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Wood Flooring Specialist
Published
Hybrid Apprenticeship
Industries
O*Net Code
47-2042.00
Rapids Code
0199HY
Req. Hours
4200
State
DC
Created
Jul 16, 2021
Updated
Jul 16, 2021
Time-Based Skills
35 skill sets | 173 total skills
General Health & Safety - 25 req. hrs
Execute OSHA practices on the jobsite.
Demonstrate proper knowledge of First Aid & CPR
Identify fire exits, proper use of fire extinguishers and potential hazards on each job.
Installation Safety - 25 req. hrs
Demonstrate and practice maintaining physical fitness and stretches directly related to the wood flooring industry
Wear, inspect and maintain proper clothing and PPE needed for installation safety including safety glasses, earplugs, dust masks/respirators, kneepads, etc.
Demonstrate proper usage and maintenance of installation tools including, but not limited to hand tools, table saw, circular saw, miter saw, router and pneumatics, etc.
Evaluating the Jobsite - 25 req. hrs
Use jobsite checklist to evaluate the jobsite and document all findings. Evaluate all exterior items on checklist and explain findings to customer.
Evaluate all structural items of the home/building including, but not limited to foundation, slab, elevated slabs, crawlspace and basement.
Explain findings to customer.
Evaluate joist span and compare with NWFA guideline requirements.
Articulate findings of jobsite checklist, suggested fixes and how they affect installation to customer/client.
Environmental Conditions - 75 req. hrs
Demonstrate usage of jobsite checklist to evaluate the environmental conditions of the home/building.
Determine type of heating and cooling systems being used, regularity and running schedules.
Evaluate temperature and relative humidity of environment and compare with EMC chart.
Educate customer on conditions of home/building and those needed for successful installation of wood flooring.
Wood Subfloors - 75 req. hrs
Evaluate and determine the condition of the wood subfloor.
Know the difference between plywood and OSB and the requirements for each.
Understand and execute APA installation standards for wood subfloors.
Understand, evaluate, execute and maintain flatness requirements for wood subfloors.
Concrete Subfloors - 75 req. hrs
Evaluate concrete subfloors
Understand the age of concrete and its role in the evaluation process.
Identify and assess different types of concrete subfloors.
Evaluate blemishes in concrete subfloor and address fixes through removing contaminants, crack repairs, spot repairs, and scarification.
Evaluate flatness requirements.
Demonstrate use of self-levelers.
Perform grinding on high spots.
Demonstrate the use of jobsite checklist when evaluating concrete subfloors. Assess findings and provide solutions for jobsite preparation.
Moisture and Wood - 75 req. hrs
Understand the anatomy of the tree and how it affects the installation and performance of wood.
Understand the cuts of wood and how they affect appearance, installation and performance of wood.
Understanding Water & Wood.
Understand the relationship of water and wood and how it affects the installation process.
Demonstrate knowledge through evaluating and assessing environmental conditions of the jobsite.
Conduct moisture readings of wood subfloor and wood product.
Demonstrate acclimation/conditioning practices on the jobsite and communicate the importance/significance to client.
Moisture Testing (Wood) - 75 req. hrs
Demonstrate proper usage, assessment of results and maintenance of wood moisture meters including, but not limited to pin meters, pinless meters and insulated pins.
Demonstrate proper usage, assessment of results and maintenance of thermos-hygrometers.
Moisture Control (Wood) - 75 req. hrs
Differentiate between types of vapor retarders and understand use cases.
Select proper vapor retarder to be used with wood substrate. Properly install vapor retarder using manufacturer guidelines.
Moisture Testing (Concrete) - 75 req. hrs
Demonstrate proper usage, assessment of results and maintenance of concrete moisture testing methods including, but not limited to calcium chloride, in-situ RH probe, scan meters and plastic and tape test.
Document moisture readings.
Comply to manufacturer guidelines for moisture meters, moisture tests and wood.
Evaluate results and propose solutions for all moisture readings.
Moisture Control (Concrete) - 75 req. hrs
Differentiate between types of vapor retarders and understand use cases.
Select proper vapor retarder to be used over concrete substrate. Properly install vapor retarder using manufacturer guidelines.
Alternative Subfloor Systems Over Concrete - 75 req. hrs
Evaluate and determine type of concrete subfloor before installation.
Use proper vapor retarder applicable to subfloor type.
Follow NWFA guidelines for installation techniques on concrete subfloors.
Layout - 175 req. hrs
Build a usable trammel point.
Use trammel point to develop center layout.
Follow steps
Use Pythagorean theory to check accuracy of measurements.
