Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home, but they can also be tricky to install. If you're considering installing hardwood in your own home, or if you're someone who just wants to make sure they're doing it correctly, we've got some tips that'll save you time and money on your project. Keep these six red flags in mind when going through hardwood floor installation in Santa Clara, or wherever you live:
1. Don't use sandpaper to scrape off the old floor
You may be tempted to use sandpaper to scrape off the old floor, but this is a big mistake. The best way to remove an old layer of flooring is with a scraper (like an angle grinder or hand tool). The sandpaper will scratch up your hardwood and leave it dull and dingy-looking, so don't even think about it.
2. Don't use a circular saw to cut boards
If you're a do-it-yourselfer and want to cut your own boards, please don't use a circular saw. Circular saws are not designed for cutting hardwood flooring and they can leave a rough edge that will need to be sanded down later. Furthermore, they may damage the wood if used improperly. Instead of using a circular saw, we recommend hiring someone who has experience cutting hardwood.
3. Don't forget to stain or seal your new hardwood floors
After you've installed your new hardwood floors, it's important to stain and seal them. Staining and sealing your floor will help protect it from scratches, dents, and spills--and keep it looking great for years to come.
4. Don't let the installer reposition your furniture after installation is complete
Moving your furniture after installation in complete is a huge no-no. If you do move it, you'll damage the floor and have to pay for repairs.
The best rule of thumb is to wait two weeks before moving anything on your hardwood floors. This gives them enough time to fully cure and bond together so that they're not prone to breaking or cracking when they're jostled during transit (which will happen).
After two weeks have passed, you can begin moving pieces around in small increments--but do so with care! The best way is by lifting up one side at a time while holding onto nearby walls or cabinets so as not to put too much pressure on any one area of the flooring surface itself.
5. Don't install hardwood over concrete subfloors without vapor barriers and insulation
Installing hardwood over concrete subfloors without vapor barriers and insulation can be a bad idea. Concrete subfloors are prone to cold in winter and hot in summer, which can cause your flooring to wear faster than usual. They're also noisy since the natural sound of footsteps bounces off of them more than other materials like carpeting or linoleum would. Finally, they're prone to condensation, and that means mold and mildew could start growing on your wood if you don't take care of it properly.
6. Don't use non-skid additives in your polyurethane finish
Don't use non-skid additives in your polyurethane finish (it can cause squeaks). The non-skid additive is not recommended for use with polyurethane, as it can cause the finish to peel off and result in squeaks that are difficult to repair. If you have already used a non-skid additive, remove it by sanding the floor down to bare wood and starting over with a new coat of polyurethane.
Flooring installation is a big project, so don't make it harder than it has to be
You'll be amazed at how much easier your hardwood floor installation will go if you avoid these common mistakes.
• Don't use sandpaper to scrape off the old flooring. This can scratch up the subfloor and make for a bumpy surface. Instead, rent a floor scraper or use a sharp utility knife to remove the old material in one piece (if possible). Then sweep up all remaining dust and debris with a broom or vacuum cleaner before installing new wood floors over them!
• Don't cut boards with circular saws unless absolutely necessary. A jig saw works better because it allows more control over where you're cutting and less chance of splitting your boards when they're being ripped down into smaller pieces during installation.
• Stain or seal any exposed edges if they aren't already treated so they won't stain other surfaces when exposed over time due to wear-and-tear on those edges caused by walking around inside rooms.
Conclusion:
We hope this article has given you some insight into the world of hardwood flooring installation. It's not as scary as it may seem, but there are still some things to watch out for when having flooring installation in Sunnyvale, or wherever you reside.
