Congratulations on deciding on new hardwood floors. But, before the wood flooring experts come over and start the installation process, there are a few things you need to take care of. To make your hardwood floor installation go smoothly, you need to prepare your home.
Preparing your home
Before the installation begins you need to clear the space where the new floors are going to be fitted. Move as much furniture as possible, even little trinkets on the shelving, paintings, photographs, and lamps. You should also think about clearing a pathway from the room in question to the outside. There will be a lot of movement back and forth with materials, so there will be heavy (and dirty) foot traffic coming in and out of your home. Basically, you want to make sure that the workers have the space to do their work quickly and efficiently. So take a minute to prepare your home for a bit of construction.
Acclimate your home
All wood floors will need to acclimate before being installed. Whether it’s solid or engineered wood, allowing the floors to get accustomed to the temperature and climate in your home is important. Make sure you keep your home at the temperature you like. And, be aware that the wood will need to sit and live in your home while it acclimates. We’d like to tell you exactly how long it takes to acclimate, however, it varies from wood to wood. If you want the installation done right, and you want to avoid gapping and cupping once the floors are installed, you need to give the wood the time it needs to acclimate. This is one step that can’t be rushed.
Flooring in the kitchen
If you’re having floors installed in the kitchen, be aware that you won’t be able to utilize the kitchen while the floors are being installed. You may want to set up a temporary kitchen somewhere else in the home. Move dishes, cookware, utensils, and glasses to a makeshift kitchen. And, make sure you set up the temporary kitchen somewhere where there is water.
T&G Flooring is one of the largest hardwood flooring retailers in Colorado. For inspiration or a free consultation with a hardwood flooring expert, visit our showrooms in Denver and Evergreen.
