Hardwood floors are a great addition to your home. They are stylish, durable, and can add value to your home. They are also low maintenance, easy to clean, and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Now that you’ve finally decided to have hardwood floors installed by a Toronto flooring company, it’s good to familiarize yourself with the installation process. This way, you can set your expectations and understand the kind of work that hardwood flooring contractors in Toronto do. Here are four things you should know about hardwood floor installation.
1. Hardwood Requires Acclimation
When it comes to hardwood flooring, proper acclimation is critical to a successful installation. Acclimation allows the flooring to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels of its environment. This is particularly important when installing new hardwood flooring in a new home or replacing the existing flooring with something of a different material or construction.
Before installation, hardwood flooring should be left in the room where it will be installed for at least three to five days. This will give the hardwood planks the time to adjust to the conditions in the room. During this time, the temperature and humidity of the room should remain relatively stable.
2. Hardwood Flooring Requires Subfloor Preparation
If you’re planning on installing a new floor, the first and most crucial step is appropriately preparing your subfloor. Whether you’re laying tile, carpet, hardwood, or any other type of flooring, you must take the time to prepare the subfloor before you begin.
The subfloor is the foundation of your flooring, and if it’s not level or adequately prepared, your new floor won’t look or perform as well as it should. The more time you spend levelling the subfloor, the easier it will be to install the hardwood planks properly and achieve a seamless and even floor.
3. Hardwood Installation Works Best in a Specific Direction
When it comes to installing hardwood flooring, the direction of the flooring planks can make a big difference in the overall look of the room. While it is possible to install hardwood planks in any direction, there are specific guidelines that Toronto flooring companies follow to ensure the best visual appearance.
First, it is essential to consider the size and shape of the room. It is best to install the planks parallel to the longest wall in a larger room. This will create an elongated look and will draw the eye toward the far end of the room. It is best to install the planks perpendicular to the longest wall in a smaller room. This will create a more cozy and inviting look.
When installing hardwood flooring in a hallway, it is best to install the planks parallel to the length of the hallway. This will create a more uniform look and help make the hallway appear longer and more inviting.
4. Hardwood Floors Require Gaps around the Room Perimeter
When installing a new floor, one of the most important steps is to leave expansion gaps around the room’s perimeter. Expansion gaps are the spaces between the flooring and the wall, and they are essential for allowing the flooring to expand and contract naturally as temperatures and humidity levels change.
When installing hardwood flooring, expansion gaps should be left around the room’s perimeter and at any points where two floorings come together. The amount of gap you should leave depends on the flooring type, the room size, and the temperature and humidity levels. Generally, a gap of between 1/4″ and 3/8″ is recommended.
Conclusion
Installing hardwood flooring is excellent for increasing the beauty and value to your home, but it’s important to leave expansion gaps around the room’s perimeter and at points where two pieces of flooring come together. Doing so will ensure that the flooring can expand and contract naturally as temperatures and humidity change, avoiding any potential damage or buckling.
Tony’s Flooring Centre is a Toronto flooring company specializing in installing floors made of hardwood, vinyl, ceramic, and more. Contact us to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should Toronto homeowners know about 4 things to know about hardwood floor installation?
When considering 4 things to know about hardwood floor installation, evaluate durability, maintenance requirements, and cost per square foot for your specific needs. Tony’s Flooring Centre at 268 Royal York Rd offers expert advice and free estimates to help you make the right choice for your Toronto home.
Is hardwood flooring worth the investment?
Hardwood flooring typically returns 70-80% of its cost at resale, making it one of the best home improvements for ROI. It also adds warmth and timeless appeal that buyers in the Toronto market consistently prefer.
What hardwood species works best in Toronto homes?
Red oak and white oak are popular for Toronto homes due to their durability and classic look. Maple and hickory offer even harder surfaces for high-traffic areas. The NWFA rates each species by Janka hardness to help you choose.
Start Your Flooring Project Today
Whether you’re renovating one room or your entire home, Tony’s Flooring Centre is here to help. We offer free estimates, professional installation, and a huge selection at our Etobicoke showroom. Call (416) 255-9631 or get in touch online.