Hardwood flooring is a reliable solution for homeowners seeking both durability and aesthetic appeal. Yes, the upfront costs are high, but hardwood flooring makes up for these costs in the long run. A high-quality hardwood floor can last over 90 years with proper maintenance. If you fail to maintain or repair hardwood flooring, then expect it to last between 20 to 30 years. Hardwood refinishing services help you get maximum shelf life out of your floor without compromising on quality.
The Installation Process Of Hardwood Flooring
There are multiple methods to install hardwood flooring, like gluing and nailing. The most important and time-consuming step is preparing the subfloor by clearing, cleaning, and leveling it. To get the best results, keep the hardwood planks in the same room where they are being installed. This helps them adapt to the exact temperature and humidity levels and results in an efficient installation process.
Let’s go through a few important hardwood flooring installation steps:
Finalize The Starting Point
Choose a corner or outline the starting point using chalk. A proper starting point helps make the installation easy, as you start from one corner and cover the entire room with hardwood planks. If you are planning a DIY installation, then this is an important step.
Lay The First Row Of Boards
After determining the starting point, it is time to start laying the hardwood planks individually. Ideally, the planks should be kept in the same room where they are to be installed, as this helps them adapt to the temperature and humidity.
Use A Stapler Or Nail Gun
A flooring stapler or a nail gun is required after you have finished laying down the planks. Tightly tap the boards together without damaging them. A flooring mallet will help you get ideal installation results.
Cut The Planks To Fit In Irregular Spaces
Your room will have doors and irregular spaces where an entire hardwood plank won’t fit. Tools like a jigsaw can help cut hardwood planks into the required shape and install them for a smooth finish.
Final Inspection And Cleaning
Hardwood flooring installation requires thorough cleaning before installation, and this can result in dust or debris. A final inspection and post-installation cleaning are necessary to assess the overall quality of the installation.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing And Why It Is Important
Hardwood floor refinishing helps restore beauty and value for your initial investment. Hardwood refinishing is important once every few years, and especially if the floor looks dull. The process involves removing the old finish, sanding away scratches, and applying a fresh layer of sealant for a shiny look. The costs depend on project size and the amount of labor involved.
Let’s go through a few important steps in hardwood floor refinishing:
Clear The Room And Make Repairs
Remove all furniture, carpet, and rugs for an efficient floor refinishing process. After the room is cleared, inspect if there are any loose or damaged floorboards. Remove them for a replacement or a repair.
Start The Sanding Process
Sanding helps remove scratches, stains, and dullness from your hardwood floor. It is a mechanical process and starts with coarse-grit sandpaper to remove all imperfections. This helps achieve a smooth surface quickly.
Clean Using A Vacuum
Sanding your hardwood floor means a lot of dust is gathered in the room, and a vacuum can help you clean. Vacuum the entire floor to remove all sanding dust and use a mop or a clean cloth to wipe the floor for a shiny look.
Apply And Cure The Protective Finish
You will need to apply a protective finish after cleaning the sanding dust. Apply polyurethane using a brush and be careful around the edges. A small mistake or incorrect application can ruin the entire refinishing project.
Conclusion
Hardwood flooring is expensive compared to other flooring solutions, but its longevity and aesthetic justify the high price tag in the long run. A hardwood floor can last 90+ years with proper maintenance, and floor refinishing helps you achieve that. Hardwood floor refinishing is important if you want to extract maximum value out of your investment.
FAQs
What are a few important steps in hardwood floor installation?
Finalizing the starting point, cutting the planks into irregular pieces, and conducting a final inspection are a few important steps in hardwood flooring.
Are there DIY hardwood installation methods?
Yes, there are plenty of DIY hardwood floor installation methods, but if you have no flooring experience, then professional services are the best option.
What are a few important steps in hardwood floor refinishing?
Clearing the room , sanding, and applying the protective finish are a few important steps in hardwood floor refinishing.