Congratulations on your new hardwood flooring purchase! As you prepare for installation day, there are several key steps you can take to ensure a smooth and successful process. This guide covers essential considerations for a full-house hardwood flooring installation, though not all may apply to smaller projects.
Before Installation Day
- Verify Hardwood Type and Finish: Before the installers arrive, double-check the hardwood's species, finish, and style to confirm that it matches your order.
- Bathroom Arrangements: Discuss with the lead installer which bathroom they may use during the project. If none are available, inform your salesperson in advance to make alternative arrangements.
- Pre-Installation Painting: If you're planning to paint, do it before hardwood installation. Make sure to paint down to the bottom of the baseboards, as the new flooring will sit flush against them.
- Clear the Area:Remove small items, electronics, and valuables from the installation area. Larger furniture is typically moved by installers, but confirm this ahead of time and clarify any special requests or concerns.
- Disposal of Old Hardwood Flooring: If replacing old flooring, ensure arrangements are made for its removal and disposal. Check with your salesperson or installer if this is included in your contract.
- Secure Wall Decorations: Take down and store artwork, mirrors, or framed pictures to avoid damage from installation vibrations or movement.
- Climate Control: For optimal results, maintain a temperature of around 65°F-75°F and a humidity level between 30-50% to allow the wood to acclimate properly.
During Installation
- Subfloor Inspection: Before installation begins, ensure your subfloor is in good condition. Discuss any squeaky or uneven spots with your salesperson or installer. They may need to address these issues before laying down the hardwood.
- Noise Considerations: The process can get noisy due to nailing, sawing, and sanding. Plan accordingly, especially if you’re working from home or have pets or children.
- Acclimation Period: If your hardwood flooring requires acclimation, ensure that the installers deliver the wood several days prior to installation, allowing it to adjust to your home’s climate.
- Post-Installation Cleaning: After installation, there may be dust or debris. Arrange for the space to be vacuumed or cleaned to remove any sawdust or wood fragments.
- Final Walk-Through: Once the installation is complete, walk through the space with the installer to ensure all planks are secure, the finish is even, and transitions between rooms are smooth.
- Damage Inspection: Check the surrounding walls, baseboards, and furniture for any signs of damage during the installation process. Taking photos beforehand can be helpful for comparison.
- Floor Protection: Discuss how long you should wait before placing furniture or rugs on your new hardwood floors. You may need to protect the floor during the curing process, especially if it’s newly stained or sealed.
- Installation Crew Oversight: Avoid closely watching the crew work, as it may cause nervousness or mistakes. Address any concerns immediately to the head installer or your salesperson.
- Parking Arrangements: Provide clear instructions on where installers should park to avoid any inconvenience.
- Door Modifications: Hardwood flooring may change the height of your floors, causing doors to stick. Plan ahead by deciding if installers will shave the doors (at an additional cost) or if you’ll need to hire a specialist.
Additional Tips
- Valuables: Ensure all valuables, including cash, are stored safely away from the installation area.
- Communication: Keep open communication with your installer and salesperson to address any concerns or last-minute requests. This ensures the process stays on track and any issues are quickly resolved.