Installing hardwood flooring is a long and intense process that can be daunting and time-consuming. It’s wise to leave the installation in the hands of professional wood floor installers to avoid mistakes or problems down the line because it’s often more costly to fix mistakes than just installing them professionally from the start. However, there are a few things you can do ahead of time to make their job a bit easier. In this blog post, we will discuss what you need to know in order to prepare for a hardwood floor installation!
Why Should you Prepare for it?
First and foremost, you should prepare for a hardwood floor installation because it will make the process go much more smoothly. If you have everything ready to go when the installers arrive, they can get right to work and likely finish up sooner than expected. This means less time disruption in your home!
A few preparations can help the installers do their job well and avoid any headaches on your part. Also, this will speed up the process because the installers will focus more on the vital part of the process rather than simple processes like taping up plastics or turning off your heating system.
First Things First
As with any major project, you’ll need to first spend some time getting familiar with what’s available. You can choose different types of hardwood, different types of stains/finishes, and more. These choices will be based on your personal preferences as well as factors like budget, traffic in your home, and whether or not you have pets.
You should also make sure that the subfloor in your home is level and in good condition. The installers will need a stable surface to work with, and any issues with the subfloor will need to be addressed before they begin.
Remove the Doors
Another thing you can do to prepare for hardwood floor installation is to remove the doors in the rooms where the floors will be installed. This will give the installers more room to work, and it will make it easier for them to avoid damaging the doors. This will also ensure that your doors are properly stored away.
Help Their Dust Control System
Most wood floor installers will make the proper preparations in order to minimize the dust. So you have a few options to help them contain it:
- Seal the rooms that are not part of the installation. Make sure to not just keep the doors and windows shut, but cover them with plastic sheets. This will help to keep the dust from traveling to other parts of your home.
- Use plastic sheeting. This can be used to seal off any openings that might let dust pass through. This will prevent dust from circulating all throughout the house.
- Run a humidifier. This will help to reduce the amount of dust in the air, and it will also help to protect your hardwood floors from shrinkage.
Prepare a Cutting Area
If you are doing any cutting on-site, make sure to do it in an area that can easily be cleaned, preferably outside. This will help to prevent the dust and debris from getting everywhere. An ideal place for cutting are:
- Close access to the entry of the home
- Good lighting
- Access to an electric outlet
An outdoor cutting area is always the idea, so the professionals will have more freedom to do it.
These are just a few of the things that you can do to help prepare for a hardwood floor installation. Communication is always key so if you have any other questions, be sure to speak with your installer. They will be able to give you more specific instructions and advice on how to best prepare for their arrival. By taking a few simple steps, you can help ensure that the process goes smoothly and that your new hardwood floors look beautiful for years to come.
Hardwood floor installation is a big project done by professionals, but it’s one that can be completed with relative ease if you’re prepared. This guide will help you understand what to expect and how to best prepare for the installation crew’s arrival.
