If you’re planning to purchase hardwood flooring, you should know that installing wood floors goes beyond simply laying planks. A proper installation requires preparation, material selection, and a proven process to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result. Some homeowners choose floors based on looks or cost alone, but this isn’t a good idea—it can lead to warping, gaps, or uneven finishes.
What goes into a successful wood flooring installation? Check out our comprehensive guide to learn more.
Understanding Your Subfloor
As the leading flooring company we know that your subfloor is the foundation of your wood floors. Whether it’s plywood, concrete or Gyp-Crete, a flat and stable base is essential for a smooth, durable floor.
When it comes to your subfloor, your contractor has to take a few factors into account. Here’s what you can expect:
- Leveling: Subfloors should be flat to within 3/16” over a 10’ radius to avoid uneven boards.
- Moisture: The moisture content in the concrete or wood should be tested to prevent future warping or cupping.
- Preparation: before you get your new wood floorsBefore installing your new wood floors,, your contractor will have to remove old flooring, repair water damage and make sure the surface is clean and dry.
Proper subfloor prep is essential to any wood floor installation. Skipping this step means even the best planks can fail prematurely.
Acclimation: Let Your Wood Adjust
Wood is hygroscopic—it expands and contracts with changes in humidity. Before installation, your flooring needs time to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of your home.
How does acclimation work? Generally, your contractor will stack planks in the room where they’ll be installed for several days beforehand. Then, moisture content is measured with a meter to ensure stability. Acclimation isn’t just for new installs as it’s also important for flooring services like repairs, refinishing, and full replacements, especially with wide planks or mixed-material projects. At this time and on installation day, there should be consistent indoor humidity (ideally 30–55%).
Acclimation is essential. It reduces the risk of gaps, cupping, or cracking following installation.
Choosing the Right Installation Method
Depending on your chosen flooring product, likely wood and subfloor, your flooring installation method might vary. Here are the most common ways to do it:
- Nail-Down: Planks are nailed to the floor—this is best for installing solid hardwood over wood subfloors.
- Glue-Down: When installing wider planks or any other wood floor over concrete subfloors, adhesives hold the flooring in place.
- Floating: Engineered wood that clicks together uses this convenient method. It’s also called a dry installation.
Installing over radiant heat and on different levels of the home make a difference. The correct installation will ensure your wood floors last for years to come.
Selecting Adhesives & Finishes
The adhesives and finishes you choose are just as important as the wood floors themselves. They make a huge difference in how your flooring looks and functions.
When it comes to adhesives, consider moisture-resistant, eco-friendly options and look for ones compatible with radiant heat if needed. You can also choose your finish. Pre-finished, site-finished, polyurethane (oil-based or water-based) and UV-cured coatings are available.
The right adhesive and finish help protect your floors from daily wear, moisture, and UV exposure—extending their lifespan.
Planning the Layout
When it’s time for new wood floors, layout is everything. It not only determines how your floors look but also affects long-term stability.
There are a couple considerations. The first step is carefully measuring the room to determine the orientation of your planks. You also have to think about design patterns. Straight, diagonal, herringbone or chevron? Transitions, thresholds and borders also matter so your floors can blend with adjacent spaces.
Proper planning makes a huge difference. Mistakes during planning can be expensive to fix once the floors are installed.
Get Ready for Your Wood Floor Installation
Proper preparations, material selection and professional guidance are key to beautiful, long-lasting wood floors. At Tongue & Groove in Denver, we guide homeowners through the installation and complete each installation with precision and care. With us, not a single plank is out of place.
It’s time to invest in brand new wood floors. Contact us or visit our Denver showroom today to learn more!
