Installing and finishing wood floors is not rocket science, but it also isn’t as simple as just nailing down the boards and you are good to go. The job can be done by a do-it-yourselfer with good skills, but in most cases, particularly with a site-finished floor, we’d suggest hiring a professional flooring contractor. We know quite a few we’d recommend; to find one near you, contact us.
Whether you plan to do it yourself or hire a contractor, it’s a good idea to know what is involved. You can download installation guidelines, as well as sanding and finishing guidelines by clicking the aforementioned links. The installation guidelines apply to both unfinished and pre-finished flooring but you should also be sure to review and follow any manufacturer’s guidelines as well.
Once your new floor is installed and in use, you’ll want to keep it nice. Wood floors are among the easiest floor coverings to maintain and keep clean, but here again there is a lot of misinformation out there and knowing what to do, and what not to do, can mean the difference between disappointment and decades of enduring beauty.
One simple rule of thumb is this: Wood and water don’t mix. Whenever possible, avoid using water to clean your wood floors and be sure to clean up spills in a timely manner. Dog dish on the kitchen floor? Potted plants in the living room? These are red flags that need to be monitored and addressed.
For more information on keeping your wood floors beautiful for years to come, download and follow the recommendations in our Wood Floor Care Guide.