A successful wood floor installation begins with accurate, up-to-date technical guidance. The correct preparation and fitting method will depend on the floor’s construction, thickness, format and joining profile, together with the subfloor and conditions within the project.
Our guides bring Ted Todd installation information together in one place. You can download the complete installation guide or go directly to an individual chapter covering a particular stage of the process.
View our full guide, as well as chapter-by-chapter sections, here.
Why the correct installation guidance matters
Wood is a natural material that responds to changes in moisture, temperature and relative humidity. Careful site assessment, preparation and installation allow this natural movement to be managed throughout the life of the floor.
Installation requirements vary across our floors. Construction and thickness influence the available fitting methods. Planks, herringbone, chevron and panels each have their own setting-out considerations. Subfloor type, room dimensions and underfloor heating can also affect the specification.
Begin with the product page and technical specification for your chosen floor. These will help you confirm its construction, dimensions, edge profile, fitting options and compatibility with underfloor heating. You can then select the relevant guidance from our Documents area.
What you will find in our Documents area
The complete installation guide takes you through the process in sequence, making it a useful starting point when planning a full installation.
Individual chapters provide quick access to guidance on specific subjects, including:
- Jobsite conditions and preparation.
- Moisture testing.
- Acclimatisation and storage.
- Assessing and preparing different subfloors.
- Installation over underfloor heating.
- Fully bonded, floated and nail-down fitting methods.
- Setting out planks, herringbone, chevron and parquet designs.
- Expansion allowances, transitions and finishing details.
- Installation products and technical data.
Always use the latest document that applies to your floor and project. Product-specific guidance should be followed wherever it is supplied.
Checks to complete before installation
The installer should complete and record all required checks before any boards or blocks are fitted.
Confirm the product
Check that the correct floor, design, dimensions and quantity have been delivered. Open several packs and inspect the timber in good natural light. The end user should approve the floor’s grade, colour, natural variation and overall appearance before installation begins.
Assess the site conditions
The building should be enclosed, dry and operating at the conditions expected during normal use. Wet trades must be complete and sufficiently dry. Follow the installation guide for the required temperature, relative humidity and moisture readings.
Test and prepare the subfloor
Every subfloor must be structurally sound, clean, dry and sufficiently flat. The testing method and preparation required will depend on whether the subfloor is concrete, screed, timber, tile or another approved surface. Record moisture test results before proceeding.
Select the fitting method
The approved fitting options will depend on the floor and project. A floor may be fully bonded, floated or mechanically fixed where its specification permits. Room dimensions, expected traffic, subfloor construction and underfloor heating should all be considered when selecting the method.
Plan the setting out
Consider the room’s proportions, primary sightlines, natural light, doorways, fixed furniture and transitions into adjoining spaces. Patterned floors require particularly careful setting out to establish alignment and create a balanced installation.
Installing over underfloor heating
Many Ted Todd engineered wood floors are suitable for installation over compatible underfloor heating systems. The flooring specification, heating manufacturer’s guidance and relevant Ted Todd installation chapter should all be reviewed during planning.
The system must be commissioned and tested correctly. Subfloor moisture, surface temperature, heating output and operating procedure all require careful control. Refer to the current underfloor heating guidance in our Documents area for the full requirements.
Use a professional wood floor installer
Wood flooring installation requires accurate moisture testing, appropriate preparation and detailed knowledge of the chosen fitting method. We recommend appointing an experienced professional installer who is familiar with engineered wood flooring and the format being specified.
Provide the installer with the product specification and current installation documents before work begins. They should also have access to any relevant plans, underfloor heating information and technical data for adhesives, primers, underlays or other installation products.
If you purchase a Ted Todd floor for your home, your dedicated Brand Partner will provide or recommend a trusted installer.
Find your installation documents
Visit Documents to download the complete installation guide or select the chapters relevant to your project.
For a concise introduction to the process, read our guide to installing engineered wood flooring.
If you are unsure which document or fitting method applies to your floor, contact our team with the product name, format, subfloor details and information about any underfloor heating system. We will help you find the appropriate technical guidance.
