An Expert Guide to Hardwood Flooring Installation…
Installation
There are several important factors to consider when selecting the wood and planning the installation of your new hardwood floor:
There will inevitably be waste during the installation process for a variety of reasons . . .
In most cases, there will be anywhere from a few boards to a few cartons of wood remaining at the end of your installation for a variety of reasons:
- Number of cuts and turns required to properly orient the wood plank – based on the number of rooms, walls and doorways involved.
- Width of the wood selected – wider boards lead to a higher waste factor than narrower boards.
- Size of the job in general – wood is sold in cartons, so smaller jobs may trigger the need for using a small portion of the next remaining carton to finish the job.
- Number of boards “culled” prior to installation – a small number of culls is to be expected, where less desirable planks will be pulled from the job. Don’t throw this wood away, but add this wood to your “attic stock” and use it for small repairs as needed over time.
Subflooring is a critical but unseen part of your flooring system . . .
A good subfloor will enhance the life and look of your new wood floor. Subfloor imperfections, uneven spots, and other irregularities will need to be addressed prior to the installation of your floor. These subflooring repairs are typically referred to as “prep”, short for subfloor preparation, and may not have been included in the original installation price quote you received because such subfloor irregularities are almost impossible to detect until your old floor is removed and the actual installation process begins. It is always a good idea to ask your flooring contractor how they handle the cost of additional floor prep.
Wood, as a natural product, will exhibit uniqueness from board to board, even within the same carton . . .
Variations in color, character, and graining are a natural characteristic of wood and should in no way be considered imperfections. These variations result from the minerals in the water consumed by the tree while it was growing, from drought, and other factors unique to any living organism. Variations even occur depending on where on the tree the wood is cut. Remember, there is nothing wrong with a piece of wood when you see such unique characteristics. They are simply part of the warmth, charm, and character of the wood that drew you to it in the first place!
Installation charges are based on the amount of wood purchased, not the dimensions of the rooms involved . . .
Most standard installation charges are figured on a rate per square foot based on the amount of wood purchased, not the calculated dimensions of your room. This method is common in the industry and allows for the additional time required to handle more intricate cutting and fitting around walls and doorways, where even the waste wood still has to be handled. This also allows for the installation of “transition” pieces where your wood floor meets other flooring surfaces, such as tile or carpet.
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