When it comes to installing hardwood floors, it’s not as simple as laying down some planks and calling it a day. There are strict guidelines to follow in order to ensure the longevity of the flooring. These guidelines come from the National Wood Floor Association (NWFA). They are basically the playbook that smart contractors use to avoid costly mistakes.

For example, NWFA beloved floor refinisher guidelines dictate that there shouldn’t be any open defects over 3/8” in diameter; knot holes over 1” in size or unsound knots that extend through the piece, unless the whole piece is void of character and the remaining character can readily fill. In addition, worm holes and burls must be small and not obtrude more than 1/4″ into the piece.

Top Refinishing Craftsmanship That Elevates Every Room

The NWFA also sets standards for the type of hardwood that can be used in a project. For instance, it is recommended that homeowners choose hardwoods with the NWFA verified from US Renewing Forests seal, which is a good indication that the wood was harvested in a sustainable manner. It’s a big deal for environmentally conscious consumers.

As the recognized representative of the wood flooring industry, the NWFA offers industry-accepted standards, accessible resources and highly skilled instructors to lead hands-on training events. They have a technical call hotline and a Facebook group monitored by experts, and they also provide job site checklists and in-depth articles through their publication, Hardwood Floors magazine. Becoming an NWFA Certified Professional validates your wood flooring knowledge and expertise, boosting your professionalism in the eyes of customers and other industry professionals. Many major flooring manufacturers even recommend that their installers be NWFA Certified to maintain warranty requirements.