When installing hardwood flooring, you might wonder what happens during the hardwood floor installation Overland Park Ks process. Here’s an overview of what to expect from beginning to end, from measuring and cutting to finishing and sanding.
Clean
Before hardwood floor installation, it’s important that you thoroughly clean your subfloor and make sure it’s dry. The last thing you want is to start installing your new floors on a dirty surface. Plus, water can warp wood floors, which will cause them to expand or contract and won’t look professional.
Remove old flooring (if any)
A project like hardwood floor refinishing Overland Park Ks requires that you remove all existing flooring. This means that whatever was beneath your hardwood—vinyl, tile, or carpet—will need to be removed first. This is usually done using a sander and can take anywhere from 2 days to a week, depending on your wood type and material.
Install underlayment
Underlayment is a layer of material that goes between your floor and your hardwood. It helps stabilize your floor and limits how much it will move during construction, which can cause unnecessary stress on your wood. Different types of underlayment have different characteristics; for example, rubber underlayment can help increase sound dampening. You’ll need to consult with a professional regarding what kind you need.
Apply glue to subfloor
Depending on your subfloor and your finish type, you’ll need to decide which glue or adhesive is best. Different glues are designed for specific subfloors and/or finishes. For example, some glues work well with laminate floors, while others are best suited for solid hardwoods. Check with a hardwood flooring Overland Park Ks professional before buying any glue.
Place hardwood on the Subfloor with Spacers
The floor must be level, flat and smooth for hardwood installation. To ensure these things are present, many installers will place an underlayment of plywood or OSB on top of the subfloor before installing hardwoods. They may also use an even thinner layer of underlayment called waterproof paper that is laid directly on top of wood subfloors.
Nail down new wood with nails or staples
Although it may be tempting to simply rest your new hardwood flooring on top of your subfloor, you should always nail or staple each piece down in order to secure it properly. It’s a very important step for both durability and appearance. Nailing your wood flooring will also help keep it from being displaced by heavy furniture or rambunctious pets.
Sand rough areas before finish coat is applied
Before applying a finish coat, you will want to sand down any rough areas on your hardwood floor. A large grit sandpaper works well for rough patches of wood and allows for an even application of stain or varnish. You should not skip over these areas as they will become visible during finishing.
We’ve covered the standard steps involved during hardwood floor installation. This might vary from one project to another. If you’re planning on hiring out your hardwood floor refinishing Overland Park Ks, make sure to ask lots of questions so you can be prepared throughout the process and get exactly what you want in the end!
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