hardwood flooring

Getting Ready for a Wood Flooring Installation

A wood flooring installation is a pretty big deal. Getting it installed right the first time is a key to experiencing that awesome life span. You’ve been looking forward to wood flooring all this time, and now we’ve reached that all-important part of the process. Knowing what to expect up front can go a long way in allowing you to be ready for it.

Depending upon the options you chose, there could be a variety of factors for your consideration. For instance, if you’ve decided to go with engineered hardwood flooring, the process will be a bit different. It can include an underlayment installation, and can even be floated, in order to take on the load of higher humidity. Acclimation periods and other special considerations can be discussed with your installation team.

For regular solid hardwood flooring, the procedure can also be determined by certain factors. Acclimation times may vary, depending upon your specific location, and the amount of moisture inside the wood itself. The sub-floor type can also have a major implication on the installation procedure, depending on what the material is, and how much prep work is involved.

The stain option you chose while picking your hardwood floors will have an impact on the installation as well. For instance, some woods can come straight from the manufacturer, already stained and finished. Others can be finished on site, right after the install is complete. An on-site finishing will, of course, take longer, but you’re afforded far more options.

The amount of preparation you put into your install can have a major impact on how long the installers are actually in your home. In fact, a good preparation can hasten the process by quite a bit.

One such factor is dust control. If you have rooms that aren’t going to have hardwood installed, you should seal them as completely as possible. Closing the door is of little effect, but securely taping plastic over that closed door and its frame can work much better. Secure air vents in the same way, by taping plastic over them. This not only keeps dust clear of these areas, but can also help to keep fumes out as well.

For more information about a good installation experience, be sure to contact us at About Floors n’ More.