If you are one of those people who simply want the best of everything, you have probably dismissed luxury vinyl and laminate as options, preferring the natural beauty of solid hardwood, and why not indeed? Sustainable harvesting of the best species gives you the very best in terms of woodgrain finish and this significant investment needs to be installed correctly.
Here is our guide to hardwood floor installation, which we hope proves to be invaluable.
Pre-Store The Timber In Your Home
This allows the wood to acclimatise to the atmosphere in your home. Leave the boards in the spare room and open the packaging and the timber will be exposed to the room’s heat and humidity, or lack of it. Perhaps the best solution is to go for premium quality hardwood flooring, which is installed by professionals. When installed by the supplier, you will have a long warranty on your stunning hardwood flooring.
Preparing The Substrate
It might be concrete or screed and it is critical that the substrate is prepared correctly, making sure the floor is level and there are no dips. It might be best to use a cork backing, something to discuss with the supplier. All nails and fasteners must be removed and any glue remaining from a lino or tiles floor needs to be sanded down until flat. Most homeowners prefer to have the supplier handle the installation and should there be any options, the contractor would make you aware. Visit a timber floor showroom in Melbourne or in your location and see the options on offer as well as their services. Don’t hesitate to ask their staff for suggestions.
The Plywood Foundation
Once the substrate is clean and smooth, install sheets of plywood with a nail gun and cover the entire floor area. It might surprise you to learn that engineered timber can be installed directly onto a concrete floor, which would be an ideal solution and with engineered timber. You will have the look and feel of solid hardwood at an affordable cost.
Humidity
This can be a problem; relative humidity should be between 35% and 60% and you can check the relative humidity using a hygrometer and if you need more humidity, use a humidifier, while a moist atmosphere requires a dehumidifier.
Consider Cork Backing
If you are not using joists, you should lay a sheet of cork as a form of backing, which will give you a soft and silent walking experience. Unless you happen to be an expert at laying floors, this is a job best left to the professionals, who have the gear and the know-how to do a stunning job. Some properties might require a water-resistant covering, if damp is an issue, as this will keep the timber dry.
When you make the considerable investment to install solid hardwood flooring in your home, you are creating a major feature of the property and with some tender loving care, the flooring will always look its best. Start with a Google search and browse the many hardwood species, before choosing one and then ask the supplier to pay you a visit, or take a trip to their showroom, where you can experience the flooring in a real setting.