Transfer layout to hallway and additional rooms.
Conduct wall layout using trammel points.
Determine starter rows.
Demonstrate proper usage of slip tongue and spline to reverse directions.
Installation Methods-Nail Down - 300 req. hrs
Demonstrate proper technique for racking.
Demonstrate and execute understanding of proper nailing schedule by complying to NWFA guidelines.
Identify and use appropriate fasteners for type of wood and subfloor.
Differentiate techniques of solid and engineered nail down installation and execute proper techniques for each.
Display proper technique, usage, safety and maintenance of nailing tools including, but not limited to pneumatic nailers, staplers and air compressors.
Installation Methods-Glue Down - 175 req. hrs
Differentiate between types of adhesives and understand when to use different types.
Read and comply with manufacturer guidelines of adhesive and wood.
Demonstrate proper trowel selection for different types of adhesives, wood and subfloors and comply with manufacturer guidelines.
Demonstrate proper usage of trowel and coverage rates for adhesives.
Safely clean adhesive from tools, wood and jobsite.
Installation Methods-Floating - 150 req. hrs
Execute proper installation techniques for floating floors.
Determine and install proper underlayment pads/systems.
Evaluate and determine appropriate sound control systems.
Installation Methods-Existing Floors - 175 req. hrs
Determine layout for new floor to existing.
Display proper techniques used for lacing in/out of an existing floor.
Evaluate existing floor.
Determine requirements for elevation differences, crooked floors, and other challenges.
Execute installation techniques to address each challenge.
Evaluate remodels. Assess for damage of current floors and lead testing.
Address new installation according to results.
Installation Methods-Cork - 50 req. hrs
Understand cork.
Learn differences in installation methods, and finishing techniques.
Installation Methods-Bamboo - 50 req. hrs
Understand bamboo.
Learn differences in installation methods, and finishing techniques.
Installation Methods-End Grain - 75 req. hrs
Understand end grain flooring.
Learn differences in installation methods, and finishing techniques.
Installation Methods-Herringbone/Parquet - 175 req. hrs
Demonstrate and execute proper and accurate herringbone layout using trammel points, Pythagorean theory, center layout and backer boards.
Designing and creating patterns by using templates, jigs and sleds.
Determining accurate measurements for ordering product.
Identification of compatible species from a technical and aesthetic perspective.
Execute proper installation of herringbone layout.
Demonstrate and execute proper and accurate parquet layout using trammel points, Pythagorean theory, center layout and backer boards.
Execute proper installation of parquet layout.
Installation Methods-Borders & Medallions - 175 req. hrs
Measure and determine proper layout for designing and installing borders.
Measure cut and install borders.
Understand the components of a border, skirt, different corner details.
Determining accurate measurements for ordering product
Identification of compatible species from a technical and aesthetic perspective.
Identify pre-fabricated and hand-designed.
Board Replacement/Repairs - 175 req. hrs
Determine if/when boards should be replaced/repaired versus entire re-install.
Determine proper steps for board replacement. Differentiate process based on type of install; nail, glue or float.
Execute proper board replacement steps including, but not limited to cutting and removal of damaged board, cutting new board to size, installing new board and cleaning repaired area.
Execute proper repair skills for isolated damages including, but not limited to scratches and dents.
Determine proper tools/items for isolated repairs including, but not limited to waxes, fill sticks and graining tools.
Identify and be able to address many of the common irregularities
Sand & Finish Safety - 25 req. hrs
Wear, inspect and maintain proper clothing and PPE needed for sanding and finishing safety including, but not limited to safety glasses, earplugs, dust masks/respirators, kneepads, etc.
Demonstrate proper usage and maintenance of sanding and finishing tools including, but not limited to hand tools and machines used.
Demonstrate proper understanding of electrical and chemical safety and execute safety protocols on the jobsite.
Abrasives - 75 req. hrs
Understand and distinguish the difference between the different types of mineral grains used in abrasives.
Understand the different levels of grist used for abrasives.
Determine and execute the proper grit sequence for flattening a floor.
Understand the types of abrasives used on different machines and execute application of knowledge.
Sanding Equipment-Big Machine - 300 req. hrs
Understand and demonstrate proper safety, usage, storage and maintenance of big machines.
Demonstrate proper walking speed and drum pressure and comply with manufacturer and NWFA guidelines.
Determine proper abrasive selection to match job and machine used.
Use proper grit sequence for desired results.
Execute proper technique while feathering with big machine.
Use proper and effective dust contamination systems or practices.
Dispose of dust properly.
