Most problems on a commercial flooring project don't happen during installation — they happen in the weeks before the crew ever sets foot on the job site. Poor subfloor prep, late material delivery, inadequate coordination with other trades, and missed moisture testing are the root cause of the majority of flooring failures we're called in to fix.
Here's what a professionally managed commercial flooring project looks like at Henges — from pre-construction to owner walkthrough.
Phase 1: Pre-Construction (4–8 Weeks Before Install)
Material specification finalized with architect and GC
Product submittals submitted and approved
Color and pattern selections confirmed with owner
Material ordered — large projects require lead time of 4–8 weeks for special orders
Subfloor conditions assessed: concrete slab moisture tests, flatness measurements
Scheduling coordination with GC for access windows around other trades
The subfloor assessment is not optional and it is not a formality. Concrete slabs emit moisture vapor long after they're poured. The ASTM F1869 standard governs moisture vapor emission testing — a step that's non-negotiable on any commercial installation involving adhesive or sensitive flooring materials.
Phase 2: Subfloor Preparation
Flooring products require a subfloor that is clean, flat, and dry. For most commercial products:
Flatness tolerance: 3/16 inch over 10 feet (some products require 1/8 inch)
Moisture: Concrete moisture must be within manufacturer specifications before any adhesive or product is installed
Cleanliness: All construction debris, adhesive residue, and contamination removed
Repairs: Cracks, control joints, and low spots filled and feathered
This phase is where many budget flooring crews cut corners. They skip the moisture test, they ignore high spots, they install anyway. The product fails 6 months later. By then, they're hard to reach.
Phase 3: Material Acclimation and Delivery
LVP and LVT products require 24–48 hours of acclimation at installed conditions before installation begins. Hardwood requires 3–5 days. These requirements are published in each manufacturer's installation guidelines — Mohawk's commercial installation specifications and Shaw's technical resources are good reference points.
On large projects, materials are staged in sections to avoid creating an obstacle for other trades. Our project managers coordinate delivery schedules directly with the GC superintendent — not just the day before install.
Phase 4: Installation
A professional flooring crew works systematically: establishing reference lines, maintaining consistent seam patterns, managing transitions between materials and thresholds, and protecting completed work from other trades following behind.
On occupied buildings, phased installation by floor or zone is standard. Our crews work around tenant schedules and use dust containment as appropriate.
Phase 5: Inspection and Punch-List
Before we call a phase complete, our lead installer walks the space with the GC's superintendent. Seams are checked, transitions are confirmed, and any areas needing touch-up are identified and scheduled.
We document completed work with photographs for warranty compliance and owner records — a requirement that the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program and many other certification frameworks now incorporate into their documentation standards.
The Questions to Ask Any Flooring Contractor
Who performs the moisture testing, and what documentation do you provide?
Are your installers full-time employees or day-labor subs?
How do you handle scheduling conflicts with other trades?
What is your warranty claim process if a product fails?
Can you provide references from projects of similar scope?
At Henges Interiors, we answer all of those questions before the contract is signed — because transparency is part of what we deliver. Contact us to discuss your next commercial flooring project.
