Know what to expect and do before installation day


If you’re fully prepared, the process will be more efficient and will go faster.  It will also help with you stress level, moreover, the less surprises, the better.Having hardwood installed in your home is very exciting!  We would like you to know what to expect and how to prepare before the installation of your beautiful new floor!

First of all, make sure that you have hired a professional to install it.  The installation of hardwood is very hard and detailed.  You shouldn’t take any risks.

This way, rest assured; you will have an efficient and beautiful installation.

The installation of hardwood flooring is a skill that can only be developed through several years of experience and the understanding of basic install.  The more experience you have, the more knowledge you gain.

There are four different methods used to install hardwood floors.

  1. Nail Down: 2” cleats do the job.   Mostly used with ¾” solid products; however, adapters are available to use this method with smaller flooring sizes.
    2” inch nail cleats are inserted with a floor nailer and mallet.  This attaches the floor to the subfloor.  Solid strip and plank floors can only be installed above grade or on wooden sub floors.
  2. Staple Down: this method uses pneumatics.   1” to 2” staples are stapled into the floor, stapling it to the sub floor. The pneumatic gun drives staples into the wood through to the subfloor.  Not all manufacturers recommend store bought staple guns; therefore, we recommend professionals for install.
  3. Glue Down: adhesives are the rule here.   Recommended adhesive or mastic is spread onto the wood with the proper sized trowel adhering it to the subfloor.  Parquets and engineered wood floors can use this method.  Plank and solid strip can only be stapled or nailed. Several adhesives are available on the market today.   Hiring a professional will solidify that the best method of laying your floor will be selected.  Also, it is important to always use the manufacturers recommended trowel size and adhesive, as your warranty could be voided. 
  4. Floating: flooring on a bed of padding.  This is a method of installing your floor without fastening it to the sub floor.

Between the floor and the sub floor, a thin pad is placed and wood glue is applied in the tongue and groove of each plank holding them together. 

The advantages of the padding are the protection against moisture, noise reduction, softer for walking and provides for some additional “R” value. 

Several longstrip and engineered floors can be floated.  It is an easy, clean and fast method for installation.

Acclimation. Understand that it’s a must.   Hardwood must always be acclimated to its new environment for at least four to five days before installation.  Installers bring it into its new environment and open the boxes for exposure. 

What to know and do before installation day

All furniture and miscellaneous materials should be removed from the area where installation will take place.  Some installers will do this for you; however, there may be an additional charge.  Work on your furniture first.

We also recommend that you empty all drawers, cabinets and closets.

The area where installation takes place should be climate controlled by heat or air conditioning.  Indoor humidity should be between 45-65%. 

Next on the list is disposal of your old floor covering.  Occasionally this can be very time consuming, but check with us first and we’ll let you know the best way for disposal.

If you’d like to remove your old floor covering yourself, please have it done one day prior to the arrival of your new floor.  This will allow for complete cleanup and floor preparation.  If you’re removing carpet, leave all tack strips in place, but remove all staples.

Most times while installing hardwood, all baseboards and moldings will need to be removed prior to installation.  Most installers will do this for you; however, there may be an additional charge and they will not be responsible for breakage or damage.

Some baseboards may need to be retouched after installation is complete.  Your installers normally leave this task up to you.

The next subject: subflooring.  Either your existing subfloor will need to be prepared for your new hardwood, or you may have to install a new subfloor.  Please discuss this with us and we’ll notify you of the best and most cost affective choice.  If you need a new subfloor it is important that professionals install it.  The subfloor needs to be as level and clean as possible. 

After the installation of your hardwood, it is a possibility that your doors may not clear the new height of the hardwood.  Closet, basement and bedroom doors are the most common. 

Several installers will remove doors before installation and will re-hang them once finished.  If the doors do not clear the hardwood, they will need to be sanded down.  Please check with us regarding our policy.  If we do not offer this, we recommend hiring a qualified carpenter.

Cleaning up after hardwood installation can sometimes be quite a task.  Usually your installer will collect all of the materials and will leave at your trash collection site.  Make sure to check with us before install so you are aware of our policies.  Also, ask about the plan for hardwood remnants.   

What to know and do during installation day


We are concerned about your safety.  A variety of tools and methods are used by installers that make the work area hazardous.  It is important that you, your children and pets stay out of the work area on the installation day. On the day of installation, you or someone from your household will need to be home. We recommend that that someone is available all day long incase the installation crew has any questions.  It is also important for you to be there to insure that the correct hardwood is installed in the correct place.  Sometimes the time of arrival and duration of the job will vary, but we will keep you as informed as possible. 

The walk-thru is important.  It is always recommended that prior to the installation of your new floor, you and our chief installer walk thru the job site.  This gives you the opportunity to ask any final questions and clarify all of the details.  

What to know and do after installation day

If you are sensitive to orders and dust, make sure to appropriately ventilate your home for at least 48 to 72 hours after installation. 

It is important to be prepared for installation day.  All you need is a little planning and preparing to make the day as easy and enjoyable as possible!