Prized for its sense of warmth and sophistication, there’s no better way to revitalize your home than with new hardwood flooring. From natural oak floors to engineered maple wood, we will help you find the right hardwood floors for the perfect upgrade to your home.
We will walk you through how we install hardwood floors, from selecting the right materials to adding the finishing touches. Hopefully you’ll find valuable insights to help you achieve professional-looking results.
How To Install Hardwood Floors
Hardwood Flooring Options
Before starting the installation process, we help you research the different types of hardwood flooring and which species might be best for your home. This will help you make an informed decision that balances aesthetics, durability, and the cost of your hardwood flooring project.
Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Hardwood
Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of wood and can be sanded and refinished several times throughout its lifespan. It is recommended for installations in areas with consistent humidity levels and above-grade locations, referring to spaces at least 18 inches above ground level. Engineered hardwood features a top layer of hardwood veneer attached to multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard, which increases its stability and moisture resistance. This type is suitable for installation in basements or over concrete subfloors. Pre-finished hardwood flooring includes a factory-applied finish, removing the necessity for finishing work at the installation site.
Popular Wood Species for Flooring
When choosing hardwood flooring, consider the wide range of wood species available, each with its distinctive advantages and visual characteristics. Oak, maple, and cherry are among the most popular choices, prized for their durability and timeless appearance. Oak is often favored for its pronounced grain patterns and resilience, while maple offers a lighter tone and fine, consistent grain. Cherry flooring, with its rich, warm hues, brings an elegant touch to any space. Exploring these options we will help you find the species that best complements your home's style and practical needs.
Removing Existing Flooring
We remove any flooring materials, including carpet, vinyl, or tile. Use a pry bar to take out baseboards without damaging them if you wish to reuse them. Vacuum the sub-floor thoroughly. We consult a professional if we suspect asbestos in old flooring. For hardwood floors needing refinishing, we strip the old finish with a chemical stripper or sanding before applying a new coat.
Assessing and Preparing the Sub-floor
We check the sub-floor for damage, moisture, or unevenness, and repair as needed. Ensure it's dry before continuing. Use a level to find high or low areas—sand down high spots and fill low ones with leveling compound. Apply a moisture barrier over concrete if required. For wood sub-floors, confirm they are at least 3/4-inch thick and firmly secured.
Determining Board Direction
The direction in which we lay your hardwood boards can significantly impact the look of your room. Generally, hardwood floors are installed perpendicular to the floor joists for structural stability. However, you can consider laying the boards parallel to the longest wall to create an illusion of a larger space. In square rooms, consider the direction of natural light. Laying boards parallel to the light can help minimize the appearance of gaps between boards.