Wooden floors are a timeless and elegant addition to any home. They add warmth and character while also enhancing the value of your property. However, installing a wood floor is not an easy task. Professional installers follow the proper process for a beautiful and long-lasting finished floor.
This blog post will guide you through the steps of professional wood floor installation.
Step 1: Preparation
Before starting the installation process, proper room preparation is crucial. The first step is to remove all furniture and trim from the area where the new floor will be installed. Then, installers will check for any uneven areas or high spots on the subfloor. If so, they need to be sanded down or leveled with cementitious underlayment.
Step 2: Moisture Testing
Moisture can cause serious damage to wood floors over time. That's why performing a moisture test before installing them is essential. A professional installer will use a moisture meter to check both the subfloor and the hardwood planks' moisture content. If either has excessive moisture levels, it may lead to warping or cupping of the boards.
Step 3: Acclimation
The next step is acclimating your wood flooring to its new environment for a few days before installation begins. Storing the wood flooring in your home prior to installation allows for proper adjustment. It prevents future issues related to expansion or contraction caused by temperature and humidity changes in your home.
Step 4: Installation
Once everything is prepared, tested for moisture content, and acclimated correctly, it's time for installation. A professional installer will start laying out the planks according to their grain patterns while ensuring they are spaced evenly across your subfloor without any gaps between them.
Step 5: Sanding & Finishing
After completing the installation process, the floor needs to be sanded and finished. Sanding removes any imperfections and creates a smooth surface for finishing. Then, the installer will remove all dust and debris from the flooring before finishing the planks. The finishing process includes staining or sealing the wood with a protective layer that enhances its natural beauty while providing durability against daily wear and tear.
Professional wood floor installation is a complex process that requires proper preparation, moisture testing, acclimation, installation, sanding, and finishing. Following these essential steps will ensure a beautiful, long-lasting finish that adds value to your home. It's always best to hire an experienced professional installer who can guarantee the highest quality work for your wood floor installation project. With proper care and maintenance, your new hardwood floor will last for many years.
