Flooring Materials & Installation Techniques Flashcards
7 cards from real CFI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Flooring Materials & Installation Techniques flashcards as text
What does 'lippage' refer to in tile installation?
Answer: Vertical displacement between the edges of adjacent tiles
Lippage is the height difference at the edge between two adjacent tiles; ANSI standards limit allowable lippage based on tile size and grout joint width.
For a glue-down LVP installation, what is the correct sequence after spreading adhesive?
Answer: Wait for adhesive to become tacky, then lay tile
Pressure-sensitive adhesives for LVP must be allowed to flash off and become tacky before planks are set, ensuring proper bond without adhesive transfer.
Which tool is used to scribe a resilient floor covering to an irregular wall or obstacle?
Answer: Profile gauge or compass
A profile gauge (also called a scribing compass) traces the exact contour of an irregular surface so the flooring material can be cut to fit precisely.
When installing hardwood flooring, racking the floor refers to:
Answer: Pre-laying boards in a dry run to optimize length distribution and appearance before fastening
Racking involves laying out planks in a dry-fit arrangement to ensure staggered end joints, balanced color distribution, and the best visual result before permanent installation.
What is the minimum recommended stagger for end joints between adjacent rows of hardwood flooring?
Answer: 6 inches
Most hardwood flooring manufacturers recommend a minimum 6-inch end-joint stagger between neighboring rows to avoid H-joints and ensure structural integrity.
Porcelain tile is distinguished from standard ceramic tile primarily by its:
Answer: Lower water absorption rate (≤0.5%)
Per ANSI A137.1, porcelain tile must have a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less, making it denser and more suitable for exterior and high-moisture applications.
When installing carpet over a wood subfloor, tack strips should be positioned:
Answer: Approximately 2/3 the carpet thickness away from the wall
Tack strips are nailed parallel to the wall with a gap of about 2/3 the carpet pile thickness so the carpet edge tucks neatly into the gap when stretched.