HARDWOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION
#1 Choice For Hardwood Flooring Installation in Vancouver
If you’re considering a home renovation project, installing hardwood flooring is one of the most transformative changes you can make. It’s not only beautiful, but it’s also durable, easy to maintain and can increase the value of your home.
PROMARK FLOORING provides reliable flooring installation services in Vancouver. We offer both factory-finished and on-site finishing. We are a well-regarded flooring contractor in the Metro Vancouver area helping homeowners and businesses get the high-quality flooring they deserve.
Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring
Before you start the installation process, choosing the right type of hardwood flooring for your space is essential. There are various types of hardwood flooring, such as solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and prefinished hardwood.
Solid hardwood is the most traditional option made from a single piece of wood. It’s durable and can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it an excellent long-term investment. Engineered hardwood is made from layers of wood and is more moisture-resistant, making it an ideal option for areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Prefinished hardwood has a protective finish already applied, making it quick and easy to install.
Preparing for Installation
Preparing your space for hardwood flooring installation is crucial in ensuring a successful installation. Proper preparation will prevent issues like uneven or bumpy flooring, moisture buildup, and squeaks or creaks in your new hardwood floors.
Removing any existing flooring, baseboards, and trim is essential before installation. If any nails or staples are left in the subfloor after removing the old flooring, it’s crucial to remove them or hammer them down to ensure a smooth surface for the new hardwood flooring. This will prevent any damage or warping to the new hardwood flooring.
Once the old flooring has been removed, we ensure your subfloor is level, clean, and dry. Leveling the subfloor is essential because uneven surfaces can cause the new hardwood flooring to warp or buckle. If you have an uneven subfloor, we may need to use a leveling compound to smooth it out. It’s also crucial to clean the subfloor thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or other particles that could cause issues during installation.
Ensuring that your subfloor is dry is also essential. Moisture can cause hardwood flooring to warp or buckle, so it’s crucial to ensure that your subfloor is completely dry before installation. We use a moisture meter to confirm whether your subfloor is dry or not. If the subfloor is too moist, we may need to install a moisture barrier before laying down the hardwood flooring.
Acclimating Your Hardwood Flooring
Acclimating your hardwood flooring before installation is a critical step. This involves storing the flooring in the same room where it will be installed for some time, allowing it to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the space. This step ensures that the hardwood flooring doesn’t expand or contract after installation, which can lead to gaps and other issues.
Installing Your Hardwood Flooring
Installing hardwood flooring is an exciting project that can transform the look and feel of your home. Once we’ve prepared your space and acclimated your hardwood flooring, it’s time to start the installation process. Here is how we install your hardwood flooring correctly.
The first step in the installation process is to lay down a moisture barrier to protect your subfloor from any moisture that may seep through the hardwood flooring. Depending on the flooring we’re installing, this barrier can be a layer of plastic sheeting or a specialized underlayment.
Next, it’s time to lay down your hardwood flooring. Starting at the longest wall in the room, we begin by laying down your first row of flooring, making sure to use spacers to maintain an even gap between the flooring and walls. This gap is crucial as it allows the flooring to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity.
As we continue to install the hardwood flooring, we must check that each row is straight and level. This will help to prevent any gaps or unevenness in the finished product. We can use a straight edge or laser level to ensure each row is in line.
Many flooring installers prefer to use a nail gun when securing the hardwood flooring in place. This is a quick and efficient way to secure the flooring to the subfloor. When we use the nail gun, we adjust the depth of the nail to ensure that it doesn’t go through the surface of the hardwood flooring.
After we install the hardwood flooring, it’s time to add the finishing touches by installing baseboards and trim. This not only gives your flooring a professional, polished look, but it also helps to cover any gaps between the flooring and walls.
Finishing Touches
Once we’ve installed your hardwood flooring, it’s time to add the finishing touches to give it a polished look. One of the most important steps is sanding and refinishing the flooring. Sanding helps to smooth out any imperfections on the surface, and refinishing gives the hardwood a beautiful, long-lasting finish.
Using the right tools and techniques is essential when sanding your hardwood flooring. A drum sander is a popular choice for sanding large areas quickly and efficiently. However, it’s important to be cautious when using a drum sander, as it can easily damage the hardwood flooring if not used correctly. PROMARK FLOORING has extensive experience handling this step.
Choosing the right finish for your hardwood flooring is also essential. There are several different types of finishes, including oil-based, water-based, and hybrid finishes. Each type of finish has advantages and disadvantages, so we will review your options for your particular hardwood flooring.
Once you’ve chosen the right finish, it’s time to apply it to your hardwood flooring. Using a buffer is a great way to apply the final coat of finish evenly and smoothly. It’s important to use a high-quality buffer and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure the best results.
Another vital step in finishing your hardwood flooring is adding transition pieces to cover gaps between the flooring and adjacent rooms. This not only gives your flooring a professional, finished look, but it also helps to prevent dust and debris from getting trapped in the gaps.
Parting Shot
In conclusion, installing hardwood flooring can be a challenging but rewarding project. Proper planning and preparation allow you to transform your space with beautiful, durable hardwood flooring. For precise hardwood flooring installation, contact PROMARK FLOORING.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule your free consultation. Let’s make your dream home a reality!
