As hardwood flooring becomes an increasingly popular option for many Dallas and North Dallas homeowners, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. In this article, D&R Floors looks at some helpful tips on hardwood flooring.
Lay Your Floors for Strength
For aesthetic reasons, many Dallas homeowners choose to install their hardwood floorboards lengthwise across their living spaces. However, when you’re deciding which way to lay your floor, be sure to run it perpendicular to your joist. This will ensure your hardwood flooring is as strong as possible and will prevent warping or separating in the long run.
Start with a Level Surface
Before installing any type of wood flooring, it’s important to make sure your subfloor is level. If there are spaces underneath the floorboards, the hardwood floor will squeak.
Lay a Subfloor if Needed
If you plan to glue down your hardwood floor, the only preparation needed is to level the floor. But if you want to nail down your floor, you need to lay a subfloor. Be sure the total thickness of the flooring plus the plywood is enough to handle the nails you’re using.
Consider Floating Floors
Floating floors are inexpensive and easy to install, no nails or glue needed. They’re also a great option if your old flooring might have asbestos in it. The boards can be installed right on top of your old floors, saving you the cost of calling in the pros to remove the asbestos.
Always Test Your Stain
When it comes to staining, wood is unpredictable. Before covering your entire floor, test the stain in an inconspicuous area or on a sample piece of wood to make sure you are satisfied with the color.
Call D&R Floors
If you have questions about hardwood flooring, give our experienced professionals a call at (972) 625-4100 to learn more.