This is What to Do Before You Install Hardwood Floors

October 16, 2017

Posted in macstaff

Genuine wood is a hard-wearing and aesthetically appealing flooring choice for virtually any room. It features a high-quality appearance and is both attractive and durable. Hardwood also adds warmth and beauty to any room. Fortunately, if you are handy with do-it-yourself projects, you can install your hardwood floor. Below are some tips to help ensure your project is a success:

Gather the Proper Tools

You should collect the proper tools to prepare for the installation of a hardwood floor, and these include the following :

  • Plastic Wedges
  • Pry Bar
  • Knocking Block
  • Ratchet Floor Clamp

Once you have your primary tools in place and have selected a floor, you should prepare the room for the installation.

Eliminate Dust

Although it may seem like a minor issue, dust is a problem (unless, of course, you’re a fan of doing extra cleaning once your project is complete). The best way to contain dust is to seal off the room by covering the doorway with plastic and masking tape. You can also opt for plastic curtains or something referred to as a ”ZipWall” to ensure you contain any sanding dust.

Remove Doors

It is virtually impossible to correctly install a hardwood floor without removing any doors that lead in or out of the room. Carefully remove them and stack each entry under a separate blanket to avoid scratches. Take the doors to an entirely different area of the home, rather than trying to move them from one end of the room to the other during the installation process.

Remove Baseboards

Because the flooring should be placed under baseboards for best possible results, you should remove them and then reinstall them after you lay the flooring. Although it may seem more comfortable to allow them to stay in place, you will likely regret taking this shortcut after the fact.

As long as you are already changing the floor, you may even decide to install new baseboards, unless your current ones are unique in some way, which is probably not the case. Baseboards can also be cut with special saws and flooring inserted underneath, but attempting this as an unskilled worker is not a good idea.

Additional Preparation Tips

Do not lay wood tiles in areas where high humidity is expected, such as the bathroom, laundry room, or kitchens. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the highest level of moisture your floor materials can withstand. Learn more about humidity for wood floors.

Make Sure Your Subfloor is Stable

Wood should only be laid on subfloors that are stable and in excellent condition. If you think your subfloor needs work, or you suspect issues such as slab leaks, foundation abnormalities or other problems, seek the advice of a professional or you may live to regret the fact that you continued with the project, despite evidence of such issues. Jim Oursler of Granite Foundation Repair in Plano says:

“There are several reasons why your home’s foundation may crack. Common reasons include settling, poor drainage, and unstable soils. In the U.S., about 60 percent of houses are constructed on clay soil. Out of these, about 60 percent experience foundation issues.”

Although the tips above are beneficial for do-it-yourselfers, there are certain times professionals should install hardwood floors. If you are unsure that you have the skills to complete the project successfully, do not take chances with your home. Instead, hire skilled workers to ensure that the job gets done right. Whichever option you choose, the installation of a new hardwood floor is sure to add beauty and value to your home.