What to Expect When Installing Hardwood Floors...

•By David Youngblood April 2nd 2024

Making upgrades to your home can be both an exciting and stressful time. Once you have decided to take the plunge and install hardwood flooring It is natural to wonder what steps to take next. Finding out what goes into installing those beautiful hardwood floors you chose makes it much easier to feel good about your investment. Here is what you need to know before you lay down a single plank.

Getting Ready for the Initial Prep

When it comes to installing flooring, there are a few things you should consider before undertaking your new project, such as:

How much flooring do you need? Before purchasing hardwood, you should measure the space where you intend to put it. This will make it easier to choose flooring since you will already know how much you need.

What is your budget? Ah yes, the budget. If this is your first time installing flooring, asking friends and family who have hardwood can help you gauge how much it costs on average. In general, flooring is priced per square foot, so measuring out and calculating how much flooring you need—as well as the style of hardwood you are looking for—can help you compare prices to find the right fit for your finances.

If you need help with a quote or advice on budget-friendly styles, contact our team today!

What kind of a look are you going for? Since hardwood flooring can last decades, your home’s flooring style should be chosen with care. As you begin to look at hardwood floors, you should have a general idea of what style you would like for that particular room. A lighter wood tends to make a room appear larger, while a darker wood can make a room feel refined and regal. As a rule of thumb, if you are undecided, opt for a medium tone.

Following your hardwood flooring order, you can complete the initial preparation by removing all the furniture, paintings, draperies, and other items from the room.

On the Day of Installation

Just like any home renovation project, you should expect some noise when having hardwood floors installed. Perhaps you could plan an outing that day, or work from another location in order to spare yourself some of the noise.

Even if all your personal items have been removed from the room, you may want to cover or remove furniture in nearby rooms to avoid debris and dust. Once a finish has been applied to your hardwood floors, make sure that you stay off the floor until it is completely dry. The amount of time this takes will depend on the type of finish being used, so make sure to discuss this with your contractor.

After Everything Is Done

When the hardwood floor installation is completed and the finish has dried, the furniture can be put back into the room. To prevent dents and scratches, we recommend placing felt pads on the bottom of all furniture items. One of the most charming features of hardwood flooring is the finishes’ unique patterning. Since no two boards are the same, they absorb the finish differently, leaving you with a one-of-a-kind pattern.

Don’t Forget About Ongoing Maintenance

Even though installing your hardwood floors is the biggest hurdle, with the right maintenance, your floors can look gleaming for years to come! Instead of using a vinyl or tile cleaning product, we recommend using a cleaning product made specifically for hardwood floors and would be happy to show you some of our favorite options.

Cleaning your floors is as easy as sweeping with a soft bristle broom and dusting with a dry microfiber mop. Vacuum your floor with the beater bar turned off if it has beveled edges.

Specializing in natural hardwood floors, Youngblood’s Hardwood Flooring has delivered excellence in flooring installations for over 30 years. We provide services all over the Dallas Metroplex including Richardson, Plano, McKinney, Flower Mound, Garland, Mesquite, and Frisco. Contact us today to request your free consultation and quote.