One of the best flooring options for many homes, Hardwood Flooring Fairfax VA adds value, warmth, and class to any room in the house. Hardwood floors are easy to care for, and the finishes can be just about anything you like. Hardwood is very durable and available in solid and engineered choices and an incredible range of natural colors. When choosing a hardwood floor, there are several things that you need to keep in mind to get the perfect installation for your room and budget.
Hardwood installation requires professionals who know what they’re doing. It is a job best left to someone who has the experience and has the equipment to get the job done properly. If you do decide to attempt your own installation, there are a number of tips you should keep in mind before you begin. Hardwood installation is often the responsibility of a contractor who specializes in this area. If you are in need of something special and have experience, it may be wise to go with a local contractor instead.
Even though you can buy pre-finished hardwood flooring, you should still follow some basic guidelines before the installation. First, you should always make sure to acclimate your floor. To acclimate, place a few drop sheets on the floor at regular intervals, such as once a month or when you clean the room. Make sure that the sheets are positioned evenly. Acclimate the floor by using a downward pressure on the bottom rung of each step, which will cause the wood to swell.
Once you’ve accloved the floor, you should then purchase the appropriate hardwood flooring and any underlayment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most brands will come with the necessary fasteners such as nails, screws, and carpet tie downs. In some cases, such as with higher end brands, there may also be specialty fasteners such as grooves and tongue-and-groove fasteners that are specifically needed for installation purposes. If you choose to purchase your own fasteners, it is important to follow the instructions carefully so that you don’t damage your new installations. It is also advisable to read the manufacturer’s instructions because not all installers are capable of installing all types of Hardwood Flooring products.
You should also make sure that the Hardwood Flooring and the Underlayment you buy are compatible. In general, if you choose hardwood flooring with an interlocking tongue-and-groove system, they should be able to fit together very well. If you use planks that are not interlocked, you can occasionally twist both the boards together using an electric screwdriver. When doing the installation, you should make sure that the subfloor and the Hardwood Flooring are absolutely dry before you apply any type of flooring or the Underlayment. In most cases, if you adhere correctly to all of these recommendations, your installation should go off without a hitch.
In most cases, engineered hardwood flooring provides the best overall value. Although prefinished panels are less expensive than their unrefined counterparts, prefinished engineered flooring does not last nearly as long as hardwood flooring constructed from real wood. This short lifespan can be significantly shortened if you choose the proper planks. Prefinished engineered planks are typically more durable than prefinished planks, although the savings comes from a lower overall price.
Most importantly, when you install hardwood flooring yourself, you must take into account the site conditions. In many cases, your installation may require you to remove existing subfloor. Before installing your own hardwood flooring, you should first remove the existing subfloor. Once you have completely cleared the area, the next step is to prepare the subfloor for installation by sweeping and applying a layer of clear sealant. If you are using real wood flooring, you can use a wood floor filler as well.
In addition to the typical installation options mentioned above, there are some specialty solutions available. For instance, floating floors use gravity to help distribute weight evenly, which greatly improves the stability of floating hardwood floors. Fiberboard also helps to ensure that your floors do not become damaged. Other installation options include adding in raised planks to the bottom of the floors or installing vents at key intervals. Regardless of your selection of hardwood floors, they will increase the value of your home, and they are easy to care for.