Reclaimed floorboards bring character to a room, but successful fitting starts well before the first board goes down. Older timber can vary in thickness, moisture content, and condition, so preparation matters as much as the installation itself. Check that the subfloor is suitable, give the boards time to adjust to the room, and agree how the installer will handle defects or uneven dimensions. A few clear checks beforehand can reduce surprises and help protect the finished floor.
Prepare the Subfloor
Ask your installer to inspect the subfloor before setting an installation date. It should be stable, clean, and sufficiently level for the chosen fitting method. Loose boards, protruding nails, adhesive residue, or significant dips can affect the finish and may need attention first. The correct preparation depends on whether the base is timber or concrete, so avoid assuming that one solution works for every room.
Moisture needs checking, particularly over concrete or in rooms with a history of damp. Ask what testing method the installer will use and what readings are suitable for the specific floor system. If moisture is above the product or system requirements, resolve the cause before covering the subfloor. Installing over a damp base can lead to movement, gaps, or other problems that are difficult to correct later.
Allow Boards to Acclimatise
Timber responds to changes in temperature and humidity. Have the installer explain how long the boards should acclimatise and what conditions the room needs during that period. Follow the flooring supplier’s guidance rather than relying on a fixed number of days: board dimensions, storage conditions, and the building all affect the process.
Store the boards in the room where they will be fitted only if the supplier or installer recommends it. Keep them protected from direct contact with damp floors and maintain suitable indoor conditions. Make sure wet trades, such as plastering, are complete and the room has dried out. Acclimatising boards in a cold, damp, or unfinished space may not prepare them for normal living conditions.
Inspect Every Board
Reclaimed timber naturally varies. Before fitting, look over the boards for cracks, splits, loose knots, old fixings, insect damage, and signs of rot. Some marks and repairs may be part of the desired character, while structural damage can affect strength or fitting. Agree with the installer which defects are acceptable, which boards should be set aside, and whether any repairs are planned.
Check thickness, width, and length across the batch, since irregular dimensions can influence the layout and the finished surface. Ask how the installer will manage uneven edges, gaps, and transitions to adjoining rooms. If the boards have existing finishes or old coatings, confirm whether they need testing or removal before sanding. Review a sample area or proposed layout so you know how the timber’s variation will appear across the room.
Ask Your Installer These Questions
Confirm the fitting method and why it suits both the boards and the subfloor. Ask who is responsible for subfloor repairs, moisture checks, sorting boards, and disposing of unsuitable material. Clarify whether sanding, filling, staining, or sealing is included, and which finish the installer recommends. Request a written scope that separates included work from optional or unexpected repairs.
Discuss practical details before work starts: expected preparation, access to the room, protection for nearby surfaces, and how doorways, skirting boards, pipes, and thresholds will be handled. Ask how the installer will address movement or gaps if they appear, and what care the finished floor needs. A clear conversation helps align expectations and gives you a useful record of the agreed approach.
Before fitting begins, make sure the subfloor is ready, the timber has acclimatised as advised, and the boards have been inspected and sorted. Confirm the installation method, preparation work, finish, and responsibilities in writing. If you are planning a reclaimed floor in London, London Reclaimed Floors can help you discuss suitable boards and fitting considerations.