5 Most Common Mistakes Made in DIY Wood Floor Installations

In Oceanside, hand-scraped wood flooring is a popular choice for floor renovations, and a properly installed wood floor is a thing of beauty and elegance that can enhance the look of any home. However, if you choose to do the job yourself rather than hire a professional, there are 5 major mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

1. Disregarding Moisture and Humidity
   Moisture and humidity can cause wood to swell and shrink, which can damage the flooring. Have the floors delivered to your home several days prior to starting the job, and allow the wood to acclimate to the environmental conditions where it will be installed.
2. Failing to Prepare the Subflooring
   Leaving the subfloor untouched can be a disastrous mistake, potentially leading to buckling, unevenness, or squeaky floors. Subfloors need to be clean, dry, and flat before installing wood floors, and repairs or alterations may be needed prior to beginning your installation. It’s also important to make sure the subfloor material is appropriate for the type of wood flooring you’re installing.
3. Not Planning the Layout
   Whether you are installing floors in one room or several at a time, planning the layout is one of the most important steps in the process. Otherwise, you could end up with crooked flooring, which can ruin the look of an entire room. Professionals recommend setting your starting line in the longest run of flooring in the area of installation.
4. Underestimating Expansion Gaps
   It is extremely important to leave a sufficient expansion gap to prevent warping and damage to your wood floors. Expansion gaps, the spaces left around the perimeter of the room, allow for expansion and contraction of the wood caused by changes in humidity. A good rule of thumb is a ¾” expansion gap, but you should follow the installation guidelines for your specific type of flooring.
5. Ignoring Manufacturer’s Guidelines
   Flooring manufacturers provide guidelines regarding subfloor preparation and which adhesives or fasteners are best for the specific type of flooring you’re using, along with other specifications. Following these guidelines gives you the best chance for success when installing your floors.

Installing floors yourself can be difficult if you don’t have the expertise. Get in touch with the flooring and design experts at Unique Flooring Oceanside if you need help picking out your floor or installing it in your home. For a free quote on our high-quality hardwood flooring and our professional installation services, call 760-945-0010 to speak with one of our friendly representatives.