Common Mistakes to Avoid During Hardwood Floor Installation

Hardwood floors bring timeless beauty and warmth to any home. Their longevity, easy maintenance, and ability to blend well with various interior designs are unmatched. However, to enjoy the benefits a hardwood floor offers, it needs to be installed right.

To ensure you get a highly functional floor, we’ve listed seven common mistakes you need to avoid during the installation process.

1. Failure to Acclimate the Wood

One of the most critical steps in hardwood flooring installation is acclimating the wood to its new environment. This process involves letting the wood adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room where it will be installed. Skipping this step can lead to wood expansion or contraction post-installation, causing buckling or gaps. Typically, wood should acclimate for a minimum of 3 days.

2. Forgetting to Check for Defects

Before installation, check each plank for defects. Sometimes, planks can have cracks, knots, or other imperfections that may affect the floor's durability and appearance. Replace defective planks or use them in less visible areas of the room.

3. Inadequate Subfloor Preparation

The subfloor is the foundation for your hardwood floors. Any imperfections in subfloor leveling can translate into squeaks and uneven surfaces on the new floor. Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Use a leveling compound to fill any dips or sand down high spots. Testing moisture levels in the subfloor is crucial as too much moisture can cause wood to warp or crack.

4. Incorrect Measurement and Cutting

Measure twice, cut once is a golden rule in construction. Incorrect measurements can lead to wastage of materials and unsightly gaps or overlaps. Always leave a gap of about 3/8 to 1/2 inch around the edges to accommodate expansion due to temperature changes. This expansion gap should be covered by base molding or quarter rounds after the installation.

5. Improper Tools

Using the wrong tools, or improper use of the right tools, can damage the hardwood planks. Pneumatic flooring nailers or staplers should be used with care to avoid cracking the tongue of the planks. Ensure you are using the correct size of nails and that they fit correctly in the subfloor and not just the wood.

6. Overlooking the Finishing Touches

Final touches like applying the finish or sealant and attaching the baseboards are crucial. Ensure the sealant is applied evenly and adequately to protect the wood from moisture and wear. Also, allow the finish to dry completely before moving furniture back into the room.

7. Rushing the Process

Lastly, don’t rush the process. Hardwood flooring installation requires patience and precision. Rushing can lead to mistakes that are often difficult and expensive to rectify. Take your time to ensure each step is done correctly, from preparation to finishing.

Get Superior Hardwood Floor Installation Service in Idaho Falls

Contact Classic Flooring LLC for flawless hardwood floor installation in Idaho Falls. We are a 5-star locally-owned company you can depend on to install your perfect hardwood floors right the first time. Contact us today to get a free flooring quote.

Related Questions

Why is acclimating hardwood flooring before installation so important?

‍Acclimating allows the wood to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity, reducing post-installation expansion, contraction, buckling, and gaps.

How should I inspect hardwood planks before installing them?

‍Check each plank for cracks, knots, warping, or other defects that could weaken the floor or hurt its appearance, and set flawed boards aside or use them in less-visible areas.

What tools are essential for correct hardwood floor installation?

‍You’ll need accurate measuring tools, a quality saw, a pneumatic flooring nailer or stapler with the right fasteners, and moisture meters—plus the skill to use them without damaging the planks.

When should I hire a professional like Classic Flooring LLC instead of DIY?

‍If you’re unsure about acclimation, subfloor prep, measurements, or finishing—or simply want to avoid costly mistakes—it’s best to rely on Classic Flooring’s experienced installers in Idaho Falls to get it right the first time.