Hardwood Flooring Inspection

Hardwood must be acclimated before installation. Subfloor must be flat and dry. Expansion gaps required at all walls.

1. Walk the entire floor — check for squeaks, loose boards, or soft spots

2. Check expansion gaps at walls (1/4" to 1/2") — covered by baseboard

3. Check for cupping or crowning of boards (moisture problem)

4. Verify boards are tight with no gaps between them

5. Check flatness — 3/16" tolerance in 10 feet

6. Look for scratches or damage from construction

7. Check transitions to other flooring types — smooth, proper transition strip

8. Verify nail/staple pattern — proper spacing, none visible on surface

- Cupping boards (moisture from subfloor — was wood acclimated?)

- No expansion gaps (floor buckles as it expands)

- Squeaking (nails not holding, subfloor issues)

- Visible gaps between boards (wood dried after installation)

- Scratches from post-installation construction traffic

- Boards not staggered (end joints should be offset minimum 6")