Hardwood brings beauty, warmth and long-lasting value to any home. Whether it’s a single room or your entire home needs a makeover, installing hardwood is an investment that’s a win for both style and property value.
At Hamernick’s, our professional flooring installation team makes sure your hardwood floors are installed with precision, care and expertise. With us, your floors will look beautiful and last for generations.
Why Professional Hardwood Installation Matters
Installing hardwood goes beyond laying planks. It’s about craftsmanship, precision and understanding how materials interact with your home’s environment. Temperature, humidity and subfloor conditions all impact how your floors perform over time.
Professional installation makes sure your floors are properly acclimated, securely fitted and finished to perfection. Our installers can handle new hardwood flooring products including both types,solid and engineered hardwoods and use specialized tools and proven techniques to deliver quality results.
Professional installation also protects your manufacturer’s warranty. With Hamernick’s professional flooring services you can feel confident knowing your floors are installed to the highest industry standards, while keeping beauty and performance in mind.
Hardwood Flooring Installation Methods
Hardwood floors aren’t all installed the same. The right method comes down to the type of flooring, your subfloor and where the flooring is going to be installed.
Solid Hardwood Installation
Solid hardwood planks come from natural pieces of timber. Durable and authentic, they can be sanded and refinished many times throughout their life. However, they are vulnerable to expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity changes so they’re better suited for above-grade applications.
Solid hardwood floors are installed using one of the following methods:
- Nail-Down or Staple Installation: Each board is securely fastened down using one of two methods to create a stable, lasting surface.
- Glue-Down Installation: Mainly used for sound control or added stability, planks are secured using a strong adhesive.
Engineered Hardwood Installation
Engineered hardwood consists of a real wood veneer top over multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). It allows for additional stability and resists environmental changes, making it great for areas of the home prone to humidity and temperature changes.
Engineered hardwood flooring can be installed using one of the following techniques:
- Floating Installation: Planks interlock or “float” over the subfloor without the need for adhesives or nails.
- Glue-Down Installation: This method works best when installing over a concrete subfloor or in multi-level homes.
Our team will determine the best installation method based on your home’s structure, design goals and budget.
Preparing for Your Hardwood Installation
Preparation is essential for any flooring project, but especially for hardwood. A well-prepared space lets our team work efficiently and makes sure your new hardwood floors are installed correctly from the beginning.
Follow these steps:
- Clear the Room: Get any furniture, rugs or fragile items out of the installation area. Ask movers to assist with heavy items to protect your belongings and speed up the process.
- Handle Existing Flooring: Replacing existing flooring? Our team will help remove it and prepare the subfloor for new hardwood. Subfloor prep is essential as it has to be level, clean and free of adhesive or debris to prevent future issues.
- Acclimate Your Flooring: Hardwood flooring needs time to adjust to your home’s environment. Your new flooring will be delivered a few days before installation to adjust to the temperature and humidity of your space to prevent future expansion and contraction.
- Ensure Proper Conditions: Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50% before, during and after installation. It prevents expansion and contraction.
Remember to take down wall decor and remove any breakables from nearby surfaces. Hardwood installation can cause vibration and movement that may cause items to shift.
During Installation
When the Hamernick’s installation team arrives, expect a professional and organized process. We strive to minimize disruption to your home, while ensuring exceptional results. Here’s an overview:
- Walkthrough: The lead installer will go over the job details and confirm everything before we start working. Go ahead and ask any last-minute questions.
- Precision Installation: From underlayment to plank layout, we secure each board. Using industry-approved tools, we create a smooth, even fit across your space.
- Safety: Keep children and pets out of the work area. Our installers maintain a tidy and safe environment, but flooring tools and adhesives can pose hazards.
- Communication: We keep you informed throughout the process so you know how the job is going and when you can expect completion.
Hardwood flooring timelines can vary based on the room size and project complexity. We provide an estimate during your consultation.
After Installation
After we install your new hardwood floors, we provide advice to make sure they set properly and look their best from day one. Consider the following:
- Curing Time: If your floor is finished on-site with a stain or varnish, it needs time to cure before walking on it. Your installer will let you know when it’s safe to do so.
- Ventilation: Open windows or run fans to help air out any finishing odors.
- Furniture Placement: Wait a minimum of 24 hours before moving furniture back into the room. When you do, use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
- Light Cleaning: Following installation, lightly sweep or dust-mop to remove dust or debris. Wet cleaning should be avoided until the finish cures.
Our team will review hardwood and care maintenance practices before leaving. We will also provide additional guidance on long-term care to keep your hardwood floors looking their best.
Schedule Your Hardwood Installation with Hamernick’s
Hardwood flooring is an upgrade and an investment in your home’s future. At Hamernick’s, we install your floors to last. Our straightforward process won’t have you guessing anything from consultation to installation day.
Ready to get started or need help with your hardwood floors? Visit one of our showrooms in the following locations to check out our premium flooring collection:
or contact us today to learn more!
