OLD MASTER PRODUCTS

Hardwood Flooring and Mouldings

  • Home
  • About
  • Products
    • Flooring
      • Allora
      • Garrison
      • Appalachian Flooring
    • Sundries
    • Mouldings
  • Locations
  • Resources
    • FAQs
    • Return Policy
    • Inventory Hold Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Specials
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • (800) 300-5158

Resilient Flooring

By

Glossary of Flooring Terms for Installers

Glossary terms for flooring installers

Whether you are a newbie installer or an experienced veteran in the industry, understanding flooring lingo can help you complete your job efficiently and accurately. To help you navigate, we’ve compiled a handy glossary of flooring terms specifically for installers and contractors.

A good starting point for any installer is knowing the difference between resilient and solid flooring. 

  • Resilient flooring is any type of material designed to be flexible and sturdy, such as vinyl or laminate. 
  • Solid flooring most commonly refers to hardwood.

The next set in our glossary of flooring terms to know revolves around the type of installation involved. Nail-down, floating, and glue-down are all common installation methods. 

  • Nail-down is when the flooring is nailed to a subfloor or existing floor. 
  • Floating floors are when the planks are attached to each other, but not attached to the subfloor. The planks are held in place using the tongue-and-groove method. 
  • Glue-down installation is the process of, as the name implies, using a strong adhesive to secure the flooring to the subfloor. 

Next up, you’ll want to be familiar with the elements of a flooring board itself. The most important pieces you need to know are the tongue, groove, and core. 

  • The tongue of the board is a protrusion of the board on the long end, allowing the board to fit snugly onto other boards. 
  • The groove is the channel along the end of the board that allows the tongue to fit in. 
  • The core is the center of the board, usually composed of multiple layers of wood to give the board its structure and stability. 

When preparing to install the flooring, there are a few extra pieces of equipment you should know. 

  • Underlayment is a protective material that is installed between the sub-floor and the new flooring to increase soundproofing and insulate against both cold and heat. 
  • Moisture barriers are also a must-know, as these are essential for preventing mold and mildew growth.

Finally, there are a few other terms that all installers should know. 

  • Acclimation is the process of allowing the flooring boards to rest before installation in order to adjust to a job site’s temperature and humidity levels. Doing so helps to alleviate any expansion or contraction issues that could arise due to temperature and humidity changes.
  • Expansion gaps are also important as they are the small gaps left between the walls and the flooring that allow the flooring to expand and contract as needed.

We hope this glossary of flooring terms was helpful. If you have any further questions, our team of flooring specialists are here to help – Contact us here and we’ll be in touch soon!

Filed Under: Flooring Installation, Hardwood Flooring, Resilient Flooring Tagged With: Floating, Floor Installation, Flooring, Flooring Installation, Glue-down, Hardwood, Hardwood Floor, Hardwood Flooring, Hardwood Floors, Install, Installation, Moisture Barriers, Nail-down, Resilient Flooring, Solid Flooring, Underlayment, Wood

By

Vinyl Floor Installation: Tips & Tricks

When it comes to vinyl floor installation, it’s all about the details. These details are often overlooked by novice installers who only know the basics of laying down a new floor. Have no fear – with the right tips and tricks, you can get perfect results time and time again. Whether you’re a professional flooring installer, or a newer installer just starting out, follow these tips and tricks for a flawless vinyl floor installation every time. 

Use the Right Tools

Blog Graphics for Vinyl Floor Installation Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results - Old Master Products - Garrison Collection - Use the Right Tools

Having the right tools for the job is essential. Make sure you have a utility knife, a pull bar, spacers, a pencil, a tape measure, a ruler, a large combination square, a white rubber mallet, goggles, and a saw with a fine tooth. Advanced tools are optional but recommended, like a combination saw, a table saw, a Roto Zip with a carbide tip, a jigsaw, a HEPA vacuum, a circular saw, an undercut saw, and a D-Cut LP-330 LVT/VCT/WPC Flooring Cutter.

Acclimate

Our next tip for perfect vinyl floor installation is to acclimate your flooring: allowing the planks or tiles to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity before starting the installation. Make sure that you are working in a climate-controlled environment with constant ambient temperatures of 65°F (approx. 18°C) for 48 hours before, during, and after beginning the installation.

Layout & Staggering

An important part of the installation process is the layout and staggering of the planks or tiles. For a perfect result, you should start in one corner of the room and work your way out towards the opposite wall, randomly staggering the ends. You should also work with multiple boxes at a time in order to create a natural-looking variation on the floor. 

Moisture Barriers

Often overlooked, moisture barriers are a must-have for any vinyl floor installation. It is recommended that you use a Garrison Moisture Barrier (or equivalent product) at least 6 mil thick (We recommend 10 mil). This will add an additional layer of protection against excess moisture and seasonal changes.

Overall

Vinyl floor installation can be tricky for those without the proper experience and know-how. But, by following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to perfect vinyl floor installation. With the right preparation and tools, you can create a floor that you and your customers will love.

Looking for an on-the-go reference? Our Vinyl Installation Instructions are available here. 

If you need help or have any questions, you can contact us here and our flooring specialists will be in touch soon. 

Filed Under: Flooring Installation, Resilient Flooring Tagged With: Floor Installation, Flooring Installation, Install, Installation, Tips, Tips and Tricks, VInyl, Vinyl Floor, Vinyl Flooring, Vinyl Installation

  • About
  • Products
  • Customers
  • Locations
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • (800) 300-5158

Copyright © 2025 · Terms & Conditions · Privacy Policy