Hi everyone,

After installing around 600 sq.ft, I hear occasional nail pops here and there. The pops dont stay though. (it has been around 7-8 days since I installed it). It's not a lot but would like to check if there is anything I can do.


Some background info:

a. Engineered Hardwood 7.44 inches. 9/16 inch.

b. acclimated for around 3-4 weeks.

c. humidity was ranging from 45-55 prior to installation and it's still around that number.

d. moisture reading was done prior to installation as well. I don't recall the exact number but it was within the range specified by the manufacturer.

e. To install, I am using1.5 inches 18G staples. (approx. 4 inch between each staples)

f. Underlayment - Sound Blok 3mm thick (3mm thick; .08mm Plastic; Sound Absorbing Foam)

g. T&G 3/4 inch plywood. ( have access to unfinished basement)


I used shingles here and there to make sure the subfloor is leveled.

Does the manufacturer recommend using the foam when stapling the flooring down? This may allow some movement of the flooring.

After digging some more, the manufacturer recommends 15 lb asphalt saturated felt, AquabarB, or moisturemat.
It looks like I was duped by the salesperson. My original plan was to just get the 15lb asphalt felt but then the salesman recommended against it.

I now have 1000+Sq ft of hardwood installed. I probably won't be able to take it out. I removed a row and ended up scratching up few pieces. So if I remove all, I am pretty much half the pieces will get damaged.

What are my options now?

The flooring will probably always move a little. The boards will be a little loose so they may make some noise, but not too much. I have heard that if the boards are loose you could put some talcum powder between the boards.

With floating, it generally takes few months for the be noise to go away.
I am assuming same can be said about this?