Try Following These Instructions

Craig DeWitt Headshot

This was a rather dull week, especially with the anticipation of next week. I looked at some flooring a friend was installing. The installation instructions were printed on the inside of the box. The first sentence said:

"IMPORTANT - Do not open immediately.  Before opening, acclimate planks for 48 hours by laying each box horizontally and individually in the center of the room."

I may not be as smart as a 5th grader all the time, but I do know that you have to open a box to read what's in it. My question of the week is: Does it void the warranty if you open the box to read the instructions that say not to open the box?

Next week I go to Hawaii for the annual pest control conference. What, you ask, do pest control people have to do with hardwood floors? Well, they are a group that deals with moisture issues in crawl spaces. I will try to help them better understand how crawl spaces really work, and how better to deal with moisture problems. (No, you don't roll back the ground cover to let the moisture out.) When I started working with this group about 20 years ago, I literally got run out of the room because everything I was telling them was counter to what they knew and did. Now they are a little more receptive.

If anyone has an inspection in Hawaii next week that they need help with, I would be happy to tag along. I don't have room to bring tools, as my suitcase will be full of scuba gear. But I can take pictures and notes. And I love to see the different construction styles and techniques used in different places.

Have a little pity on me while I suffer through a week in Hawaii. Aloha.

Page 1 of 65
Next Page
Resource Book
Looking for a specific product or a company? Wood Floor Business has the only comprehensive database of the industry.
Learn More
Resource Book
Podcasts
All Things Wood Floor, created by Wood Floor Business magazine, talks to interesting wood flooring pros to share knowledge, stories and tips on everything to do with wood flooring, from installation, sanding and finishing to business management.
Learn More
Podcasts