Many people love DIY home improvement projects. Hardwood floor installation is often something homeowners try. Though we recommend seeking a pro to ensure the installation is efficient with long-lasting results, people sometimes insist on doing it themselves. If you are someone who prefers tackling the installation, we at Mike’s Custom Flooring would like to share the common mistakes made during the process to help you avoid them.
Does Subfloor have to Be Perfect?
Cleaning the subfloor and allow it to dry completely and thoroughly is the first step of the installation process. The new hardwood flooring will absorb the moisture if there is any moisture in the subfloor, which will cause the flooring to cup and buckle. Structural damage is likely to result if the subfloor is wet during installation. Loose floorboards that shift and create loud creaking noises is likely if the subfloor is unprepared. Starting with a clean, flat, and dry subfloor is the key to installing beautiful, reliable hardwood flooring. Experienced professionals work for years to develop eyes for problems with the subfloor that novices simply would not catch.
Is it OK if Hardwood has Gaps?
It can be an eyesore at the conclusion of an improper installation. They are likely to cling to each other initially but later retract and create large gaps once the environment becomes drier if boards are installed over a wet subfloor. Proper installation by an experienced professional will ensure that minimal gaps result though it is not unusual for hardwood floors to shift in response to the environment around them.
Will Cupped Wood Floors Go Back to Normal?
Before starting the installation process, it is crucial to check the relative humidity levels of the environment area/room. Humidity levels should be between 35% and 50%. It should be 10% to 12% when you also check the moisture content of the plywood subfloor. You need to check the wood floor’s moisture content most of all, which it should be between 7% and 9%.
Planks contract as the moisture causes planks to expand, and dry conditions. Issues will definitely arise if boards are installed in conditions that fall into the extremes of either end of this spectrum. Too much moisture causes the boards to cup and swell on the edges, both common problems for wood flooring. This also causes noticeable gaps when wood flooring in very dry conditions with low relative humidity will cause the flooring to shrink.
Improper Racking of Hardwood Floors
Planning the order in which the hardwood flooring crew will install the boards is what is referred to as racking. It makes the installation process easier and ensures that the floor will be aesthetically pleasing once the process is complete if racking is done properly. Disaster can result if the boards are not racked properly, or the process is rushed. The floor can end up having too many joints assembled in one spot or odd placement of differing grain patterns or wood tones. A hardwood floor can essentially occur from improper racking.
Do Not Rush Hardwood Floor Installation or Take Shortcuts
Throughout the entire life of the hardwood flooring issues can develop by compromising the quality of the installation. Any mistakes from a hasty, cheap job can be costly and take up valuable time to correct. Hire a professional with experience to save yourself the hassle. In every room (especially if the room is not completely square), and checking moisture levels, professionals will properly follow every step, such as measuring multiple times, precise math layout.
Hardwood Floor Installation, Repairs, Refinishing & More in Charles Town & Eastern Panhandle of Berkeley & Jefferson Counties in WV | Winchester & Frederick County | Round Hill & Loudoun County | Berryville & Clarke County | Herndon & Fairfax County VA
For professional installation in Eastern Panhandle of Berkeley and Jefferson Counties in WV as well as Frederick, Loudoun and Fairfax Counties in VA, call Mike’s Custom Flooring and well will ensure superior results.
