6 Wood Floor Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Getting hardwood floors can increase your home’s value by 2.5%.

With the many benefits of wood floors, it is no wonder that they are a popular trend. But with any remodeling project, you can make mistakes.

If you are thinking about installing hardwood floors, you must understand all the potential pitfalls. As every home is different, every project will be unique.

To avoid potential issues with your home improvement project, read on for some common wood floor installation mistakes to watch out for.

1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Wood

There are a few different kinds of wood floors, and each type has its installation process. Choosing the wrong kind of wood for your installation can result in all sorts of problems, from gaps and squeaks to outright failure of the floor.

Before selecting your wood floor, make sure you know what subfloor you have and whether it can accommodate the type of wood flooring you’re considering. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter during installation.

Work with flooring professionals like Ajshardwoodfloorsandmore.com to ensure the best results. Experts have the most knowledge in the proper floor installation methods for different types of wood.

2. Not Having Extra Panels

It can happen because of wrong measurements. Always measure your space before ordering your wood floors, and then order an extra 10-15% to account for any mistakes or unforeseen problems. It will ensure that you have enough material to finish the job.

3. Wood Floor Installation Mistakes With Moisture

If the floors are too wet, they can warp and buckle. If the floors are too dry, the wood can crack and splinter.

To avoid moisture problems, make sure the subfloor is dry and level. Use a moisture barrier between the subfloor and the hardwood floors.

Be sure to acclimate the hardwood floors to the room before installation. Not being able to do so can cause the floor to warp or cup and lead to the finish not bonding to the floor.

4. Not Having a Proper Layout Planning

It is when the installer fails to take into account the room’s size, shape, and angles when creating a floor plan. The result is a floor that looks unbalanced and can be full of gaps and uneven sections. You can avoid this mistake by taking the time to measure the room and create a detailed layout plan before beginning the installation.

5. Careless Sanding

It can lead to unevenness in the finished product and damage to the floor itself. To avoid these problems, take your time when sanding, and be sure to use the proper sandpaper for the job. Start with a coarser paper and work your way up to a finer one, taking care to remove any dust or debris that could affect the outcome.

6. Not Cleaning Before Applying the Finish

It can cause the finish not to adhere and lead to streaking and other defects. To avoid this, clean the floor with a vacuum and a damp mop before applying the finish.

Another common mistake is not allowing the floor to dry completely before applying the finish. It can cause the finish to bubble and crack. Be sure to let the floor dry for at least 24 hours before applying the finish.

Ensure Proper Floor Installation Methods for Best Results

Avoid these common wood floor installation mistakes for your home! Make sure to have the right types of wood and a proper wood floor layout. With some planning and knowledge, you can ensure a beautiful and long-lasting wood floor.

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