Installing Hardwood flooring is a major investment and therefore you need to make sure that it is installed as per the manufacturer’s guidelines and procedures for a long-lasting finish and life.
A poorly installed hardwood can lead to several issues that include buckling, spacing and cupping. The very first issue is the choice of hardwood. You need to make sure that the hardwood that you are selecting is of good quality and suits your room look and feel. Check the colour of your walls and furnishing and make sure they hardwood is complementing the environment of your room. Based on the manufacturer specification, some products might need to be removed from the boxes while others don’t. Check for more warped or defective wooden planks. A few defective pieces are not uncommon and it’s a good idea to mix and match the wooden boards from all several boxes for a uniform look. Calculate the area of the floor and estimate the number of wooden planks required.
Prep your subfloor underneath
For any hardwood installation, you need to first prep your subfloor underneath. The floor cannot be installed on a concrete and therefore lay out an underlayment and layout lines. Use the longest and straightest wooden plank for the row one and set your piece on the starting line tongue side facing the wall. Make sure the underlying floor is clean and free from dust and moisture. Moisture is the worst enemy for hardwood and any presence can cause it to crumble, expand and perish.
Let the Hardwood acclimatize to your room environment
The next step is installation and you need to make sure the hardwood that you have bought is acclimatized to the room environment. Leave the hardwood inside the room for at least 72 hours to ensure that the hardwood is acclimatized to the room environment. Never install the hardwood the same day you get it from the store but make sure you give it at least 4 to 7 days so that the wood has the same amount of moisture and temperature.
Spacing and measurement
Spacing around the hardwood structure is another aspect that needs to be considered while installing the floor. There should be sufficient space between the wall to allow the floor to expand and shrink due to the weather and also due to the movement once the floor settles. Maintain the recommended extension gap at the perimeter of the room, always stagger the joints about 6 inches and avoid stair stepping and H-joints.
Hardwood flooring looks elegant and definitely add value to your home. Proper installation ensures the hardwood lasts longer and look elegant.