Before Installation of Hardwood Floors
Be prepared. Here's a list of things to do and consider before, during, and after hardwood floors are installed in your home. Knowing what to expect will also be a lot less stressful on you, your family, and your home.
Hire A Pro.
Installing a hardwood floor is an exacting job, and your best bet is to hire an experienced installer, such as those with America's Floor Source, to do the job for you.
Even though we are recommending that you hire a professional, there are some aspects of the installation process that will be useful to you before, during, and after installation.
Four Types of Hardwood Installation
1. Nail Down:
This method is typically used with the 3/4' solid products. However, there are adapters available for thinner flooring sizes as well.
Two inch nailing cleats are used with a wood flooring nailer and mallet to attach the flooring to the subfloor. Please be aware that Solid Strip floors or Plank floors can only be installed on wooden subfloors on grade or above grade.
2. Staple Down:
With this method, 1-1/2 to 2 inch staples are used versus nailing cleats to attach the wood flooring to the subfloor.
A pneumatic gun is used to drive the staple into the wood flooring and subfloor. Not all wood flooring manufacturers recommend the same staple gun so using professional installers will ensure that the right staple gun and right size staples are utilized.
3. Glue Down:
The recommended mastic or adhesive is spread on with a trowel to adhere the wood flooring to the subfloor.
You should know that engineered wood floors and parquets can be glued down. Solid strip floors and plank floors can only be nailed or stapled. Some manufacturers have developed adhesives specifically for their wood floors.
There are many types of adhesives on the market. We will recommend the correct adhesive for your floor. Not using the manufacturers recommended adhesive and trowel size could void any warranties you may have.
4. Floating:
With the floating installation method the floor is not mechanically fastened to any part of the subfloor.
A thin pad is placed between the wood flooring and the subfloor. Then, the recommended wood glue is applied in the tongue and groove of each plank to hold the planks together. (Thanks to advancements in technology, some wood floors require no adhesive at all.)
The padding protects against moisture, reduces noise transmission, is softer under foot, and provides for some additional "R" value.
Some engineered floors and all longstrip floors can be floated. This technique is a very fast, easy and clean method of installing your floor.
Before Installation
Move Furniture.
You can either remove your furniture yourself, or we can remove it for you at an additional cost. If we are moving your furniture, please empty all china cabinets, entertainment centers and other pieces of furniture.
Moisture Control.
Be aware that the area of installation must be climate controlled (heated or air conditioned). Indoor humidity should be maintained between 45-65%.
Removal of Old Flooring
We can remove your old flooring. Please contact us for a breakdown of your options and charges, including disposal of the old flooring.
If you prefer to remove your present floor covering, do it at least one day prior to installation. Please remove any tack strips and pull the staples out of the floor from the original pad.
Trim
In most cases, moldings and baseboards need to be removed for hardwood installation. Your installer can do this at an additional charge. America's Floor Source cannot be responsible for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle wood.
Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation is complete. If necessary, this is your responsibility. Often, new trim is used.
Sub-Flooring Preparation.
Your existing sub-floor may need to be prepared to receive your new hardwood floor, or a new sub-floor may be required. If you think there's any chance that the sub-floor will need attention, please bring this to our attention, and we will inform you of your options and the associated costs.
Door Plan.
When hardwood flooring is installed, doors - especially closet doors and basement or bedroom doors - may not clear the new floor and swing free.
We will remove doors in order to install the hardwood and re-hang them if possible.
Clean Up.
Installing a hardwood floor will produce waste. Usually, these materials are collected by your installer and left at your trash collection site. Please let us know before installation if you desire us to haul away the waste.
Installation Day
Be Home.
Please be at home the day of installation and be available to answer any questions that the installation crew may have. Your presence will ensure a number of details, such as in which room or rooms the hardwood is installed, which way the planks run, and other details.
Keep Your Family Safe.
Your installers will have and use tools and techniques that can make the work area hazardous. Please make sure that your children and pets are kept out of the work area on installation day.
Do A Walk-Thru.
We recommend that you walk through the job with the chief installer prior to the completion of the installation. This walk through will allow you to ask questions and receive clarification on any final details.
Breathe Easy.
Depending on the floor and installation type, there may be a good deal of dust or fumes created during the installation of your new hardwood floors. Good ventilation can make life much better for you, your floors, your family, and the installation crew.
After Installation
Ventilate.
If you are sensitive to dust and odors, good ventilation should be established for 48 to 72 hours after installation.
Clean the Bottoms.
When returning furniture to your room, take a moment to clean the feet or rollers on the furniture. Over a period of time dirt and dust can accumulate and can damage your floor.
Wait To Clean.
Oil based polyurethane finish takes approximately a month to cure while most water based finishes take 2 weeks to fully cure. Please wait until your floor cures before cleaning.
Follow Manufacturer's Recommendations.
Different species and finishes often require different care. Please follow your manufacturer's recommendations to maintain the life and beauty of your new floor.
