You've been waiting a long time for your new hardwood flooring and not that you finally have it, you're going to want to jump right into laying it as soon as possible so you can get your furniture rearranged how you want it and sit back and admire your new floor. However, there are a few things you need to consider before you begin. Although hardwood flooring is fairly easy to install with the right tools and instructions, you also need to consider finishing it and learning about caring for it before you begin. You've waited a long time for this beautiful floor and you want it to last forever so make sure you're prepared. It will definitely be worth the wait.

Installation is the First Step

Hopefully, before you purchased your hardwood flooring, you did some research on installing it yourself, if that's what your plan is or spoke with friends or family that have done this task. Installing it yourself can save you a lot of money and it's not really that difficult if you have a general knowledge of the required tools and follow the directions carefully. If the directions call for a specific tools or instructions, do as they say. Don't try to cut corners. You've made a wise investment in hardwood flooring as it's low maintenance, beautiful and will last a very long time if installed and cared for properly.

Proper Preparation is Essential

Don't even think of installing your hardwood flooring as soon as you bring it home. It needs to sit with the packages opened for at least 24 hours so it can be accustomed to the humidity and temperature in your home, specifically in the room where it will be installed. This will give you time to make the last minute preparations in the room such as cleaning and making sure the subfloor is level and without nails, staples, etc. Even when you think the room is ready, sweep or vacuum it one more time to be on the safe side. Now it's time to get your tools ready. The main tools you'll need for proper installation are tape measure, chop saw, power nailer, pencil and level. If you don't have a power nailer, you can use a hammer and flooring nails but it will be more tedious this way.

Installing the Flooring

The instructions will tell you, and this is very important, to make sure you leave a space of at least ¼" to ½" from the wall on all sides as the flooring will "stretch" or expand after it's installed. Don't worry about the floor molding. It will fit perfectly after your hardwood flooring expands. The easiest way to lay your flooring is in the opposite direction of your floor joist so you can easily nail right into the floor joist as you're installing. When you lay your first board down, make sure it is square to the room or the entire flooring will be installed unevenly. Nail into the tongue of the floor board so you'll be hiding the nail with the next board. It continues in this way until you get to the other end of the room at which time you'll have to cut the final boards to the correct width, remembering to leave the ¼" to ½" space.

Finishing the Hardwood Flooring Once your hardwood flooring all installed, you're going to want to finish it as soon as possible. Although some people choose to finish the flooring before it's installed, you're risking a much greater chance of scratching or nicking the finished boards during installation. Once again, the importance of your flooring being clean can't be emphasized enough. Sweep, sweep and sweep again.

The purpose of putting a finish on your hardwood flooring is not only to enhance the beauty of your floor but also to provide protection from the wear and tear it will get on a daily basis, especially if you have a large family and pets. Your choices of a finish may be varnish, water based or oil based finish, which you can find at your hardware of building supply store. They'll also have samples so you can see what your finished flooring will look like. Each type of coating is going to have a different appearance. The most effective type of finish is those that penetrate into the wood because they give a better protective coating. Makes sure you get the type of finish designed to go with your flooring.

Once you get your type of finish chosen, you'll also have a choice of gloss, which is how shiny you want your floor to be. Your choices will be satin, low gloss or high gloss, which are all dependent on your personal preferences. Low gloss finishes are usually used in homes but you can choice any type you prefer as they'll all help protect your hardwood floor for many years.

Keeping your Hardwood Floor Clean

Gone are the days when all floors are mopped clean with Mr. Clean or a good dose of Pine-sol. Homes are being decorated more and more with wood products, veneers and laminates because of their beauty, ease of care and durability. As a result, we have a large selection of cleaning supplies designed just for these specific types of floor. You'll find many types of cleaning supplies for hardwood floors. Make sure you choose a cleaning solvent that is appropriate for hardwood floor as well as for the type of finish you applied on your floor after installation. Avoid harsh products or ammonia-based cleaners.

Daily cleaning will only require a quick sweep and a slightly damp mop to pick up any remaining dirt or dust. To give your floor an extra fresh look, you can mop and wax the floor with wax designed for hardwood flooring. You'll find that maintaining your hardwood floor requires very little work but it will provide you with a warm and elegant appearance throughout your home.

Copyright (c) 2009 Wes Fernley