Are you in the process of refurbishing your home? Are you looking for the best and most efficient way to choose and install your new hardwood floor?
Renovating with new hardwood flooring can be both exciting and challenging. While the thrill of transformation brings new energy to your living space, unexpected setbacks, budget concerns, and temporary disruption can be frustrating. However, with proper planning and knowledge, you can ensure your flooring project goes smoothly from selection to installation.
Our complete guide to installing a new hardwood floor, with details about choosing the right flooring and tips for choosing the right flooring installer, has some valuable information for those looking to upgrade their homes, so keep reading to learn more!
While solid hardwood has its perks, engineered flooring has become increasingly popular for good reasons. Engineered planks feature a top layer of hardwood bonded to additional layers specifically designed to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of wood. This construction creates opposing forces within the plank that restrict the wood's movement in three directions: longitudinal, radial, and tangential.
Engineered flooring is particularly beneficial for concrete subfloors in basements and apartments, areas where floor height is a concern, and spaces with potential moisture issues. When shopping for engineered flooring, pay attention to the thickness of the top hardwood layer. Premium options have thicker top layers that can be refinished multiple times over the years, while lower-quality versions may have veneers too thin for future restoration.
Your hardwood floors can arrive either finished or unfinished, offering distinct advantages. Pre-finished hardwood comes with the topcoat already applied, providing certainty about the final look and offering faster, simpler installation with no drying time. The trade-off is that pre-finished floors may have slightly more noticeable seams between boards.
Site-finished floors are installed unfinished and coated on-site by professionals, allowing for complete customization of colour and finish. This approach results in a more uniform, flush appearance as the entire floor is sanded level after installation and before finishing. While this method requires more time for installation and drying, it's often preferred by designers and homeowners seeking a specific, custom look for their space.
Your finish choice significantly impacts both appearance and maintenance requirements. Oil finishes penetrate the wood for a natural, tactile feel and create a warm, lived-in appearance. They allow for easy spot repairs when damaged but require more frequent maintenance and offer less resistance to stains and moisture.
On the other hand, polyurethane finishes create a protective layer on the wood's surface, offering superior durability and moisture resistance. They require less frequent maintenance but are more difficult to spot-repair when damaged. These finishes come in various sheens, from matte to high-gloss, allowing you to customize the look of your floor while maintaining its protection.
Each wood species brings unique characteristics to your floor. Oak remains the most popular choice in North America due to its exceptional durability, stability, and cost-effectiveness. Its strong grain pattern helps hide minor damage, and it's available in both red and white varieties to suit different design aesthetics.
Walnut offers rich, deep colouring with chocolate tones, creating elegant, sophisticated spaces. Though softer than oak, walnut is still durable and naturally darkens beautifully with age. Other popular options include maple, with its very hard, clean, uniform appearance; cherry, known for warm reddish tones that deepen over time; hickory, which is extremely hard with dramatic colour variation; and ash, which resembles oak but features straighter grain patterns.
The way logs are cut determines the grain pattern of your flooring, significantly affecting its appearance. Plain-sawn cuts, the most common and affordable option, create traditional "cathedral" grain patterns that showcase the natural character of the wood. Quarter-sawn methods create straight grain with distinctive flecking and offer more dimensional stability with less expansion and contraction, making them popular for historic or craftsman-style homes.
Rift-sawn boards produce consistent, linear grain patterns with minimal flecking, creating a contemporary, clean appearance. Many high-end flooring options mix quarter-sawn and rift-sawn boards for a balanced look that combines stability with aesthetic appeal.
The width of your floorboards dramatically influences the visual impact of your flooring. Traditional narrow boards of 2-3 inches create a classic appearance with more seams but less noticeable expansion gaps, often complementing traditional homes. Wide planks of 4-7+ inches offer a contemporary, luxurious look with fewer seams across the floor, showcasing the wood's natural character more prominently. Keep in mind that wider planks may show more pronounced seasonal movement as the wood expands and contracts with changing humidity levels.
The proper installation method depends on your flooring type and subfloor conditions. Nail-down installation is the traditional method for solid hardwood, requiring a wood subfloor and providing the most stability for wide planks. Glue-down methods work well for engineered hardwood over concrete, creating a solid, non-hollow feel underfoot with less movement than floating floors.
Floating installation has grown in popularity for engineered hardwood, where planks lock together and "float" over underlayment without being fastened to the subfloor. While this method offers the quickest installation, the floor may feel less solid underfoot. Consider professional installation, especially for nail-down methods. While DIY is possible, proper installation ensures your investment lasts for decades.
