the wrong adhesive for the material or applying it incorrectly can lead to loose boards, hollow spots, or complete failure.

Flooring Tip: Use the right adhesive for the job—and follow proper trowel techniques to ensure even coverage and strong bonding.

The OMP Solution:
We offer two contractor-trusted adhesives built to reduce errors and boost efficiency:

🔹 OMP 9000

Two jobs, one product. OMP 9000 is both a urethane moisture barrier and wood flooring adhesive, perfect for solid or engineered wood over concrete. Trowel it on once—seal and stick in one step—saving time and materials.

🔹 Garrison 605

Strong, versatile, and clean. Garrison 605 is a moisture-curing polyurethane adhesive that works on wood, concrete, cork, recycled rubber, and more. Ideal for a clean, durable bond without the mess.

2. Skipping Proper Subfloor Preparation

The Mistake: Even the best adhesive won’t compensate for an unprepared subfloor. Moisture, dust, and unevenness lead to long-term issues.

Flooring Tip: Always level, clean, and treat your subfloor before installation—especially over concrete.

The OMP Solution:
We stock the best subfloor prep products from Sika, Bostik, Wakol, and more. Whether you need a moisture barrier, self-leveler, or primer, we have the tools to set a solid foundation.

3. Not Following Manufacturer Guidelines

The builder draws an arrow pointer during its operation. Light lock laminate in the house. The process of laying laminate with your own hands. Repair with high-quality materials

The Mistake: Rushing through installation or skipping steps—like ignoring expansion gaps or curing times—can ruin an otherwise perfect job.

Flooring Tip: Read and follow product instructions every time. Even seasoned contractors benefit from a quick refresher.

The OMP Solution:
We make it easy to get it right. Our adhesives come with clear documentation, and our reps are always ready with expert advice to support your success.

4. Using Low-Quality Materials and Tools

Appalachian Flooring at Old Master Products

The Mistake: Cheap materials may look good on paper but often lead to poor adhesion, fast wear, or installation do-overs.

Flooring Tip: Invest in professional-grade products that stand up to the demands of the job site.

The OMP Solution:
Our full line of contractor-approved tools, adhesives, flooring, and accessories helps you get the job done right—and on schedule. From durable, easy-to-use installation products to premium hardwood flooring like Crystal Valley, Appalachian, and other American-made options, OMP delivers quality you can trust to reduce callbacks and keep projects running smoothly..

5. Overlooking Jobsite Safety and Cleanliness

The Mistake: A messy jobsite isn’t just a safety hazard—it can lead to adhesive issues, dust under planks, or product damage.

Flooring Tip: Keep the workspace dry, clean, and organized to protect your materials and speed up installation.

The OMP Solution:
From low-VOC adhesives to moisture control systems and high-performance cleaning tools, OMP helps you maintain a clean, safe jobsite. We offer innovative solutions like the Dust Halo, a universal dual-port tool that delivers 360° dust suction and keeps debris under control, and WOCA cleaning products, trusted for their effective, surface-safe formulas. With the right tools and products in place, you’ll minimize hazards, protect your materials, and deliver a flawless finish—every time.

Final Thoughts: Pro Tips for Professional Results

Whether you’re a seasoned installer or training up new crew members, following these flooring installation tips for contractors can make the difference between a smooth job and an expensive do-over.

At Old Master Products, we’re more than just a supplier—we’re your partner in getting it right. From prep to finish, our contractor-grade materials help you:

✅ Avoid costly installation mistakes
✅ Work more efficiently
✅ Build a reputation for flawless results

Want to streamline your installs and reduce callbacks?
Explore our full product line or reach out to your OMP rep for help selecting the right solution for your next project.

The Ultimate Choice for Luxury Vinyl Flooring

When it comes to choosing the perfect flooring, homeowners, designers, and contractors alike seek a balance of style, durability, and affordability. That’s where VinylNova luxury vinyl flooring comes in. This innovative collection redefines what high-end vinyl flooring can be, offering stunning designs, premium performance, and effortless maintenance.

Why Choose Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

Luxury vinyl flooring has become the go-to choice for modern interiors thanks to its many advantages:

Realistic Aesthetics: Advanced printing technology replicates the look of natural hardwood and stone with impressive accuracy.
Superior Durability: VinylNova floors are built with a rigid stone core that resists scratches, dents, and wear, making them perfect for busy households and commercial spaces.
Water Resistance: Unlike traditional hardwood, luxury vinyl flooring is water-resistant, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Easy Installation: With a click-lock system, VinylNova makes installation simple and hassle-free.
Comfort & Quietness: The attached EVA foam underlayment on all VinylNova floors provides cushioning and sound reduction, enhancing comfort underfoot.

Discover the Beauty of VinylNova

The VinylNova collection is designed to suit every taste, from classic to contemporary. With an array of rich wood-inspired planks and herringbone patterns, VinylNova allows you to achieve the high-end look of natural flooring without the maintenance concerns.

Some of our most popular colors include:

Nebula – A sophisticated blend of warm and cool tones, perfect for modern aesthetics.
Lexington – A timeless, classic oak-inspired shade that complements any interior style.
Stardust – Light, airy, and elegant, bringing a soft, inviting ambiance to your space.
Twilight – A rich, moody tone that adds depth and sophistication.

