There are several factors to consider before choosing a flooring installer. These include cost and time. You must also prepare the subfloor to accommodate the new flooring. Getting the right installation professional will ensure that your floor looks great. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice. In addition, you must be familiar with the safety issues that come with flooring installation.
Cost
The cost of hardwood floor installation is determined by the material and equipment used in the installation. The material can be solid or engineered. The higher end hardwood is oak, while the lower end is pine. Some contractors purchase their own materials. However, they also charge delivery fees, which can be as much as $1.00 per square foot. They may also have to hire extra people to move the materials from one place to another.
The finish of hardwood flooring can also affect the cost. For example, a hand-scraped floor will be more expensive than a polished one, as it is more labor-intensive to create. If you want an installation that is both beautiful and functional, it’s best to measure your floor first. The easiest way to do this is to divide your room into squares and measure its length and width in inches. Then, multiply the square inches of each section by two to determine how much it will cost to install hardwood floors.
Choosing the material for hardwood floors can also be based on personal preference. Some people want traditional wood flooring, while others want engineered wood flooring. While solid wood flooring is more durable than engineered flooring, it can be ruined by liquids and other substances. In some cases, it’s better to avoid hardwood floors altogether if you have children or pets.
Time frame
If you’re in the market for new hardwood floors, you need to know the general time frame for installation. Hardwood needs three to five days to acclimate to its new environment. This is a vital step and cannot be rushed. The process also involves removing the old flooring and trim. Then, the installers will need to prepare the subfloor and lay underlayment. Once everything is ready, the installation should take seven to ten days.
During this period, the new flooring will need to acclimate to the temperature and humidity in the room. The new flooring will need to be laid over a clean subfloor to prevent any damage from occurring. It is essential to move all personal items and electrical wiring out of the way before the installation process. This process will also produce dust, so it is important to protect adjacent objects such as baseboards and drapes.
The process of hardwood flooring installation can take from one to two weeks. This acclimatization period depends on the type of hardwood that you’re installing. Engineered wood flooring, for example, requires less acclimatization time because it is less susceptible to shrinking. However, solid hardwood flooring requires more time and can take as much as two weeks to acclimate. The length of acclimation time varies depending on the type of wood, the installer, and the product.
Choosing a flooring installer
Before hiring a hardwood floor installer, ask for references, photos of their work, and proof of business license and insurance. You can also request a written proposal for the job. If you are satisfied with the details of the proposal, you can sign the agreement and allow the installer to begin working.
Choosing a hardwood floor installer is a big investment, and you should take your time to select the right one. Make sure that you receive at least three written proposals and only hire the best one. Ask for references and check them out thoroughly. If they cannot provide references, you can check their websites.
When choosing a hardwood floor installer, you should also make sure that you get a clear idea of the time required to complete the project. You also want someone who will clean up after themselves and dispose of the old wood flooring properly.
Preparing the subfloor
Preparing the subfloor for hardwood floor installations is essential to the longevity of the finished product. The subfloor must be level and free of any cracks or uneven areas. The subfloor should be smooth and free from any moisture, which can damage your hardwood floors. The subfloor should also be sealed.
The subfloor must be clean, dry, and flat before wood floor installation can begin. There are several preparation techniques that should be followed to achieve these conditions. The technique chosen will depend on the type of wood flooring and the condition of the subfloor. Wood flooring is usually installed over a raised wood framed subfloor, plywood, or an oriented strand board subfloor. For the best results, the subfloor should be level, stable, and free of bumps and imperfections. The installation process is a multi-step process, but the initial preparation can make a big difference in the cleanup process. For instance, it is important to remove any carpeting and padding, cover all air ducts with plastic, and clear the area of any pets or furniture. In addition, make sure to remove any doors before the installation process. Some installers will remove these for you, but many people prefer to do it themselves.
