Things To Think About Before Installing Hardwood Floors
Wood flooring is a great investment when you're looking to enhance your home's appearance and value. In fact, many people opt for wood flooring not only for its enhanced appearance but also for its simplicity in cleaning and maintenance. If you're considering installing wood flooring, there are some things that you need to think about. Here are some tips to help ensure a successful wood flooring installation.
Take The Time To Prepare The Subfloor
One of the things that many people take for granted is the role that the subfloor plays in your wood flooring's stability and structure. The subfloor is a crucial component because it provides the support system for the floor and keeps the wood planks stable. Without a properly supported and level subfloor, your new hardwood floors may squeak, creak, or shift. You'll likely have to replace planks far more frequently than you otherwise would, as well.
Allow The Wood To Adapt Pre-Installation
A common mistake that homeowners make when installing hardwood flooring is failing to let that wood adapt before you install it. Natural hardwood will expand and contract in different environments. That makes it important for your hardwood flooring planks to rest in your home for at least several days before you install them. That way, the wood can adapt to the climate in the house before you install it. This prevents you from dealing with gaps or other poor fit issues from wood that settles in after installation.
Order Extra
It's tempting to measure the floor space that you need to cover and only order enough wood planks for that purpose. After all, you probably don't want to spend more money than you need to, right? The truth is that it is always best to round up your needs and purchase extra material to allow for damage, mistakes, and similar issues. That way, no matter what you encounter during your installation, you're sure to have enough wood flooring to cover the job.
Choose Random Installation
When you're installing hardwood floor planks, it's tempting to install them following a pattern so that the floor looks organized. However, one of the attractive things about wood flooring is the natural, random appearance of the planks. As a result, you should take the time to randomize the wood plank placement so that your wood flooring looks more natural.
These are some of the most important things to think about when you're preparing to install hardwood flooring in your home. Contact a hardwood flooring contractor to learn more.
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