Allowing your flooring to acclimate to your home is a critical but often overlooked step that prevents future problems. Bring the sealed flooring packages into your home, then open the packaging and expose boards to room conditions. Allow 3-7 days for the wood to adjust to your home's temperature and humidity, maintaining indoor humidity between 35-55% during and after installation. This acclimation period is especially important for solid hardwood, but benefits engineered products by reducing the risk of gaps, cupping, or buckling after installation.
Proper preparation ensures a smooth installation process and beautiful results. Begin by reading manufacturer instructions thoroughly, as specific requirements may vary between products. Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level, addressing any issues before proceeding. Check door clearances if installing over existing flooring to prevent binding, and test concrete subfloors for moisture that could damage your new flooring.
Remove baseboards carefully if you plan to reuse them, and calculate room dimensions accurately, adding 5-10% for waste and future repairs. Determine which direction to lay your flooring, typically perpendicular to floor joists for maximum stability, and use chalk lines to mark installation guidelines. Taking time for thorough preparation prevents costly mistakes and ensures a smoother installation process.
The specific steps of installation vary by method, but generally follow a similar sequence. Begin by rolling out appropriate underlayment if required by your flooring type. Start installation along the longest, straightest wall, using spacers between boards and walls to allow for necessary expansion. Work methodically from left to right with the tongue facing away from the wall.
As you progress, stagger end joints by at least 6 inches between rows to create a stronger, more visually appealing floor. Use the fastening method appropriate for your flooring type—nails, glue, or click-lock connections. For the final row, cut pieces to fit precisely while maintaining proper expansion space around the perimeter. This careful, methodical approach results in a professionally installed floor that will perform well for years.
The final steps of your installation make all the difference in creating a professional-looking result. After completing the floor installation, remove all spacers and install transition mouldings between rooms and flooring types. Reinstall baseboards and quarter-round moulding if needed to cover expansion gaps while allowing for movement.
Clean your new floor thoroughly according to the manufacturer's recommendations, being careful to use only approved products that won't damage the finish. Apply any initial maintenance products the manufacturer recommends, and wait the specified time before placing furniture or rugs on your new floor. These finishing touches protect your investment and showcase your beautiful new hardwood to its best advantage.
Different flooring options can significantly impact indoor air quality and should be considered carefully, especially for those with
allergies or respiratory sensitivities. Carpets often trap allergens and may release microscopic fibers that affect air quality. Some engineered wood products contain adhesives that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be concerning for sensitive individuals.
Natural materials like wool carpet or solid hardwood with low-VOC finishes generally create healthier indoor environments. If air quality concerns affect your household, consider solid hardwood floors finished with water-based or natural oil products rather than traditional solvent-based polyurethanes that emit stronger odours and chemicals during curing.
Your family's lifestyle should heavily influence your flooring choice. Homes with children and pets benefit from flooring that stands up to scratches, spills, and heavy traffic. Scratches from pet claws or toys can quickly damage softer wood, while stains from accidents can be difficult to remove from porous materials.
Engineered hardwood with an aluminum-oxide finish offers excellent durability for active households, while lighter colours and textured surfaces hide scratches and imperfections better than dark, smooth floors. Consider the activity level in your home and choose accordingly—the perfect floor balances beauty with practical durability for your specific needs.
Moisture poses one of the greatest threats to hardwood flooring, yet many homeowners underestimate its impact. Solid hardwood generally shouldn't be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements where moisture levels fluctuate significantly. These environments are better suited to engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl, or tile products that withstand moisture exposure.
Even in appropriate rooms, proper moisture barriers during installation protect your flooring investment. For areas with moisture concerns, consider engineered products with waterproof cores that combine wood's beauty with enhanced moisture resistance. Properly assessing your home's moisture conditions prevents costly damage and extends your floor's lifespan.
The underlayment beneath your hardwood floor might be invisible once installed, but its quality dramatically affects performance and comfort. Quality underlayment provides essential sound insulation between floors, creates comfortable cushioning underfoot, and extends your flooring's lifespan by creating a smooth, supportive base. In ground-floor installations, underlayment often includes moisture barriers to protect against subfloor dampness.
While it might be tempting to economize on this hidden component, premium underlayment pays dividends in comfort, noise reduction, and floor longevity. Consult with flooring professionals about the best underlayment option for your installation to maximize your flooring investment.
Perhaps the most common mistake in flooring selection is focusing exclusively on purchase price rather than considering the total cost of ownership. Budget-friendly flooring often requires more frequent replacement, and more intensive maintenance, which may impact your home's value. The true value equation includes durability, expected lifespan, maintenance requirements, installation costs, and impact on home resale value.
