Anything can happen when it comes to installing new flooring in your home, including hardwood. Unforeseen issues require you to pivot or reroute in the installation process. However, if you are aware of what to expect or what may arise during wood floor installation, you won’t have to deal with surprises and undue stress.
While installing new hardwood floors can come with its share of surprises, the end result is well worth the effort.
Be mindful of these five unexpected hardwood floor installation hurdles to ensure a successful project.
You May Need to Have the Old Flooring Removed
Whether you have carpet, tile, or old hardwood, you may have to have this removed before the installation team arrives. Installers are usually not responsible for removing your old floors. Most of the time, carpet is relatively easy to remove unless it is glued down. In that case, you may have to have professionals remove the carpet.
Likewise, tile and hardwood may need professional removal, too. These types of flooring will have to be removed very carefully so as not to damage the subflooring. Also, when removing tile, flying debris can injure you. After the floor is removed, you will also have to make sure that the dust and dirt are cleaned up to make new floor installation seamless.
Keep in mind that you don’t always have to remove the old tile or hardwood. However, this can present floor height issues and may even void the warranty on your new floors. Your hardwood installer will provide you the best advice on dealing with your old floors.
Your Subfloor May Need Repairs or Reinforcement Before Installation Can Start
It would be best if you have your subfloor exposed before the installer arrives for inspection. Sometimes an installer can tell by walking on the floor if certain areas if the subfloor needs to be repaired because it will squeak.
However, other times the installer must see the subfloor to determine if there is wood rot or other visible damage that needs to be addressed before installing the new hardwood. Hardwood can also be very heavy once it’s laid down. The installer will also need to check to see if your subfloor can handle the weight of the new hardwood.
Wood May Arrive at Your Home Faster Than the Installation Team
Don’t be surprised if stacks of wood start arriving at your home long before the installation team gets there. The wood is not arriving early because the team will start the project faster than you discussed. The hardwood has to acclimate to the temperature of your home for a few days.
Otherwise, if the wood is not properly acclimated, the wood may shrink, expand or be altered in some way rendering it unusable for installation.
The Wood Floor You Choose May Not Look the Same on Your Floor
What you saw on the flooring sample at the store may have excited you, but keep in mind that that was just a portion of the floor. Once your solid wood flooring is installed, it may not look quite the same as the small slab. It may be best to steer clear of solid wood flooring that has unusual graining patterns. While they may look great on a small scale, a larger version of the floor may not look as stunning.
Your Doors May Not Close Properly After Hardwood Installation
This is a bummer, but if your hardwood floors end where doorways are, the wood floors may prevent your doors from closing. In most cases, installation teams may have to take the doors down to install the wood.
If the installers put the doors back up and they swing perfectly, this is excellent news. However, you may have to have a carpenter come and shave a few centimeters off your door to make it fit properly. After all, you don’t want your new hardwood floors getting damaged by the door.
Recap
Hardwood installation may be one of the most rewarding things you can do to improve your home. It can enhance the value of your house. It may even improve your overall health since you won’t be breathing in dust and dander from carpets.
However, there are a few challenges that may arise with hardwood installation. Knowing these things ahead of time will prevent aggravation and headaches before, during, and after the installation.
Avoid Surprises with Hardwood Flooring Done Right by the Experts
For more than 80 years, Cameron the Sandman Hardwood Flooring services has been installing the most beautiful hardwood floors in homes and businesses throughout the Detroit Metro area. Our reputation is backed by quality work with stunning results. We house an extensive selection of wood floor species, and our expert team is here to help you find the ideal fit for your home.
Our wood floor services don’t stop at installation, we offer restoration and refinishing services, as well as complete project management, so you don’t have to stress about the details. Questions about wood floors or installation? Contact us!