Demonstrate proper inspection and maintenance of big machine including, but not limited to removal/replacement of drum, cleaning wheels and adjust tracking.
Evaluate floor for common sanding flaws and fix flaws as needed.
Sanding Equipment-Edger - 150 req. hrs
Understand and demonstrate proper safety, usage, storage and maintenance of edger.
Demonstrate proper clocking techniques and hand pressure and comply with manufacturer and NWFA guidelines.
Determine proper abrasive selection to match job and machine used.
Use proper grit sequence for desired results.
Execute proper technique with edger.
Use proper and effective dust contamination systems or practices.
Dispose of dust properly.
Demonstrate proper inspection and maintenance of edger including, but not limited to brushes, wheels and driver pad.
Evaluate floor for common sanding flaws and fix flaws as needed.
Sanding Equipment-Rotary Sander (Buffer) - 150 req. hrs
Understand and demonstrate proper safety, usage, storage and maintenance of buffer.
Demonstrate proper clocking techniques and comply with manufacturer and NWFA guidelines.
Determine proper abrasive selection to match job and machine used.
Use proper grit sequence for desired results.
Use proper and effective dust contamination systems or practices.
Dispose of dust properly.
Demonstrate proper inspection and maintenance of buffer including, but not limited to wheels and driver pad.
Evaluate floor for common sanding flaws and fix flaws as needed.
Sanding Equipment-Multi-Head Sanders (Planetary machines) - 150 req. hrs
Understand and demonstrate proper safety, usage, storage and maintenance of multi-head sanders.
Demonstrate proper techniques and pressure and comply with manufacturer and NWFA guidelines.
Determine proper abrasive selection to match job and machine used.
Use proper grit sequence for desired results.
Use proper and effective dust contamination systems or practices.
Dispose of dust properly.
Demonstrate proper inspection and maintenance of multi-head sanders including, but not limited to brushes, wheels and driver pad.
Evaluate floor for common sanding flaws and fix flaws as needed.
Sanding Equipment-Dust Containment Systems (DCS) - 25 req. hrs
Understand and demonstrate proper safety, usage, storage and maintenance of dust containment systems.
Demonstrate proper techniques and compatibility with different equipment types.
Dispose of dust properly.
Sanding Final Detailing - 300 req. hrs
Determine when scrapper is needed on job.
Display proper safety when using and sharpening blade.
Execute proper hand scraping technique for desired results.
Demonstrate usage when scraping to blend flatness.
Demonstrate usage wen scraping for texture results.
Determine when hand sanding is needed to blend edges.
Select proper abrasive and grit sequence for the job.
Comply with NWFA guidelines.
Filling - 150 req. hrs
Select proper type of fill to be used.
Execute proper technique by using all types of fills including, but not limited to trowel, spot, putty, flour cement, wood dust, epoxy and Dutchmen/slivers.
Adhere to manufacturer guidelines of fill type.
Create wood dust mix and demonstrate proper use on jobsite.
Learn to match species and grain, then cut and install slivers/Dutchmen
Stains/Colorants - 150 req. hrs
Understand the different types of stains available for use.
Communicate differences, their performances and available options to customer.
Prepare floor for stain application.
Understand the different types of methods used to apply stain and execute including by not limited to trowel, T-bar, rag, etc.
Execute proper safety standards when applying stain.
Dispose of stain and stain rags safely and appropriately.
Follow manufacturer and NWFA guidelines for all applications.
Sealers and Finishes - 150 req. hrs
Learn about the different types of wood floor sealers and finishes and application processes.
Understand what Safety Data Sheets are, safety precautions and federal requirements surrounding sealers and coatings.
Review different manufacturer systems, and characteristics of each one.
Communicate differences, their performances and available options to customer.
Finishing Process - 150 req. hrs
Understand the different types of application methods.
Prepare floor for sealer and finish application.
Understand the different types of methods used to apply sealers/finishes and execute including, but not limited to trowel, T-bar, roller, etc.
Execute proper safety standards when applying sealers and finishes.
