Installing Wood Floors Like A Pro

Kinds of Wood

The foremost step in installing wood floors is determining just what kind of wood flooring should you choose for your home. Hardwood flooring is readily available in variety of styles and colors, is beautiful for any type of home, and requires no special process to maintain. Another good option for a stunning floor is the use of antique hardwood flooring the carries a rich history with each plank that you install. Some homeowners opt for parquet floors that are made of hardwood trees like cherry and mahogany. Though quite time consuming and complicated to install, you are also to get beautiful results as payoff for your efforts and expenses. Lastly, consider installing laminate flooring, which is also made of several layers of wood, and bamboo flooring, which technically may be a grass but is quite comparable to other hardwoods in terms of beauty and durability.

Check for Moisture

Before installing wood floors, be sure to check for moisture on the floor upon which the flooring would be installed. There are moisture meters available that will give you a reading on the amount of moisture present. It would also help if you ask the owners of houses near you and determine if they experienced moisture problems in their floors. If moisture is indeed a problem, ask the professional installer to damp-proof the subfloor immediately. Do not attempt to start the job without acting on this important condition first, as damp and moisture is the main cause for rotting and damages to your wooden floors.

Check the Subfloor

Also, determine the nature and suitability of your subfloor before embarking on the project. Remove the carpets and check the condition of the concrete or wood planks. Patch up any holes and level any depression as this can affect the overall quality of your wooden floors. Wooden subfloor must also be checked for squeaks, as this can indicate structural weakness and damages. Remedy any problem before proceeding. When you take out old flooring, remove any remaining adhesive as well so as to have level surface. It would also be good to ensure if the subfloor has enough depth and strength to hold nails if you choose to use the nail down method of installation.

Selecting the Installer

Another important thing to do before installing wood floors is the selection of the person who will do the job. Be sure to hire a professional installer with several years of experience with different kinds of wood flooring. One good way to select the appropriate installer is to ask around and inspect the previous works of the installer recommended to you. Have a contract ready whenever you have decided on your choice, especially if the job that needs to be done is quite extensive and expensive. An installer who knows what he?s doing will probably insist on a clear cut contract to ensure a smooth process for you to have and enjoy a beautiful wood floor.