Preparing your home for hardwood floor installation is a crucial step to ensure a seamless and successful process. Proper preparation not only helps achieve a flawless result but also minimizes potential issues during and after the installation. Below are some essential steps to consider, that we at Flooring Solutions of Oklahoma would like to share when preparing your home for hardwood floor installation.
What Do I Need to Know Before Installing Hardwood Floors?
1) Measure and Order Sufficient Flooring: Before the installation begins, accurately measure the area where the hardwood will be installed. It’s advisable to order about 10% more flooring than needed to account for waste, cutting, and any future repairs.
2) Choose the Right Type of Hardwood: Selecting the appropriate hardwood flooring for your home is vital. Consider factors such as the wood species, finish, plank size, and color that complement your interior design and lifestyle requirements.
3) Acclimatize the Hardwood: Allow the hardwood planks to acclimate to the environment in which they’ll be installed. This step is crucial to prevent issues like warping or buckling later on. Leave the wood in its packaging in the room for at least 72 hours.
4) Clear the Installation Area: Remove all furniture, area rugs, and other obstacles from the rooms where the hardwood will be installed. This ensures that the installation team has unobstructed access to the space.
5) Check Subfloor Conditions: Inspect the subfloor for any damages, unevenness, or moisture issues. The subfloor must be clean, dry, and level to ensure proper hardwood floor installation. Any necessary repairs or adjustments should be made before the installation begins.
6) Consider Moisture Levels: Check the humidity levels in your home, as excessive moisture can damage hardwood floors. Ensure that your home’s humidity is within the recommended range (typically between 30% to 50%) before and after the installation.
7) Plan the Installation Sequence: If you’re installing hardwood in multiple rooms, plan the installation sequence strategically. Start from the farthest corner of the house and work towards the main exit to avoid walking on freshly installed flooring.
8) Protect Your Home: Cover doorways and openings with plastic sheets to prevent dust and debris from spreading to other areas of your home during the installation process.
9) Communicate with the Installation Team: Before the installation day, communicate with the installation team about any specific concerns or requirements you may have. It’s essential to establish clear expectations and address any questions beforehand.
10) Arrange for Temporary Accommodations: During the installation, it might be necessary to stay elsewhere temporarily. Plan for temporary accommodations if needed, especially if the installation process is expected to take several days.
11) Keep Pets and Children Away: For safety reasons and to avoid disruptions during the installation, ensure that pets and young children are kept away from the work area.
Hardwood Flooring Installation & More in Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, Lawton, Edmond & Oklahoma City, OK
You can create a smooth and hassle-free experience for your hardwood floor installation by following these essential steps you. Taking the time to prepare your home properly will not only ensure the longevity of your new floors but also enhance the overall aesthetic and value of your living space. To ensure your hardwood floors are efficiently installed, call Flooring Solutions of Oklahoma and let us help you!