Hardwood floors are beautiful, warm, and timeless. If you want to install hardwood flooring in your home or business, there is a lot of information out there on how to do it. This article provides a complete guide for installing hardwood floors- from choosing the right wood type and installation method to avoiding common mistakes that will cost you time and money.
-
Choose Solid Or Engineered Flooring
Hardwood flooring comes in two types: solid and engineered. Solid wood flooring is cut from a single piece of wood, while engineered floors use several layers glued together to make up the thickness required for its strength. Engineered boards are about half as heavy per square foot as a solid board but can be more expensive than solids due to the additional manufacturing process. One can also go for Vinyl plank flooring as it is a great looking floor you can get many wood looks, it is water proof and very durable. Vinyl flooring is cheap and easy to maintain, easy to install and its water and stain resistant. It’s also available in a lot of patterns and colors
Solid boards take longer to install but are cheaper and less likely to split during installation or in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen. Engineered floors can be installed quicker, without any need for glue – they’re designed with a tongue and groove system that locks them together tightly, so there’s no squeaking when walking on.
-
Select Prefinished Or Site Finish Hardwood Floors
The first decision you’ll have to make is whether or not to buy prefinished hardwood floors. Prefinished hardwood is finished and ready for installation right off the mill. Still, site-finished hardwoods must be finished at home with a finish designed specifically for wood floorings such as polyurethane, acrylic lacquer, or natural oil.
-
Select The Finish Type
Selecting the finish type is one of the most difficult decisions because there are so many varieties. Some hardwood floors can be stained, and some woods can even be painted with a clear coat. Several types of sealants offer different levels of protection for your wood floor against spills and scratches.
The right kind will depend on your lifestyle, the level of protection you need, and how much time commitment you are willing to maintain your floor.
-
Consider Wood Types
Deciding on your wood type requires research and consideration. Oak, for example, is a strong hardwood that will last the longest of most other types of woods. However, walnut tends to be more popular due to its rich colour and grain patterning. If you choose to install laminate wood on your floor, make sure that it is high quality. Laminate floors are not typically hardwood and will wear sooner than a natural wood option. However, they can be suitable for budget-conscious buyers or those who have minimal carpentry experience.
-
Choose Your Grain Pattern
Choosing the correct grain pattern is essential to pulling together a cohesive floor design. The easiest way to do this is by deciding what type of room you have and what types of furniture look best with it.
How To Install Hardwood Floors
-
Choose An Installation Method
Choosing the correct installation method requires weighing three factors: your budget, timing, and skill set.
-
Let Your Floors Acclimate
Wood floors need to acclimate before installation. Most experts recommend leaving the wood on a pallet in an area with at least six hours of airflow per day for at least a week.
-
Make Your Space Ready
Clean the floor thoroughly with a damp mop and warm water for up to an hour. This will remove any dust, dirt, or debris. It will also help to remove the wax coatings from old floors.
-
Install The Flooring
You can install hardwood floors in any room of the house. For most rooms, it is best to use a tongue and groove flooring system, which is more forgiving to human error.
-
Add The Finishing Touches
You’re done! Now you just need to add the finishing touches. This includes adding moulding, a threshold (where two different surfaces meet, like your floor and door meet), or carpet.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right hardwood flooring can be a daunting task. There are so many factors to consider, and there are lots of different types of floors available. But if you’re looking for some reasonable ground rules and some great resources to help you choose your perfect match, you must consider the above-mentioned points.
