Getting new floors is an investment every homeowner should make. There are many reasons to update your flooring, like increasing property value, changing your decor, or simply replacing damaged and worn-out carpet or hardwood.
However, some homeowners are hesitant to make the commitment. It can be a pricey endeavor, and it can disrupt your day-to-day life while the flooring is installed.
Of course, it's worth the effort. Imagine the feeling of plush, new carpet under your feet, or the sheen of brand-new hardwood welcoming you home.
Read on to learn about flooring installation, how to prepare for it, and what to expect from the process.
Prepare For New Floors
Ahead of your flooring installation, you'll have to decide what kind of flooring you want and prepare your home.Choosing A Flooring Option
The first step is to meet with a flooring installation company and review your options for flooring. In most cases, you'll choose from carpeting, hardwood, vinyl, tile, and laminate.Each has its own benefits. Carpeting is soft, comfortable, and provides warmth. Those in cooler climates may prefer carpeting.
Hardwood is strong, long-lasting, and is prized for its aesthetic. If you're looking to add to your property value, you won't go wrong with hardwood.
Vinyl and laminate flooring are water-resistant and scratch-resistant. Homeowners with pets will appreciate its durability, as it stands up to pet stains and claw marks.
Finally, tile floors are easy to clean and are perfect for high-traffic areas.
Some flooring providers allow you to schedule an in-home consultation. They'll take you through the process of determining what kind of flooring is right for your needs.
Measure Your Home
After you've chosen your flooring, your flooring professional will take measurements of the rooms you're planning on re-flooring. This will help determine the project's budget and timetable.During the measurement stage, your installer should also notify you of any potential issues that may derail the project. They'll pay special attention to your subfloor, as any damaged subfloor will need to be repaired or replaced.
Prepare Your Home
The final step in preparing for floor installation is to remove the furniture and other items from the rooms getting new floors. Some companies offer complimentary furniture moving, but you'll want to remove any fragile or valuable items yourself.Since you won't be able to use the rooms that are getting new floors, you'll want to make arrangements for children and pets so they don't get in the way of the installation process.
Installing New Floors
With the prep-work out of the way, it's time to begin the construction process.New Flooring Arrives
First, your new flooring materials are shipped to your home. Your flooring contractors will handle the logistics of the delivery process.In the case of hardwood floors, it'll arrive at least three days before installation begins. Hardwood needs to acclimate to your home's temperature and moisture levels so installation goes smoothly.
If hardwood is not allowed to acclimate, you risk ruining your new floors. It can cup, gap, or warp after it's installed.
Removal Of Old Floors
The flooring team removes your old floors and disposes of the scraps. Depending on your old floor's materials, this process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.Laminate flooring is easy to remove, but removing old hardwood is a strenuous process. In many cases, it's both glued down and nailed in place.
Installation Of Underlayment
Underlayment is the thin layer of material that goes between your subfloor and floor. It's usually made of cork, felt, foam, or rubber. Underlayment provides cushioning, noise-dampening, and insulation. It also helps reduce the wear and tear on your floor.In most cases, installing underlayment is an absolute necessity.
Construction Of New Floors
With the underlayment installed, it's now time to bring in your new flooring. Depending on the material you've chosen for your new flooring, a few different methods of installation are used.Laminate and vinyl flooring feature tongues and grooves that allow them to lock into place. Your installer begins by trimming off the tongues that edge the first wall. With that in place, the rest of the floor snaps into place.
If you're installing new carpet, it's rolled on top of the underlayment and excess carpet is trimmed. Then, it's glued in place.
To install hardwood, your contactor may glue it down or nail it in place. If your subfloor is plywood, both methods of installation should be used.
Finishing Touches
With your new flooring laid down, it's time to install the baseboards and transitions.Baseboards cover the gap between your flooring and the wall. Without them, the room looks unfinished.
Transitions protect the edges of your flooring and cover the seams of two different types of flooring.
After Installation
With the finishing touches applied, your new floors are ready for use, but there's still a few things left to do.Clean
With the floors installed, your contractor will clean out any dirt and debris created during installation and haul it away.Final Inspection
Once your home is cleaned, your installer will walk you through the job site and ensure the work is satisfactory. Now's the time to voice any concerns you have with the project.Reset Your Rooms
With the job finished, you can now bring your furniture back into the room. Before you do that, you may want to pick up some furniture pads to prevent damage to your brand new floors.Hire The Best For Your Flooring Installation Project
Flooring installation doesn't have to be a hassle. You'll simply pick your new flooring material, prepare your home, and work alongside your flooring installation service.No matter what kind of material you choose, it'll add significant value to your property and breathe new life into its design.
Trust your flooring project to National Floors Direct. They'll work with you every step of the way and even provide in-home consultations and complimentary furniture moving services. Schedule an appointment on their website and receive a free in-home estimate.
