Getting ready to install hardwood floors
New hardwood floors are a great investment in the look and value of your home. At Bowling’s Carpet, we offer a variety of installation options for various budgets and lifestyles. We feel that the best way to ensure your new flooring looks the way you want and wears as you expect it to, is to have it professionally installed. After all, an experienced installer understands the differences between various types of hardwood and has the specialized skills needed for a successful installation. Additionally, a professionally installed hardwood floor will more likely be covered by the Shaw warranty if the need should arise.
If you plan to install your own hardwood flooring, we recommend first consulting the manufacturer’s approved installation guidelines and warranties before starting your project. The best method for installation may vary depending on the width, thickness and construction of the flooring you’ve chosen and where the floor is installed. Methods for fastening solid hardwood flooring include stapling, nailing, or gluing to a subfloor layer. Because it tends to react to changes in temperature and humidity, solid wood is not recommended for use below the grade line of your property. Engineered hardwood is a better choice because it can be installed almost anywhere. It has no issues with seasonal changes in climate, which makes it a great choice for use in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Getting Ready for Your Hardwood Installation
Some preparation is required to ensure a successful hardwood flooring installation. We recommend that you consult with a specialist from Bowling’s Carpet for full instructions before getting started. Here are some steps you should expect to take to help the process go smoothly.
- To make a suitable installation surface for your new hardwood you may have to remove your existing flooring. This process will be different for different types of existing flooring, extra care may be required if your previous flooring is glued down or set in tile adhesive. It’s important to provide a smooth, level surface. A professional flooring specialist can be a huge help with this process, with the necessary tools and knowledge to judge 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 have to be removed from the rooms where your new hardwood is to be installed. You should consider hiring a professional moving and storage company, especially for large or heavy items. A professional moving team can empty a room or empty a whole house quickly. This will minimize the amount of time you have to live without your furniture to as little as a single day at each end of the job. You should also 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 clear idea of 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.
- Do not walk on your new floors for the required 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.
