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Without doubt, hardwood floors look amazing and today, we see many people taking on the task of installing wood floors as a weekend, do-it-yourself type project. Years ago, the process of installing wood floors was extremely difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. However, today you have so many incredible options that the installation process is not overly complicated. Keep in mind that the process of installing wood floors does require some skill and a lot of patience. However, by choosing the right product and paying close attention to directions, you would be amazed at what you can accomplish.
In addition to adding style and warmth to a home, hardwood floors also help increase the overall value. If you want to do the installation yourself, you could choose authentic wood, which is a little more difficult or engineered wood, which is easier. With real wood, you have options for various methods such as tongue and groove, which means the planks are virtually snapped into place. With engineered or laminate wood floor, you are working with a more flexible material, which makes the process easier. In either case, you would be able to install the floor in a number of ways to include the floating floor, glue-down, staple-down, or nail-down. One of the most important steps when it comes to installing wood floors is to read the manufacturer’s instructions word for word. Even if you helped your brother install his floor the week before, if the product is from a different manufacturer or from a different material, you will be faced with new challenges. Therefore, use the instructions to your benefit. You also want to make sure you have all the appropriate tools for installing wood floors, which will make the job easier, faster, and more enjoyable (or less frustrating). If you go with the glue-down method, the wood is literally glued down to the subfloor. For the staple-down and nail-down methods, the hardwood floor is stapled or nailed to the subfloor. However, the floating floor is a great option in which the floor “floats” over the subfloor, meaning it is not connected. Instead, a thin pad is placed between the wood and subfloor, which helps reduce noise level while protecting the wood from moisture. The floating method of installing wood floors is only used for long strip floors however. If you purchase real wood, it will need to sit in the actual room where it will be installed for four days to two weeks. During this time, the wood will have the chance to acclimate to the new environment, resulting in a more beautiful and longer lasting floor. By installing wood floors, you will transform a boring, tired room into a personal masterpiece. With so many wonderful choices of wood, you will find a number of solutions that work perfect for your style and preference. If you decide that installing wood floors is something you want to take on, we do recommend you use the services of a friend or family member in that it is a larger project. |
Installation and Care