What to know about Hardwood Installation

We all know the best part about getting new floors installed is the process of looking at samples to choose your forever floor. However, the install process is just as exciting for a few reason. One, your dream is becoming a reality and you finally get to see what you have envisioned for so long come into fruition, and two, while having hammers pounding and boots stomping may be a little overwhelming, that giddy feeling of getting something new feels like Christmas morning.

Here at Mr. Hardwood, not only do we want to provide your home with beautiful floors, but we also want to educate you on the process from beginning to end.

1. Acclimation to Demo Day
Mr. Hardwood is a one-stop shop meaning we will deliver your material, move your furniture and appliances, and remove the old flooring before any installation is done. While the install is a very important part of the process, the rest is arguably just as important.

2. Subfloor Preparation and Underlayment
Once the old floor is removed, the next step in the installation process is to take a look at the subfloor to see if any additional work is needed. Some of the more popular subfloor’s installers use underneath hardwood floors include plywood, concrete, and particle board. Unfortunately, because the subfloor is hidden underneath the existing floor at the time of your estimate, your flooring
consultant will not always be able to catch problems before the work starts.

After any repairs are made on the subfloor, the next step in the installation process is to lay down a felt paper that the hardwood will be installed on top of. The purpose of this felt paper is to provide an extra layer of moisture protection as well as to help dampen sound. Mr. Hardwood prefers to use the Aqua Bar brand, a tried and true product.

3. Install Day
The last step in the install process is, you guessed it, the install! Once the wood has been acclimated to its new environment, it’s ready to be put down. There are a few different ways hardwood can be installed. The first is being nailed to the floor. Once it is nailed, the nail holes will be filled in with a camouflaging wood putty. The second way hardwood can be installed is by being glued down directly to the subfloor. It is suggested to glue hardwoods that are 4” or wider as the glue will help keep the hardwood from shrinking and expanding with humidity changes, resulting in cupping and gaps. Nails are typically used for widths less than 4”. Call your Mr. Hardwood flooring experts for a free estimate!