There are a million different types of woods, colors, stains and grades to chose from when you are installing a new hardwood floor. Okay, maybe not a million, but sometimes the amount of choices when it comes to hardwood flooring can be overwhelming. One way to get around this (luxury) problem is to work backwards. As in, choose the type of installation that appeals to you, and then choose the type of wood depending on your preferred method of installation. It’s a great way to at least whittle down (no pun intended) your hardwood choices.
Nail down vs. glue down vs. floating hardwood floors
Nail down installation method: This is the most common type of installation. This type of installation leaves you with two types of wood to choose from: Solid or engineered. And the wood needs to be on or above grade (we’ll go over grades in another post).
The flooring is nailed onto your wood subfloor and when done correctly, nails should be completely invisible upon completion.
Glue down installation method: Your wood choices for this method is engineered flooring of all grades. Gluing the floor also gives you the option of a wood or cement subfloor, as opposed to the “nail down method” where a wood subfloor is imperative. The engineered flooring is glued directly to the subfloor.
Float installation method: This type of installation requires engineered flooring of all grades – even low grades. It is particularly useful if you have a cement or tile subfloor. As the name implies, this floor is not attached to the subfloor. This method of installation will work on any surface, as long as you add a moisture barrier between the wood floor and the subfloor. The floor is glued together, piece by piece or are cut to “snap” together. Make sure the subfloor is level and dry before taking on this type of installation.
Hardwood floor installation and service in Denver and Evergreen, Colorado
We don’t take shortcuts to save you money. We follow the standards set by the National Hardwood Floor Association. Our goal is to have a great project experience, right down to the smallest details. Because it’s the details that make or break your hardwood floors, right down to the installation method.
Our staff is continually trained to be the finest wood flooring craftsmen. We offer unbiased and objective product information. We are not in the business of selling you one type of flooring vs. another. We’re about helping you make the most well-informed decisions for the project on hand.
We specialize in installing, sanding, refinishing, and repairing Colorado-centric hardwood flooring, mill-direct products, and leading prefinished and unfinished hardwood brands. We also offer eco-friendly solutions, like reclaimed hardwoods and water based polyurethane floor finishes.
Call (303) 293-8600 and schedule a free design consultation meeting or stop by our showrooms in Denver or Evergreen, Colorado to get inspired and talk to us about your next project.
Show room and design center:
788 W. 8th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204 27965 Meadow Drive, Evergreen, CO 80439
