Hardwood Installation for Your Home

There is no doubt that hardwood floors are classic. They lend beauty and class to any room from kitchens to living rooms to bathrooms, and are known for their long-lasting quality. If you have the time and ability, it is possible to install flooring yourself. But if you're like most homeowners, your busy schedule and your desire for a long-lasting investment means that this job is best left to the pros. Here are some things to consider before your own hardwood installation:

• The cost of hardwood installation varies depending on the material and system you choose, since some are more labor-intensive than others. When shopping around, be sure to ask about the installation method required and whether or not you are looking at additional costs.
• Another variable in hardwood installation is the preparation of the sub-floor. Your current floors may be uneven or worn, meaning leveling or patching will be needed. Sometimes, a new wood level will need to be laid down. These fixes will cost more, but will also extend the life of your floor dramatically. In general, the sub-floor must be clean (scraped or sanded, swep, and cleaned so there is no grease, paint or oil), sanded smooth, structurally sound (any loose areas are nailed or screwed down), and tested for dryness.
• Hardwood boards will usually need to sit for some time inside your home prior to installation in order to adjust to the moisture level in your home, so they won't warp after they are installed.
• Talk with your hardwood installation professional about who will remove and replace appliances such as the stove, refrigerator, pedestal sink, and so on. You can save money by doing this yourself, but be careful to lay down plywood when replacing them, so that you don't damage your new floor.
• Moldings will also need to be removed before installation, and replaced after. If your hardwood installation professional does it, you can expect an extra charge. But many homeowners find that this is a good time to update such details to match the new floor.
• Also, be prepared to shave the bottoms of doors, as new flooring may add some height to existing floors.

Bear these factors in mind when you are shopping, and keep an open dialogue going with your hardwood installation professional so that there are no surprises when the bill comes.