Exam Practice Questions And Correct

Certified Floorcovering Installer (CFI) Hardwood Flooring Installer Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of acclimating hardwood flooring before

installation?

• To make the boards easier to cut
• To allow the wood to adjust to the humidity and temperature of the

installation site

• To align the wood grain pattern
• To remove surface moisture

Rationale: Wood expands and contracts with environmental changes;

acclimation ensures dimensional stability post-installation.

• What is the recommended indoor relative humidity level for hardwood

flooring installation? 1 / 4

A. 10–20%

B. 25–35%

C. 30–50%

D. 60–80%

Rationale: Maintaining 30–50% humidity helps minimize expansion and

contraction of the flooring.

• Which tool is essential for checking the moisture content of both the

subfloor and the hardwood?

• Hygrometer
• Thermometer
• Moisture meter
• Level

Rationale: Moisture meters measure wood and subfloor moisture,

preventing future warping or cupping.

• When installing solid hardwood, what type of subfloor is most suitable?
• Concrete
• Plywood or OSB
• Ceramic tile
• Vinyl

Rationale: Wood subfloors provide the best nailing base and allow proper

ventilation underneath. 2 / 4

• What is the standard expansion gap required around the perimeter of a

hardwood floor?

• 1/8 inch
• 3/8 to 3/4 inch
• 1 inch
• None

Rationale: Expansion gaps accommodate natural movement of wood

caused by humidity changes.

• What direction should hardwood planks generally be installed in

relation to the floor joists?

• Parallel
• Perpendicular
• Diagonal only
• Random

Rationale: Installing perpendicular provides structural stability and reduces

deflection.

• Which type of hardwood installation uses both adhesive and mechanical

fasteners?

• Floating 3 / 4

• Nail-down
• Glue-assist
• Click-lock

Rationale: Glue-assist installations combine adhesive and nails to enhance

bonding and reduce movement.

• What is the minimum required subfloor thickness for 16" on-center

joists in a nail-down hardwood installation?

• 1/2 inch
• 5/8 inch plywood or 3/4 inch OSB
• 7/8 inch
• 1 inch

Rationale: Proper subfloor thickness ensures adequate fastener hold and

stability.

• Which type of hardwood flooring can be installed below grade?
• Solid hardwood
• Engineered hardwood
• Prefinished solid
• Unfinished solid

Rationale: Engineered hardwood resists moisture changes better and is

suitable for basements.

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