The sub floor [usually plywood] is cleaned by vacuuming, sweeping, etc...
 

Then the subfloor is re-nailed by nailing along the floor joist to eliminate *any squeaks. Then tarpaper is laid.
 

Tarpaper is always laid prior to installation of hardwood flooring as it acts as a vapor barrier from the floor beneath it. Red Roslin paper is not used, as it is less absorbent than tarpaper.
 

Flooring is installed with 2 1/4" staples using a pneumatic staple gun and factory applied glue on the staples.
 

The pneumatic staple gun is run off of an air compressor to ensure an exceptionally tight-fitting floor
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All starter and end pieces are cut at a 5-degree angle, changing the angle at all times to ensure a tight fit against the baseboard.
 

Floor stock is pre-inspected prior to laying, for pieces with knots, bad mills, or darker boards.
 

Beginning a floor, a select piece of wood is top nailed into the floor joist, so there is always one-piece top nailed at the beginning of the job, and one top nailed upon completion.
 

The use of pneumatic nailer is then incorporated for the remaining floor.
 

After installation of the flooring, filler is made to match the color of the wood. Mixing color tints, to ensure proper color is matched, does this.
 

All nail holes and any imperfections are then filled with the mixture.
 

Your hardwood floor is now ready for the sanding and finishing process.
 

Clear is wood that has very few flaws or character marks.

• Select has a bright grain, a few flaws, and most pieces match well.

• No.1 Common has both light and dark pieces, some marks.

• No.2 Common allows for all character marks; like knots, wormholes, and discoloration.