For those who love the classic appeal of herringbone flooring, VinylNova offers Nebula and Twilight in a stunning Herringbone pattern. This elegant design choice brings a sophisticated touch to any space, adding movement and dimension while maintaining the durability and convenience of luxury vinyl flooring.

Elevate Your Space with VinylNova Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Whether you’re renovating your home or designing a commercial space, VinylNova flooring delivers unmatched beauty and performance. Elevate your interiors with a floor that offers the elegance of hardwood and the resilience of vinyl.

Ready to transform your space? Contact us today or request a VinylNova flooring sample and experience the next level of vinyl flooring.

New Sika Products Now Available at Old Master Products!

At Old Master Products, we are committed to providing top-quality products that make flooring installation and maintenance easier and more efficient for professionals. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we now carry two new Sika products at all seven of our locations: SikaBond Remover and SikaLatex R. These innovative solutions help with both adhesive cleanup and cement-based applications, ensuring top-tier performance on every job.

SikaBond Remover – Fast-Drying Solvent Cleaner

Keeping hardwood floors looking flawless during and after installation is crucial. The SikaBond Remover is specially designed to efficiently remove both cured and uncured urethane adhesive from hardwood floors without leaving behind unsightly ghosting or residue.

Key Benefits:

Effective on Cured and Uncured Adhesive – Works even after SikaBond adhesive has dried.
No Residue or Ghosting – Maintains the integrity and beauty of wood finishes.
Fast-Drying and Low Odor – Provides a quick, hassle-free cleanup experience.
Easy Application – This can be applied directly or with a cloth, making spot-cleaning simple.

How to Use:

Apply full strength on a dry surface or to a rag/sponge.
Gently agitate with a rag or non-abrasive scrub pad.
Wipe it dry or allow it to air dry—no rinsing is needed.
Always test on oil-based finishes before widespread use.

Packaged in 1-pint bottles (12 per case), the SikaBond Remover is a must-have for installers who want to keep hardwood floors in pristine condition.

SikaLatex R – Acrylic Latex Bonding Agent & Admixture

For professionals working with cement-based materials, SikaLatex R is a game-changer. This acrylic-polymer latex admixture enhances adhesion, improves surface density, and increases the durability of mortar and concrete. Whether you’re working on subfloor preparation or repairing existing concrete, this product ensures a strong, long-lasting bond.

Key Benefits:

Enhanced Adhesion – Improves the bonding strength of concrete, mortar, and grout.
Freeze/Thaw Durability – Increases resistance to temperature fluctuations.
Versatile Use – Works as an admixture (replacing water) or as a bonding grout when mixed with sand and portland cement.
Non-Vapor Barrier – Allows for proper moisture transfer in cement applications.

How to Use:

As an admixture, replace water with SikaLatex R in your cement-based mix.
As a bonding grout, mix with sand and portland cement and apply as a primer coat before adding new mortar or concrete.

Available in multiple sizes – 1-quart (6/case), 1-gallon (4/case), 5-gallon pails, and 55-gallon drums (special order) – SikaLatex R is a go-to solution for achieving high-performance concrete and mortar applications.

Get These New Sika Products at Old Master Products Today!

We are proud to offer these two high-performance Sika solutions at all seven Old Master Products locations. Whether you’re looking for a superior adhesive remover or a reliable bonding agent for cement applications, SikaBond Remover and SikaLatex R are the perfect additions to your toolkit.

Visit your nearest Old Master Products location today to stock up on these essential Sika products, or contact us for more information!

Click vs Tongue & Groove Flooring: Which is Right for Your Space?

As a trusted leader in the flooring industry, Old Master Products is committed to providing insights to help you make informed decisions about your flooring options. Today, we’re breaking down the key differences between two popular flooring types: Click vs Tongue & Groove flooring. Both systems create beautiful, interlocking floors, but they differ in installation methods, durability, and suitability for various applications.

Installation

Click Flooring

Click flooring is celebrated for its straightforward installation process. The planks snap together seamlessly without the need for nails or glue. This makes it easier for professional installers to complete the job efficiently, saving you time and money. Its floating installation method requires an underlay but no attachment to the subfloor, which also allows for quick installation over existing floors.

Featured Click Floor: VinylNova – Copper

Tongue & Groove Flooring

Tongue & Groove flooring, on the other hand, requires more skill and time for proper installation. Each plank is fitted together with glue or nails to create a solid, secure floor. This process necessitates professional expertise to ensure a flawless result, providing a beautifully crafted, stable floor that can last for generations.

Durability

Tongue & Groove Flooring

Tongue & Groove flooring is known for its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic and maintain its integrity in high-traffic areas. The secure fit created by glue or nails makes it highly durable, ideal for active households or commercial spaces.

Featured Tongue & Groove Floor: Beverly Hills – Burton Way

Click Flooring

While Click flooring offers convenience, it may be more susceptible to damage in areas with heavy use or frequent moisture. However, it can still provide excellent performance in spaces like bedrooms or offices, where traffic is lighter.

