Installation & Finishing


Proper product installation is key to success in every job! Whether you choose a pre-finished product or have the finish applied on site, proper finishing is critical and deserves careful consideration to achieve the desired results. Our experts are knowledgeable, informed and dedicated to the success of your project from start to finish and beyond.

Tips for Proper Installation


Acclimating Wood Products

Proper acclimation of wood products prior to installation is essential to a successful finished product. Always allow plenty of time after receiving any wood product for the material to properly and completely acclimate to its new environment. This is typically accomplished in a week or two by placing the material as close to its final installation area as possible. It is important that all “wet work” such as drywall and mudding be fully complete and that there will be no additional moisture added to the space before acclimation and installation. HVAC systems should have been running prior to material arrival and set at normal living conditions for a proper acclimation of the wood products.

Installing Over Radiant Heat

Radiant heat flooring is a quiet, healthy,  clean and efficient way to heat any space. With proper installation, wide plank flooring from Elmwood Reclaimed Timber is an ideal choice for radiant heat systems.

  • Perfect for allergies – Radiant heat flooring reduces airborne allergens
  • Radiant heat is a consistent and even heat source
  • Silent and energy efficient, radiant heat makes sense.
  • Why consider radiant heat flooring? because you will absolutely love it…

Installing Over Concrete

Wood flooring has been installed over concrete using stringers, or plywood for over a century. Proper site preparation and installation will ensure success when installing wood flooring over concrete. High quality wood and millwork will help to reduce seasonal fluctuations.

  • First, the concrete has to be dry.
  • Second, a moisture barrier is a must.
  • Third, High quality wood and millwork are essential.

Choosing the Right Finish


Finish for Flooring and Paneling

  • UV Oil – Our most popular finish. Developed and used in Europe for decades because of its natural clean appearance and ease of maintenance. This Green product has a medium build, excellent durability and can be refinished easily without sanding.
  • Hardwax Oil – Traditional European looks. Hand applied and air dried hardwax oil penetrates deep into the wood, hardening and protecting from within as well as covering the surface with a protective matte wax. Hardwax oil has a medium build and can be refinished easily without sanding.
  • Water Base – Natural with pale tones. Quality German water-based finish that is hand applied and air dried. This finish option allows for low to no VOC’s with a medium build. Our water base finish provides superior protection while retaining the natural color tones of the wood. The water-based finish does not yellow over time like polyurethane.

Finish for Stair Parts and Accessories

  • Natural Oil – Provides the same appearance as UV Oil. Popular for its natural clean appearance as well as its ease of use and maintenance. This Green product has a medium build, excellent durability and can be refinished easily without sanding.
  • Hardwax Oil – Traditional European looks. Hand applied and air dried hardwax oil penetrates deep into the wood, hardening and protecting from within as well as covering the surface with a protective matte wax. Hardwax oil has a medium build and can be refinished easily without sanding.
  • Water Base – Natural with pale tones. Quality German water-based finish that is hand applied and air dried. This finish option allows for low to no VOC’s with a medium build. Our water base finish provides superior protection while retaining the natural color tones of the wood. The water-based finish does not yellow over time like polyurethane.

Finish for Wood Tops

  • Hardwax Oil – Traditional European looks. Hand applied and air dried hardwax oil penetrates deep into the wood, hardening and protecting from within as well as covering the surface with a protective matte wax. Hardwax oil has a medium build and can be refinished easily without sanding.
  • Commercial Finish – Tough as nails, and, still green and healthy! Designed to take daily abuse, our commercial top finish system is a Quality German water-based finish that is hand applied and air dried. This finish option allows for low to no VOC’s with a medium build. Provides superior protection while retaining the natural color tones of the wood. Easy to maintain and clean as well as recoat as necessary due to heavy use.