Hardwood floor installation tips
There are four methods of installing hardwood flooring:
Glue Down: recommended adhesive is spread on with the proper trowel to adhere the wood flooring to the sub-floor. Only the engineered wood floors and parquets can be glued down, solid strip floors can only be nailed or stapled.
Nail Down: nailing cleats are used to attach the flooring to the subfloor. Solid Strip floors can only be installed on wooden subfloors on grade or above.
Staple Down: 1-1/2 to 2 inch staples are used to attach the wood flooring to the subfloor.
Floating: floor is not mechanically fastened to any part of the subfloor.
Tips
Be aware the “cost per square foot” is just one component of the entire project cost.
Here’s a list of potential additional expenses you may incur:
- Furniture removal/replacement.
- Demolition/disposal of old floor covering.
- Subfloor preparation. Depending on the condition of the subfloor, it may require additional work.
- Product delivery.
- Materials required to complete the installation. Your new hardwood floor may require additional materials to install it properly ( thresholds, stairnose ,baseshoe) .
Once the installer is in your home, go with him over this list:
- Determine the size of the flooring area you want to cover.
- Show him a sample of the flooring you are considering to help him determine what transition strips you will need.
- Discuss underlayment to determine if you will need a moisture barrier.
- Discuss if it will be necessary to remove the existing flooring before putting down the new one.
- Ask him to confirm that the conditions of your home are suitable for the flooring you want to install.
- Ask for an itemization of any additional charges : flooring removal, repair of subfloor, cutting of doors and other work related to the finished product.
- Discuss where the sawing of boards will occur. Specify if you want him to seal off the rooms with plastic and identify who will be responsible for final clean up.
- Get the proposal in writing.