Repair and Maintenance

Click Flooring

One of the standout benefits of Click flooring is its repairability. Damaged planks can often be removed and replaced without disrupting the surrounding floor, saving time and money.

Featured Click Floor: AquaBlue II – Moonlight

Tongue & Groove Flooring

Repairing Tongue & Groove flooring is more complex, as it often involves removing multiple boards and resealing them. However, this type of flooring’s long-lasting nature means repairs are rarely needed.

Suitability

Tongue & Groove Flooring

Ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with active families, Tongue & Groove flooring’s durability and stability make it a long-term investment. Additionally, it can be installed over various subfloors, including joists, adding to its versatility.

Featured Tongue & Groove Floor: Private Selection – Gobi

Click Flooring

Click flooring is a perfect option for those seeking an efficient installation process. It’s especially suitable for temporary spaces like trade shows or rental properties due to its ability to be disassembled and reused.

Additional Considerations

Subfloor Preparation: Both Click and Tongue & Groove flooring require a well-prepared subfloor to ensure proper installation and performance.

Moisture Resistance: While Click flooring is often glue-free, adding glue to the seams can enhance moisture resistance and extend the floor’s lifespan. Tongue & Groove flooring’s glued or nailed connections naturally provide better moisture protection.

Eco-Friendliness: Click flooring avoids the use of formaldehyde-containing glues, offering a greener installation method. This makes it a great choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Why Choose Old Master Products?

At Old Master Products, we pride ourselves on offering a wide selection of both Click and Tongue & Groove flooring options, backed by our expertise and dedication to quality. Whether you’re looking for the ease of Click flooring or the timeless durability of Tongue & Groove flooring, our team is here to help you find the perfect solution for your home or project.

Contact us or visit one of our showrooms to explore our extensive collection of premium flooring options.

Discover the Best in North American Hardwood Flooring with Old Master Products

At Old Master Products, we are proud to partner with Appa lachian Floors to offer the finest North American-made hardwood flooring. This collaboration brings you exceptional craftsmanship and long-lasting durability, creating beautiful flooring solutions that enhance any space. With a wide range of customizable options, you can tailor every detail – from species and sheen to texture, color, and construction – to design the perfect floor for your home.

VISUALIZE

Why Choose North American Hardwood?

Choosing North American hardwood flooring means investing in enduring quality. Sourced from responsibly managed forests, Appalachian Floor’s eco-friendly prefinished and solid hardwood offers beauty with sustainability. Better yet, you can customize your hardwood by selecting the species, sheen, texture, color, and construction. With hundreds of combinations, you can create the perfect floor tailored to your style and needs.

Trusted Craftsmanship by Appalachian Floors

Appalachian Floor’s hardwood flooring is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Each plank is designed to enhance the wood’s natural beauty, with a range of finishes and textures available to suit any look – from sleek modern to warm rustic. Not sure how it’ll look? Click here to visualize your custom floor in your space.

Solid Hardwood, A Solid Choice

Solid hardwood is an excellent choice for many homes; however, it requires careful installation to ensure its stability over time. Although each plank is made from a single piece of wood, which provides strength and longevity, its tendency to expand and contract with humidity changes makes professional installation crucial. Solid hardwood floors also can be sanded and refinished multiple times, ensuring they retain their beauty for decades. Whether refreshing a room or renovating an entire home, solid hardwood is a great long-term investment.

Effortless Elegance, Hassle-Free Installation

One of the greatest benefits of the vast selection of Appalachian Flooring, is the convenience of prefinished floors. With options to customize everything from species to color, you can avoid the hassle of on-site finishing. Whether you’re a homeowner or contractor, North American hardwood guarantees elegance with ease.

Customization Options

Collections:

Signature Collection: The S ignature Collection is Appalachian Floor’s most versatile series, offering a wide range of stain colors across 5 different North American hardwood species. With both solid and engineered profiles, Evershine™ protection, and options for ultra-matte or semi-gloss finishes, it’s designed to match any aesthetic – whether classic or modern – while providing endless customization possibilities.

Alta Moda Collection: The Alta Moda Collection celebrates the natural beauty of Red Oak and White Oak, using light wire-brushing to highlight their rich textures. With vibrant, eye-catching stains, each floor feels uniquely crafted while offering a practical solution for busy households and pet lovers, keeping your space looking fresh and flawless.

Verita Collection: The Verita Collection showcases the pure beauty of wood through an innovative process that highlights its natural characteristics. With an ultra-low sheen, this collection brings the raw, authentic appeal of natural wood to your home like never before.

Heritage Collection: The Heritage Collection offers a contemporary take on classic hardwood, blending natural beauty with a unique texture that hides daily wear are tear. Its practical design makes it ideal for modern living, combining style with everyday durability.

Green Mountain Collection: The Gr een Mountain Collection reflects the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains with its serene ultra-matte brushed finish. Offering a stunning variety, it brings tranquility and elegance to any space.

Want to Learn More?

Old Master Product’s partnership with Appalachian Floors allows us to deliver unmatched quality and limitless customization options. Contact an Old Master Products representative or visit us today to explore samples and take the next step toward creating your perfect floor.