The flooring that you install in your home should last several years before you even have to consider replacement. If your flooring isn't lasting that long, chances are, you aren't choosing the type of flooring that will fit into your lifestyle very well. This blog is all about choosing flooring that will fit into your lifestyle and last you many, many years before you have to rip it up and replace it. You will also find tips for keeping it looking like new as it survives the abuse that your family, friends and pets put it through during the course of the year.
Hardwood floors are beautiful and having them installed in your home is a treat. There are many things you need to understand before the installation can begin, however.
Can hardwood floors go anywhere in my home?
While hardwood floors are durable and have been used for centuries in both fine mansions and humble homes, it is important to note that not every room was meant for hardwood floors. Any wet areas, like the kitchen, bathrooms, and mudroom should not have wood floors. A harder and more impervious material, like tile or an engineered wood flooring, would be better suited to handle the dampness from daily the use of those rooms.
Is hardwood floor installation a project I can do myself?
While engineered flooring -- both the 'click and lock' versions as well as the 'peel and stick' versions -- is a simple, weekend project for many handy homeowners, real hardwood flooring is a different beast altogether. Hardwood flooring is an expensive material best left to the professionals. Both the installation and the finish sanding are complicated procedures.
Why does hardwood have to acclimate to my house?
Hardwood flooring (and engineered flooring, for that matter) need to acclimate to your home for several days before installation. This means the materials will be dropped off several days to a week before your installation date. The wood needs to have time to acclimate to both the temperature and humidity in your home or it could warp during installation.
Do I have to move my furniture before my hardwood floors are installed?
All of your belongings will need to be out of the room prior to installation to allow the installers plenty of room to move around and do their job. Talk to your installation company if you need help moving the larger pieces.
Which direction should I run my hardwood floors?
There are many different answers to these questions. Some people like to lay wood floors leading from the front door to the back of the house, while others prefer to lay wood floors perpendicular to the floor joists. Another choice is to lay wood floors along the shorter width of the room to make the room appear visually wider. This is especially helpful in narrow rooms and hallways.
How long will it take to install hardwood floors?
Depending on how many square feet of wood flooring you are having installed and how experienced the crew is, your hardwood floors should take a day to install. Any sanding, staining, and finishing will take several more days.
Hardwood floor installation is an exciting time. Whether you are nearing the end of your home build or just re-doing a room, hardwood floor installation signals that the end of your project is near.
Share23 July 2020
