Installing hardwood floors is one of the best ways to add warmth, value, and timeless beauty to your home. Whether you are remodeling or building from scratch, hardwood flooring offers unmatched elegance and long-term durability. But before you dive into this home improvement project, there are some important things to consider to ensure a successful and stress-free installation. Mike’s Custom Flooring will share everything a homeowner should know about installing hardwood floors.
Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood
Before installation begins, you will need to choose between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood.
• Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood and is highly durable. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times but is more susceptible to humidity and moisture changes.
• Engineered hardwood consists of a thin hardwood top layer bonded over plywood or high-density fiberboard. It’s more dimensionally stable and ideal for basements or areas with fluctuating humidity.
Your choice depends on your location, subfloor type, and lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Wood Species & Finish
There are many wood species to choose from, each with unique grain patterns, hardness levels, and colors. Popular choices include:
• Oak: Durable and classic
• Maple: Light and modern
• Hickory: Extremely hard and rustic
• Walnut: Rich, dark tones with elegant grain
You will also need to decide between prefinished and site-finished wood. Prefinished planks are stained and sealed at the factory, offering faster installation and less mess. Site-finished floors are sanded and stained in your home, allowing for a seamless appearance and customized finish.
Acclimation is Essential
Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts based on temperature and humidity. Before installation, the flooring should be acclimated to your home environment. This means letting the planks sit in the installation space for several days to adjust to the indoor conditions. Skipping this step can lead to problems like cupping or gapping later on.
Subfloor Preparation
Your subfloor must be clean, dry, level, and structurally sound before installation begins. Common subfloors include plywood, OSB, and concrete. If the subfloor has uneven areas or moisture issues, they must be corrected prior to laying the flooring to avoid long-term problems.
Installation Methods
There are several ways hardwood floors can be installed:
• Nail-down: Common for solid hardwood and requires a wood subfloor.
• Glue-down: Used for engineered wood over concrete or other subfloors.
• Floating: Planks are attached to each other, not the subfloor; suitable for engineered wood.
Your installer will choose the appropriate method based on the flooring type and subfloor material.
Consider Moisture and Climate Control
Moisture is the enemy of hardwood. To reduce the risk of water damage or swelling:
• Install hardwood in climate-controlled areas.
• Use moisture barriers when installing over concrete.
• Maintain consistent humidity levels (ideally 30–50%) in your home year-round.
For bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements, consider engineered hardwood or alternative flooring materials that are better suited to wet environments.
Plan for Expansion Gaps
Wood expands and contracts with humidity changes. Installers will leave expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room to allow for this natural movement. These gaps are later covered by baseboards or molding for a finished look.
Hire a Qualified Professional
While DIY installation is possible for those with experience, hiring a professional ensures the job is done correctly the first time. Certified installers can handle challenges like uneven subfloors, moisture testing, and intricate layouts with ease.
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
Installing hardwood floors is a worthwhile investment that enhances the beauty and value of your home. Want Hardwood floors? Contact Mike’s Custom Flooring today.
