1) Acclimation

Proper acclimation of wood flooring begins with appropriate storage at the job site. To facilitate optimal air circulation, boards should be cross-stacked with sufficient spacing between them. Allow the hardwood planks to acclimate in the installation area for at least two or three days to adjust to the local temperature and humidity conditions. This practice helps prevent issues such as warping or buckling, ensuring a successful and long-lasting flooring project.

2) Preparing the Area for New Flooring Installation

To ensure the best results, the area must be thoroughly prepared. This involves removing any existing hardwood floors, carpets, or tiles. In certain cases, we can install new flooring directly over the existing hardwood, depending on its condition.

3) Preparing Your Subfloor

To prepare the floor for hardwood installation, several key steps are involved: installing plywood, applying primer, using adhesive, adding a moisture barrier, and optionally laying down underlayment. Additionally, it’s essential to check the subfloor for cleanliness, moisture, and levelness. Any damaged areas should be repaired or replaced to ensure a solid foundation for the new flooring.

4) Installation

We determine the orientation of the planks based on the room’s shape and the location of natural light sources. Additionally, we create a layout plan that minimizes waste and ensures a cohesive appearance, considering the chosen installation method. We secure the unfinished or prefinished boards according to the chosen method (nailing, gluing, or both).

5) Sanding (for Unfinished hardwood)

The sanding process begins using specialized equipment like belt sanders for large areas and edgers for corners and edges. Optional super-dustless floor sanding equipment can be set up to minimize dust. The goal is to take the floor back to bare wood, preparing it for the next stages of refinishing. Be prepared for some noise and disruption during this phase.

6) Staining (for Unfinished hardwood – Optional)

If you’re looking to change the color of your wood floor, this is the stage where we apply pre-color treatments or stains. After the floor has been sanded down to bare wood, the stain is carefully applied to highlight the wood’s natural grain and achieve your desired color, whether it’s a light, natural tone or a rich, dark shade. Once the stain is applied, it’s allowed to fully penetrate and dry before sealing. This step not only customizes the look of your floor but also gives it a refreshed, polished appearance.

7) Sealing

Once the hardwood floor sanding or staining are complete, we apply several layers of water-based or oil-based polyurethane to provide superior protection. This clear coating acts as a barrier against scratches, moisture, and everyday wear, ensuring the longevity of your floors. Each finish option offers distinct levels of durability and sheen, allowing you to choose the perfect look for your space. Sealing not only safeguards the wood but also enhances its natural beauty, resulting in a glossy or matte finish according to your preference. For more details on the differences between oil-based and water-based polyurethane, click here.

8) Trimming (Optional) and Final Touches

We provide installation of baseboards or trim to cover the expansion gap, along with optional door threshold placement. Our team ensures a pristine finish by removing debris, and allowing any finishes to cure before moving furniture back in. Additionally, we conduct a thorough final cleanup before project completion. For more information on our trimming , please visit this page.

REAL-LIFE FLOORING EXPERIENCES

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