Hardwood Flooring Installation in Toronto: Avoid These 7 Mistakes

Hardwood Flooring Installation in Toronto: Avoid These 7 Mistakes

Hardwood floors are a classic choice, so planning a hardwood flooring installation in your Toronto-area home is a great decision.

However, certain common mistakes homeowners make both before and after the installation can cost money.

Let’s find out what they are.

Hardwood Flooring in Toronto: Mistakes to Avoid Before and After You Install

Any mistakes made when installing hardwood floors in your Toronto-area home can come back to haunt you.

Before Hardwood Installation in Toronto

Here are some mistakes commonly made before installing hardwood floors in Toronto homes.

1. Choosing the Wrong Hardwood

There are so many hardwood species used in flooring that choosing the right one can be tough. It is extremely important to decide carefully and avoid buying something that doesn’t suit your needs or budget. For instance, steer clear of soft woods for high-traffic rooms as they are prone to dents and other damage.

2. Forgetting to Acclimatize

Hardwood flooring needs to acclimate to the atmosphere within the room in which it will be installed for at least 72 hours. This period helps it adjust to your home’s environment and allows it to expand and contract depending on humidity levels. Not doing so will cause flooring issues in the long run.

3. Ignoring Subfloor Conditions

When installing hardwood flooring in your Toronto-area home, do so over cracked or damaged subfloors. This can lead to improper installation and costly damage, including water seepage, uneven floors, and dents. It is recommended that you get your subfloor fixed before you make any installation.

4. Not Buying Enough Wood

Another common mistake homeowners make is not ordering the right amount of wood. There always needs to be be extra in case something goes wrong, like improperly installed flooring. Always add 5 to 10% extra when placing your order.

5. Not Preparing the Installation Area

Installation spaces tend to get messy from sanding and glue. This can leave stains on unfinished hardwood flooring.

It is best to segregate the area meant for installation and use protective covers on the rest of your home if it is exposed to the installation. This will help to prevent unwanted stains and minimize dirt.

After Hardwood Installation in Toronto

There are a couple of things to do after the hardwood floor installation to avoid problems.

1. Use the Right Cleaning Products

Always be conscious about the cleaning products you use on your hardwood floors. Never use harsh chemicals like bleach or vinegar to remove stubborn stains. These can damage the finish and make your new floor dull.

2. Don’t Walk on Newly Installed Floors

New hardwood floors are exciting, and we understand that you want to walk on them right away. But wait at least 48 hours, even for prefinished floors.

For unfinished hardwood floors, after the boards have been sanded, stained, and sealed, it takes a week for the floor to adjust to its new environment. Please make sure to consult with your contractor before starting to walk on them.

 
Everybody makes mistakes. But, when it comes to hardwood installation in your Toronto-area home, these mistakes can become very expensive. The best way to deal with this is to read and understand every aspect of the pre- and post-installation process to ensure your flooring is installed and maintained in the best way possible. Need help? Consult the experts at AA Floors.