Three easy Steps

Installing Hard Wood Floors

Hard wood floors can create a beautiful and enduring look in your home. If you’ve chosen hard wood flooring for your home or are simply researching and comparing costs, it’s best to have some knowledge of how the flooring should be installed so you’re prepared when you speak to your contractor. And before you think you’d like to tackle this yourself, think about everything involved. You really should consider hiring a professional so your warrantee is not voided. Keep these things in mind when it comes to installation:

Costs:

Installation costs will vary widely depending on where you live and whether or not you hire your contractor through a local retailer. Hiring an installer through a retailer may save you time or get you a discount on the supplies, but the labor will cost you more because the retailer gets a portion of the fee. In general, installation of a hard wood floor will cost you between $5 and $15 per square foot or more. You can expect the price to be as much as twice this cost depending on local labor costs and cost of living index.

Type of Floor:

Each type of flooring requires different installation materials and procedures. This will directly affect your installation costs. In the floating method, the wood is not attached to the floor. It rests on a thin pad between the wood and the subfloor. Staple down floors use staples and a pneumatic gun. Each manufacturer may have different recommendations for the size of staples needed, so hiring a professional is definitely an asset to ensure a properly installed floor. Installation of nail down flooring involves using nailing cleats to attach the new floor to the subfloor. Glue down flooring needs an adhesive to attach to the subfloor and, again, different manufacturers specify different types of adhesive. Make sure the adhesive is added in as part of your quote.

Removal of Old Floor and Waste:

If you do not want to or cannot remove the old flooring, expect this to be added to your installation fees. Also, removal of the waste created during the installation can be an additional fee. Baseboards and trim also need to be removed and installers are not responsible for breakage during removal.

What Your Installer Will Probably NOT Do:

Moving a gas appliance or dealing with electrical work will need to be outsourced to the proper professional for the safety of all involved. They usually will not remove a sub zero fridge. Installers will not be responsible for repairing damage to paint or trim during installation. Most installers will not trim doors that no longer open due to the change in height of your new floor. You may want to remove the doors yourself before installation and have a carpenter trim them after installation.

Extra Costs:

Removal of furniture and appliances is a fee that can be added if this is not done prior to installation day. Removal of doors may result in an additional fee.

You need to talk with the installer about whether or not your subfloor is adequate for the new flooring. The subfloor must be clean and ready for the installer or additional fees will be added.

Things To Remember!

When your floor arrives, you will want to have the furniture gone and hopefully, the subfloor is all that remains. Your floor will need to acclimate to the climate and humidity level of your home for at least 4-5 days before installation. You will also want to take the time to be home during installation so you are available for any questions that may arise. Once you’ve done your research and spoken to a few contractors about these fees, you will be better able to plan for the installation costs of your new floor!