Premium hardwood flooring may cost more initially but can last generations with proper care, making it more economical than cheaper alternatives requiring replacement every decade. When evaluating flooring options, consider how long you plan to remain in your home and how the flooring will perform throughout that period to make the most financially sound decision.
Finding a qualified flooring installation professional begins with personal referrals that provide valuable insights beyond what you'll find in advertisements. Ask friends and family about their experiences with local installers, requesting photos of completed projects to assess quality. Inquire specifically about timeline adherence, budget accuracy, and overall professionalism throughout the process.
The most telling question may be whether they would hire the same installer again. Positive word-of-mouth recommendations often indicate reliable service and customer satisfaction that online reviews can't fully capture. Personal referrals help you begin your search with pre-vetted professionals who have proven their capabilities in similar projects.
Building on personal recommendations, conduct your own research before hiring. Check online reviews and ratings across multiple platforms, noting positive feedback and how the company responds to negative comments. Verify that potential installers carry appropriate licenses and insurance to protect both their workers and your property during the project.
Look for professional affiliations and certifications demonstrating commitment to industry standards and continuing education. Check with local consumer protection agencies for any history of complaints or unresolved issues. This comprehensive research helps you identify truly professional installers with proven track records of quality work.
Once you've identified promising candidates, request detailed written estimates for accurate comparison. Professional estimates should include comprehensive information about materials (specifying type and quality), labour costs, preparation work required, removal and disposal of existing flooring, project timeline, and warranty coverage.
Be wary of estimates that are significantly lower than others, as these often indicate compromises in materials or installation quality that become apparent later. Ask questions about any discrepancies between estimates to understand what accounts for price differences. This thorough comparison helps you identify the best value rather than simply the lowest price.
Before making your final selection, interview potential installers personally to assess their expertise and professionalism. Ask about their experience with your specific flooring type, how they'll handle subfloor preparation, and what challenges they anticipate with your particular project. Discuss whether they'll use their own crew or subcontractors and what quality control measures they will implement throughout the installation process.
Inquire about their procedure for addressing any issues that arise after installation. Professionals should answer these questions confidently and completely, demonstrating both technical knowledge and customer service orientation. These conversations reveal much about how the installation experience will unfold and help you select a contractor you'll be comfortable working with.
Once you've selected an installer, carefully review the contract before signing. Ensure it includes a detailed scope of work, specifies exact materials to be used, provides concrete timeline information including start and completion dates, outlines a clear payment schedule tied to completion milestones, and details warranty coverage for both materials and workmanship.
The contract should also specify procedures for addressing changes or issues that arise during installation. A comprehensive, clear contract protects both you and the installer by establishing shared expectations and creating a framework for resolving any concerns. Reviewing and understanding all contract terms prevents misunderstandings and ensures a smoother project experience.
Your flooring is one of the most significant and visible investments in your home. Researching options, planning carefully, and working with qualified professionals will ensure beautiful, durable results that enhance your home for years to come. Whether you choose traditional solid hardwood, modern engineered products, or another flooring type, proper selection and installation are the keys to satisfaction.
Remember that quality flooring installed correctly can last for generations and actually save money over time compared to less expensive options that require frequent replacement. Consider your lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and long-term goals when making this important decision for your home. The perfect floor balances beauty, durability, and practicality—creating a foundation for your home that you'll enjoy every day.
When bringing your flooring vision to life, Floor Trendz offers over 30 years of installation experience across all flooring types. Our expertise extends beyond hardwood to include tile, carpet, vinyl, laminate, cork, bamboo, and natural stone installations. We understand that every home is unique, which is why we provide personalized service from selection through installation.
At Floor Trendz, we pride ourselves on attention to detail—ensuring proper acclimation, meticulous subfloor preparation, and precise installation techniques specific to each flooring type. Our team follows manufacturer guidelines to maintain warranties while delivering superior results that stand the test of time.
Ready to transform your home with beautiful new flooring? Visit our Calgary showroom to explore our extensive selection of premium flooring options and speak with our knowledgeable staff. Take advantage of our free in-house interior design consultation to help bring your renovation dreams to reality. We also offer dustless hardwood refinishing, Schluter Systems installation, and in-floor heating options to enhance your home's comfort and value.
Contact Floor Trendz today for a free, no-obligation estimate. We embody all the qualities we laid out in our tips for choosing the right flooring installer. Let our team of flooring professionals handle every aspect of your project with the care and expertise that has made us Calgary's trusted flooring partner for over three decades. Your perfect floor is just a phone call away!
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