3 Preparation Tips When Installing Hardwood Floors!

If you're a do it yourself kind of person and you want to take on the job of installing a brand new hardwood floor there are  three things you must get right before you start laying your new hardwood flooring.!

1. Proper Sub-flooring

You need to make sure your sub-floor is level. If there are dips and humps in your sub-flooring, guess what, there are going to be dips and humps in your new hardwood floor. You also need to make sure it is nailed down securely, I prefer screws. Walk around checking to see if there are any squeaks, when you find one screw that area down properly. Sweep off the sub-floor carefully, you want a good clean surface for the hardwood. If you don?t do this right, you will not be happy with the outcome.

2. Moisture Levels

Make sure the humidity level in your home is between 40 and 50%. You also want to make sure the humidity difference in humidity levels in the sub-floor and the actual hardwood flooring are no more than 4 or 5%. Always make sure you bring your flooring into the area where it?s going to be laid a couple of days prior to the day you want to install it. You want it to become acclimatized.

3. Lay Down Your Felt

Roll out your felt making sure it covers the entire floor; it doesn?t need to be fastened down just trim the edges a half inch back from the wall. That?s it! I would recommend 15LB paper.
Once you have made sure you have done the above properly you can start installing your hardwood floor. It?s all about the preparation. Great preparations bring great results!

A Word of Caution

Everyone loves to save money. Hardwood floors are a great investment that will bring you years of enjoyment. Unless you have done this before successfully you may want to hire a professional. Often time is more expensive to correct a botched job than it is to have it done right the first time!

If you have any questions or would like a quote why not call John here at Ruby Flooring.