Follow manufacturer and NWFA guidelines for all application
Technical Instruction
General Health & Safety - 40 req. hrs
OSHA
First Aid & CPR
Fire extinguishers
Jobsite
Introduction to the Industry - 10 req. hrs
History of the trade
Hardwood industry supply chain
NWFA
Career options
Basic terminology
Intro trade math
Installation Safety - 20 req. hrs
Protect your body
Clothing
PPE (safety glasses, earplugs, dust masks/respirators, kneepads…)
Tool Safety/Operation/Maintenance
Hand tools
Table Saw
Circular Saw
Miter Saw
Router
Pneumatics
Evaluating the Jobsite - 20 req. hrs
History
Documentation
Evaluating the Exterior of the Home
Evaluating the Structure of the Home
Foundation
Slab on Grade
Elevated Slabs
Crawlspace
Basement
Joists
Span Requirements
Jobsite checklist
Environmental Conditions - 10 req. hrs
Heating Systems
Cooling Systems
Humidifiers/De-Humidifiers
Temporary systems
Geographic Moisture content
EMC Chart
Interior/Exterior relationships
Ambient Conditions
Wood Subfloors - 15 req. hrs
Wood Subfloors Subfloor material
Plywood
OSB
APA Sheathing Rating
Installation requirements
Flatness Requirements
Particle Board
Solid board
Concrete Subfloors - 15 req. hrs
Introduction to Concrete
Water in Concrete Mix
Water/Cement ratio
External Sources of Moisture in Concrete
Concrete Identification
On-grade
Suspended
On a pan
Exposed on 2 sides
Below-grade
Age
Slab thickness
Concrete Permeability
Lightweight Requirements
Concrete Preparation
CSP scale
Scarification
Crack isolation /Expansion gaps
Patches
Spot repairs
Flatness Requirements
Grinding and filling
Self-levelers
Primers
Concrete conditions
Curing compounds
Efflorescence
pH
Moisture Control Systems
Sheet Goods
Chemical Moisture retarders
Moisture Barriers below slab
Moisture and Wood - 10 req. hrs
Anatomy of wood
Harvesting, sawing and seasoning of lumber
Moisture Content
Dimensional Stability and Grain angle
Equilibrium Moisture Content
Relative Humidity & Temperature
Acclimation/Conditioning
Jobsite checklist
Moisture Mitigation
Moisture Testing (Wood) - 10 req. hrs
Moisture Meters & Testing
Oven Test Method (ASTM D4442)
Wood Moisture Meters
Pin Meters (Resistance)
Insulated vs non-insulated
Temperature Corrections
Species Corrections
Calibration
Hammer Probes
Drift
Uses
Pinless Meters (non-invasive, scan, surface, dielectric)
Power Loss, Capacitance
Calibration
Species Correction
Uses
Thermo-Hygrometers
Temperature and RH Testing
Uses
Relationship with MC
Moisture Control (Wood) - 10 req. hrs
Vapor Retarders
Definition of Vapor Permeance
Perm Ratings
Class I- .1 perm or less
Class II- .1 perm to 1.0 perm
Class III- 1.0 perm to 10.0 perm
Sheet Goods
Moisture Testing (Concrete) - 10 req. hrs
Quantitative Moisture Tests
Calcium Chloride Test (ASTM 1869)
Moisture Vapor Emission Rates (MVER)
Process of Testing
Documentation of Readings
RH Test- In-situ Probes (ASTM 2170)
Relative Humidity in slab
Process
Documentation of Readings
Qualitative Moisture Tests
Non-destructive Electronic Moisture Meter (ASTM 2659)
Survey Tools
Process
Documentation and significance of test
Plastic Sheet method (ASTM 4263)
Presence of capillary moisture)
Process
Documentation and significance of test
Other tests
Moisture Control (Concrete) - 10 req. hrs
Vapor Barriers/Retarders
Manufacturer systems
Concrete Primers and Sealers
Specs and perm ratings
Adhesives
Alternative Subfloor Systems Over Concrete - 10 req. hrs
Floated Subfloor System
Vapor Retarder requirements
Installation methods
Glue Down Subfloor
Vapor Retarder requirements
Installation methods
Nail Down Subfloor
Vapor Retarder requirements
Installation methods
Alternate Subfloor System (16” x 8’ strips)
Vapor Retarder requirements
Installation methods
Alternate Subfloor System (2’x8’ or 4’x4’ sections)
Vapor Retarder requirements
Installation methods
Screed System (1”x4” or 2”x4” screeds)
Vapor Retarder requirements
Installation methods
Layout - 15 req. hrs
Center layout
General Trade Math (intermediate)
Trammel Points
Pythagorean Theorem (3,4,5)
Wall layout
Reversing direction
Slip tongue/spline
Jobsite layout/Gridding the job
Starter rows
Installation Methods-Nail Down - 15 req. hrs
Solid
Engineered
