Just imagine that you enter your house and feel the soft radiance of hardwood flooring. It is gorgeous, warm, and feels like a mini luxury at every step. But having those beautiful floors laid? This may seem like a huge plunge in the dark. No worries, I will break it down for you.
This guide will take you through a step-by-step process of what will occur on the day of your hardwood flooring installation and provide easy tips to prep your home. We are going to make this exciting project as smooth as your soon-to-be floors!
Why Pick Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood floors are classic. They are durable, need minimal maintenance, and look fantastic anywhere in a home. And it can serve for decades with appropriate maintenance. But before you start, it’s good to understand the process. Knowing what happens during installation helps you plan. It also reduces stress and ensures a smooth project.
What to Expect at the Time of Installation
- Selecting your hardwood
The initial task is to choose the correct hardwood to use in your house. Oak, walnut, and cherry are the most popular ones. All of them are differently grained and coloured. You will also decide between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood is thick and can be refinished. Engineered wood is more water-resistant and can be used in basements.
When you are looking for hardwood flooring near me, talk to the local experts at Remodeling Home NJ. They are able to guide and provide an excellent match to your style and budget.
- Measuring and Determining Cost
The next step will be to measure your space so you can know how much flooring you will require. This can be measured by a professional, or you can measure square footage yourself. Remember to factor in some margin on waste or errors, approximately 5-10 percent over your total space. The hardwood flooring cost differs according to the kind of wood and labour costs. The average cost of labor and materials is approximately $ 6-$ 12 per square foot. The price can go up due to high-end woods or complex patterns. To get the best deal, get a couple of quotations from a few installers.
- Preparing the Space
You should clear the room before installation starts. Take furniture, carpeting, and other ornaments out. Some installers incorporate old flooring removal in the deal, but be sure to check.
The subfloor should also be inspected. It should be clean, level, and dry. Uneven spots can give you trouble down the line. Your installer will inform you if your subfloor requires any repair.
- Acclimating the Wood
Hardwood requires time to adapt to the environment in your home in terms of temperature and moisture levels. This is termed as acclimation. This wood is kept in the room for a few days prior to installation. This avoids warping or shrinking once it is fitted. Your installer will explain how much time it will take, usually 3 to 7 days.
- The Installation Process
When the wood is prepared, the installation starts. Depending on the type of hardwood, there are a few methods:
- Nail-down: This is common in solid hardwood, and the planks are nailed down to the subfloor.
- Glue-down: This method is applicable to engineered hardwood with adhesive applied to secure the planks to the subfloor.
- Floating: Planks are locked together and are not nailed to the subfloor, which is suitable for some engineered floors.
The process normally takes 1-3 days, depending on the size and complexity of the room. Installers will trim parts of planks to get around corners, doors, and obstructions. Sawing or hammering may be done, so there may be some noise and dust.
- Finishing Touches
Once they have laid the planks, the installer uses trim or baseboards to fill in spaces along the walls. When you select unfinished hardwood, a stain or sealant is used. This preserves wood and gives it a polished look. The room will require one or two days to completely dry.
How to Prepare for Hardwood Flooring Installation
Proper preparation helps in easing things. These are the effective ways to prepare:
- Plan Your Timeline
Installation may interfere with your day-to-day activities. You might have to move the furniture (or move in with someone) for a day or so in case of more than one room. Make sure to ask your installer about the schedule and be prepared beforehand.
- Clear the Area
Before the installers arrive, move all the stuff outside of the room. This involves furniture, drapes, and wall decoration. If you can’t lift heavy objects, ask if the installer can assist. Additionally, you can get rid of any old flooring as part of your deal.
- Protect Your Home
The installation may be dusty and dirty. Cover the electronics or furniture around you with plastic sheets. In case you have pets or children, it is best to keep them off the working area.
- Communicate with Your Installer
Ask questions prior to the start of the project. Will they remove old flooring? Do they clean up afterwards? How is payment done? When there is clear communication, there are no surprises.
Enjoying Your New Hardwood Floors
Installing hardwood flooring transforms your home. It is beauty at a price that pays. When you learn how it works and prepare yourself, it becomes easy to make it a stress-free experience. Select premium materials, hire a trustworthy installer, and pay attention to how to maintain your floors to use them for many years. A bit of planning and your new hardwood floors will be an area of pride and comfort in your home.
