Is it easy to install hardwood floors?
It’s no surprise that hardwood flooring adds value to your home. This classic flooring option is a go-to for many homeowners looking to upgrade, modernize, or elevate their current home design.
Installing a Denver hardwood floor isn’t the easiest venture for the DIY-enthusiast, however. This flooring option requires a bit more mastery than your typical wood look-alike.
If you’re interested in what it takes to install hardwood flooring and similar options for your Denver home, check out the following tips and tricks.
Types of flooring you can DIY
Although you can attempt a hardwood floor DIY, this project does require some carpentry skills, special tools, and extra finesse.
Some hardwood flooring types require a nail-down installation method using a specialized flooring nailer. Sanding and finishing are also needed, which requires a knowledgeable and deft hand. Uneven hardwood sanding can really stand out, so consider the help of a professional when laying down hardwood for your home.
Other do-it-yourself flooring options similar to hardwood include engineered wood flooring and laminate flooring.
Engineered wood flooring is a bit more DIY-friendly since the planks arrive sanded, finished, and ready for installation. While there are a few click-lock options, many engineered wood flooring planks require nail-down or glue-down to install.
Laminate flooring also provides a click-lock install option that is DIY-friendly to most homeowners. It features plenty of realistic design options that mimic the hardwood of your choice, as well.
Top tips for installing hardwoods
If you do decide to install hardwoods yourself, review these top tips first.
Choose the best hardwood type depending on location. The type of hardwood flooring you choose for each room can make a big impact. For example, high-traffic areas like entryways and mud-rooms will require a more durable type of wood. Consider oak, maple, or hickory for these areas. When it comes to the kitchen, spills and fallen food debris are common. Choose prefinished hardwood planks with a beveled edge to prevent leakage onto the underside of the planks.
Use the correct hardwood installation method. There are three types of methods for hardwood flooring installation: click-lock, nail-down, and glue-down. Certain subfloors are needed depending on the method used, as well. Cement or wood subfloors are traditionally necessary for the glue-down hardwood method. When nailing down hardwoods, be sure to remove any existing flooring so the wood subfloor is visible first or install a plywood subfloor underneath.
Consult a professional if you are unsure. Installing hardwood flooring is a big task. It requires specialized knowledge and tools, so you may need to consult a Denver flooring professional. While many online resources can help, speaking with a skilled Denver Floors representative can save you time and money on your hardwood flooring installation.