New hardwood floors are a great way to liven up your home and may even increase its value. At TUF Flooring we have a variety of hardwood flooring options to choose from that will appeal to a wide range of budgets and lifestyles. If you want to be sure your new floors look the way you want and wear as you expect them to, your best bet is to have them installed by a professional hardwood flooring specialist. An experienced installer knows the differences between the various types of hardwood flooring available, and will have required skills and tools needed to do the job right. If you do plan to install your own hardwood flooring, you should check the manufacturer’s approved installation guidelines and warranties before you get started. Consider the fact that a professionally installed hardwood floor is more likely to be covered by the manufacturer warranty.
The method used to install your new flooring is determined in part by the width, thickness and construction of the flooring you’ve chosen and where you want it installed. For a solid hardwood flooring installation, methods for fastening can include stapling, nailing, or gluing to the subfloor layer. Solid hardwood floors do not respond well to changes in temperature and humidity, so they are not recommended for applications below the grade line of your property. For a hardwood flooring project in your basement, bathroom, or kitchen, engineered hardwood may be a better choice because it has no issues with seasonal changes in climate.
Getting Ready for Your Hardwood Installation
Preparation is the best way to ensure a smooth and successful hardwood flooring installation. Of course, you’ll want to consult with your TUF Flooring flooring expert for full instructions, but here are a few things you’ll want to plan for in advance:
- Hardwood flooring requires a flat, clean surface for a proper installation. To get the area for your new flooring ready, you might need to remove your existing flooring. This process will be different for different types of existing flooring and there may be extra work and difficulty involved if your previous flooring is glued down or set in tile adhesive. Calling in a pro for this work is a good idea, since a professional hardwood specialist will have all the necessary tools and knowledge to do the job right and decide when the flooring surface is ready. A pro may also be able to assist with the disposal of your old flooring.
- All the furniture will need to be removed from the rooms where your new hardwood is to be installed. A professional moving and storage company can be a big help at this point, especially for large or heavy items, or items requiring special care. A professional moving team can have a whole house ready for new floors in as little as a day. This will minimize the amount of time you have to live without your furniture at each end of the job. You will also want to take down photos or other wall hangings which can be damaged accidentally during the installation of your hardwood flooring.
During & After Your Hardwood Installation
- An adult member of your household (age 18 or older) should greet your installer and show them to the work area.
- Be sure to get a walkthrough of the job from the lead installer to give you a concise idea of what the work involved and ask them any questions you have about the job.
- To ensure everyone’s safety and to help the job go smoothly, keep children and pets away from the work area for the duration of the job.
- Stay off your new floors for the suggested amount of time after the job is done. The stain and varnish that has been used on the surface will need time to cure properly. The lead installer will be able to advise you on how long this will take.
- If the smell of varnish or stain bothers you, open windows for ventilation or stay out of the house until the air has had time to clear.