Racking
Nailing Schedule
Fasteners (length, gauge, type)
Manual equipment
Pneumatic Nailers
Pneumatic Staplers
Air compressors and hoses
Pneumatic tool maintenance
Problems, Causes, Cures
Installation Methods-Glue Down - 15 req. hrs
Glue Down Installations
History of adhesives
Trowels
Adhesives
Clean-up
Manufacturer systems (sealers, moisture inhibitors)
Problems, Causes, Cures
Installation Methods-Floating - 15 req. hrs
Floating
Engineered/Laminate
Underlayment Pads
Sound control Systems
Transition moldings
Problems, Causes, Cures
Installation Methods- Existing Floors - 15 req. hrs
Existing Floors
Lacing in/out
Crooked floors
Tying 2 floors together- layout and sequence
Elevations
Health and Safety
Remodels
Insurance work
Finishes
Problems, Causes, Cures
Installation Methods-Cork - 5 req. hrs
Anatomy and Harvesting
Sources
Floating installation methods
Glue down installation methods
Use as an underlayment
Sound control
Sanding and recoating cork
Problems, Causes, Cures
Installation Methods-Bamboo - 5 req. hrs
Anatomy and Harvesting
Sources
Floating installation methods
Glue down installation methods
Nail down installation methods
Sanding and recoating bamboo
Problems, Causes, Cures
Installation Methods-End Grain - 5 req. hrs
The cut
Species
installation methods
Sanding end-grain
Moisture relationships
Problems, Causes, Cures
Installation Methods-Herringbone/Parquet - 15 req. hrs
Trade Math (advanced)
Herringbone/Parquet
Layout
Installation method
Prefabricated patterns
Hand-made patterns
Jigs and templates
Ordering material
Species/material selection
Unfinished and Factory Finished
Problems, Causes, Cures
Installation Methods-Borders & Medallions - 15 req. hrs
Layout
Installing borders/feature strips
Installing medallions
Corners
Skirting
Prefabricated borders and medallions
Hand-cut borders and medallions
Measuring and ordering material
Unfinished and Factory Finished
Species/material selection
Board Replacement/Repairs - 15 req. hrs
Removal of board/s
Nail down replacement
Glue down replacement
Floated board replacement
Matching existing floor
Isolation repairs (scratches/dents)
Waxes, fill sticks, graining tools
Color theory
Finish repair (sheen, build, application)
Irregularities/Problems, Causes, Cures
Sand & Finish Safety - 15 req. hrs
Protect your body
Clothing
PPE (safety glasses, earplugs, dust masks/respirators, kneepads…)
Tool Safety/Operation/Maintenance
Hand tools
Electrical Safety
Chemical Safety
Abrasives - 15 req. hrs
Sand paper
Grit Sequence
Belts
Disks
Screens
Mineral Grains
Sanding Equipment-Big Machine - 15 req. hrs
Storage
Safety
Belt sander/ Drum Sander
Settings
Operation
Use of abrasives
Dust Containment
Jobsite maintenance/repairs to Big Machine
Problems/Causes/Cures
Sanding Equipment-Edger - 15 req. hrs
Storage
Safety
Settings
Operation
Use of abrasives
Dust Containment
Jobsite maintenance/repairs
Problems/Causes/Cures
Sanding Equipment-Rotary Sander (Buffer) - 15 req. hrs
Driver Plates and pads
Safety
Storage
Operation
Abrasive selection
Dust Containment
Jobsite maintenance/repairs
Problems/Causes/Cures
Sanding Equipment – Multi-Head Sanders (Planetary machines) - 15 req. hrs
Storage
Safety
Operation
Abrasive Selection
Dust Containment
Jobsite maintenance/repairs
Sanding Equipment – Dust Containment Systems (DCS) - 10 req. hrs
Storage
Safety
Operation
Compatibility
Jobsite maintenance/repairs
Sanding Final Detailing - 15 req. hrs
Scrapers: Safety/Operation
Hand Sanding: Operation/Uses
Random Orbital Sanders: Safety/Operation
Filling - 15 req. hrs
Trowel Fill
Spot Fill
Putty, Flour Cement
Wood Dust mixes
Knots
Epoxy
Dutchmen/Slivers
Stains/Colorants - 15 req. hrs
Types of stains (oil and water)
Floor preparation
Stain application methods
Color
Safety
Spontaneous combustion
Dyes
Mineral reactives
Oils
Sealers and Finishes - 15 req. hrs
Safety Data Sheets
Types
Oil modified
Water Based
Shellacs
Urethanes
Conjugated Oils
Varnishes
UV/LED Cured
Natural Oils
Hard-wax Oils
Manufacturer Systems
Dry-time, Cure-time
Problems/Causes/Cures
Finishing Process - 15 req. hrs
Application Tools
Application Procedures
Preparation
Final Coat application
Problems/Causes/Cures
