Installing hardwood flooring involves a detailed process, ensuring the material is properly prepared, laid, and finished for lasting beauty and durability.
The installation process, as outlined by Barnum Floors, follows a series of key steps from preparing the space to the final finishing touches.
The Hardwood Flooring Installation Process
Here is a breakdown of the typical steps involved in installing new hardwood flooring:
Step 1: Acclimate the Hardwood
Before installation begins, the hardwood flooring material must be properly acclimated to the environment of the room where it will be installed. This involves bringing the wood into the space and allowing it to sit for a specific period, typically several days. Acclimation helps the wood adjust to the local humidity and temperature levels, minimizing potential expansion or contraction after installation.
Step 2: Remove the Base Shoe & Measure Trim
Preparation of the room is crucial. This step involves carefully removing the base shoe molding (also known as quarter round or base cap) that runs along the bottom of the walls. This trim will need to be reinstalled or replaced after the new flooring is in place. Measuring and preparing any other necessary trim work is also part of this stage.
Step 3: Remove Existing Flooring
The subfloor must be clear and ready for the new hardwood. This step involves the complete removal of any existing flooring material, such as carpet, tile, laminate, or old hardwood. The subfloor is then cleaned and inspected for any damage or unevenness that needs to be addressed.
Step 4: Install the Hardwood
This is the core step where the new hardwood planks are laid down. The specific method of installation (e.g., nail-down, glue-down, or floating) depends on the type of subfloor, the chosen hardwood product, and the manufacturer's recommendations. The planks are carefully placed, cut to fit, and secured according to the chosen method, working across the room row by row.
Step 5: Start the Sanding Process
If installing unfinished hardwood, or if the process involves refinishing existing sections, sanding is a critical phase. The initial sanding pass begins to level the floor, removing mill marks and preparing the surface for subsequent finer sanding.
Step 6: Sand & Buff
Following the initial sand, the floor undergoes further sanding with progressively finer grits of sandpaper. This process smooths the wood to a desired finish. A final step involves buffing the floor, which creates a very smooth surface ready for the finish application.
Step 7: Finish Your Hardwood
Once the floor is sanded and buffed, the protective finish is applied. This can involve stain for color, followed by multiple coats of a clear protective sealant (like polyurethane or varnish). Finishing protects the wood from wear, moisture, and stains, and enhances its appearance. Proper drying time between coats is essential.
Step 8: Put Your House Back Together
The final step involves the finishing touches. This includes reinstalling the base shoe molding and any other trim removed earlier. Furniture and other items can then be moved back into the room, completing the installation process.
This structured approach ensures that the hardwood floor is not only visually appealing but also properly installed for long-term performance.
