Be prepared. We want you to know what to do, and know what to expect, on that special day when the crew shows up to install your beautiful new hardwood floor.  Being prepared will make the entire process go faster, more efficiently and hopefully eliminate any surprises. Knowing what to expect will also be a lot less stressful on you, your family and your home.

Installing this type of floor can be difficult, exacting and detailed. Why would you have anyone but a seasoned, dedicated professional install it? That way you can be assured of a beautiful, efficient and correct installation.

Floating flooring on a bed of underlay. With the floating installation method the floor is not mechanically fastened to any part of the sub-floor. A thin pad is placed between the wood flooring and the sub-floor. Then a recommended wood glue is applied in the tongue and groove of each plank to hold the planks together. In some cases the floor will have interlocking ends and edges and no adhesives will be required. The underlay has its advantages: it protects against moisture, reduces noise transmission, is softer under foot, and provides for some additional “R” value. Some Engineered floors and all Long-strip floors can be floated. This is a very fast, easy and clean method of installing your floor.

Remove all furniture and other objects and materials from the areas where the installation will take place. Some installers will move your furniture, but there may be an additional charge for doing so. Before moving, you’ll also need to empty the contents of china cabinets, closets and the like. Be aware that the area of installation must be climate controlled (heated or air conditioned). Indoor humidity should be maintained between 45-65%.

Please consider how your old floor covering will be taken up and disposed of. This can be a time consuming task. We recommend that you check with the installer or retailer about the cost and the method of disposal. If you prefer to remove your present floor covering, do it at least one week prior to arrival of your hardwood product to allow for cleanup and floor preparation. The sub-floor will need to be viewed by our professional staff prior to installation. If removing old carpet, please pull the staples out of the floor/or remove the glue from the original pad and remove the “smooth edge” from the perimeter of the room.

You should know that perimeter qaudding needs to be removed for hardwood installation. Your installer may do this but at an additional charge and they will not be responsible for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle wood. 

Because of the nature f the installation painted skirting boards may need paint touch ups after the installation is complete. If necessary, this is your responsibility.

Your existing sub-floor may need to be prepared to receive the hardwood, or a new sub-floor may be required. We suggest you discuss this with us and, if sub-floor work is necessary, that it be done by qualified professionals. It is important that the sub-floor be as clean and level as possible.

When hardwood flooring is installed, there’s always the possibility that the doors, especially closet doors, basement and bedroom doors, may not clear the new hardwood and swing free.

Some installers will remove doors in order to install the hardwood and re-hang them if possible. They won’t shave or cut down doors to ensure clearance. If you would like our assistance in arranging for a qualified carpenter to provide this service after the installation of your new hardwood floor please discuss this with your salesperson.

Installing new hardwood will produce waste. Usually these materials are collected by your installer and left at your trash collection site. Your installer will leave for you a partial box of material to be used for future repairs if necessary.

Be prepared to be at home or available by phone the day of installation. Because it is difficult to estimate the length and circumstances of each job, we may not be able to give you an exact time of your installers arrival.

Your installers will use a variety of tools and techniques that can make the work area hazardous. Please make sure that your children and pets are kept out of the work area on installation day.

If you are sensitive to dust and odors, good ventilation should be established for 48 to 72 hours after installation. Being prepared for installation day through careful planning and smart preparing will make your life and the installers a lot easier. It will also make your hardwood flooring experience beautiful and enjoyable right from day one.