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how to install hardwood floorby Christopher Smith Installing new hardwood floors is easier than ever thanks to some of the new products now available, and often no longer requires the assistance of a professional carpenter. Pre-finished flooring is now available, saving the homeowner the work of sanding and finishing the floor, because all of this work is done beforehand in the factory.
Hardwood floors add a touch of elegance to your home and several wood
varieties other than the popular red oak are available in a range of
colors and textures. You can search the Internet or make a scouting trip
to a hardware shop to select the type of material you want to use in
installing hardwood floors.
Local merchants and online vendors both sell pre-finished flooring.
After buying it, the wood should be stacked in the room to be redone for
a couple of days, allowing it to adjust to the house's humidity level.
Hot weather causes expansion of the wood, so a half inch margin should
be left between the floor and the walls. This may be covered with
baseboard strips.
When installing your hardwood floors, there will be step by step
instructions from the supplier. If you follow these details, you will
get a professional look on your new floor. The wood panels come micro-bevelled
from the manufacturer to allow for expansion in the summer heat.
An old floor appearing well worn can also be refinished to give it a new
life and fresh look. Prior to starting the job of refinishing, all
furniture, rugs, drapes and other articles in the room have to be
removed. Once the floor is refinished it takes about three days for it
to be usable again. During this time, doors and windows of the room can
be kept closed to prevent airborne dust from entering the room and
settling on the floor. It is preferable to allow one more day, after the
job is finished, before placing the furniture and other items back on
the floor.
Laminate floors are yet easier to install, and they require little
upkeep. This flooring stands up especially well to heavy traffic, the
sort that comes with pets and children, and is very resistant to
scratches and stains. An interlocking tongue and groove system makes
this flooring easy to install.
With all of the different flooring options out there it may take some
time to find the one that works for you. Fortunately, installing new
wood floors is easier than ever with the specialized products on the
market today. When buying your new flooring, make sure that the enclosed
directions are clear and straightforward. If in doubt, ask a lot of
questions before you start your installation project! |
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