Thursday, August 22, 2013

Basic Facts About Hardwood Floor Installation Boise Homeowners Will Want To Know

By Celina Heath


A hardwood floor looks great in any room and it also adds value to a home. With so many types to choose from, the possibilities are endless. When it comes to hardwood floor installation Boise homeowners may be surprised to learn that they have the option of doing this work themselves with the proper tools and instruction, or they can also opt to hire a contractor.

When shopping for wood flooring buyers will find that there are many possibilities to choose from. Some types of flooring, such as pre-finished designs, have been made for easy installation and are a good choice for the do-it-yourself crowd. If one prefers to hire a contractor, this should almost guarantee a quality job, and will save time, but does normally cost more.

This type of flooring is grouped into three basic types; laminate, engineered, and solid wood. The flooring may also be finished or unfinished, if the customer wishes to select their own stain and sealer, the latter may be preferred. The solid wood flooring is further categorized into parquet, plank, and strip designs.

The kinds of wood used to manufacture these types of flooring is also extensive, since many species of trees are suitable for making floors. The kind of wood used will determine such features as its hardness and color, and often the price as well. The units of measurement flooring is sold by are square feet, so knowing the exact amount needed is imperative.

The finish is applied both as a protectant and to give it color and shine. Two basic types of finishes are used, surface and penetrating, the former is the most commonly used because they are easier to maintain whereas the latter requires waxing. There are also pre-finished floors which have already been stained.

After first measuring the room and selecting the type of flooring they want, the customer will then need to assess his or her own abilities and determine if this is a task they wish to carry out independently, or if they wish to hire a professional contractor. Those who decide to do it themselves will next have to figure out which installation method to use. There are four techniques used, floating, glue down, staple down, and nail down, of which floating is the easiest since it doesn't involve actually securing the flooring to the subfloor.

Whichever technique is used, it's necessary to first read through the manufacturer's instructions as will normally give one important information about preparing the wood and the subfloor. Prior to placing the flooring, the subfloor must be clean and it should be checked to make sure it is level. Planning how to lay the boards is the next step in the process. It's most efficient to work left to right, and use longer strips for doorways and entrances.

If looking to hire a contractor or company for hardwood floor installation Boise customers need to make sure this individual or business has the proper credentials. Ideally they will be accredited by a professional organization, carry insurance, and also be licensed if applicable. They should also be willing to give the customer several references whom they can contact.




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