HARDWOOD INSTALLATION
Get the details about hardwood flooring installation and decide which option works best for your project.
Preparation & Planning
Take the time to understand the hardwood installation options available based on your project and substrate and learn what to expect during your installation.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Scheduling and Timelines
If you decide to hire an installer, they will work with you to schedule an installation date and time that works best for you. If you decide to install your hardwood flooring yourself, we've got you covered with in-depth installation guidelines you'll need to ensure a successful installation.
Subfloor Preparation
Before installation begins, your subfloor will need to meet certain requirements and may need some additional prep work. Whether it's concrete or wood, you have options. Most of our hardwood flooring products can even be installed in basements when proper conditions are met!
Delivery and Setup
If you choose to install your hardwood floors yourself, be sure to allow ample space to lay out and visualize the floor prior to beginning installation. This will ensure a random appearance and avoid any type of pattern that could detract from the natural beauty of your floor.
Pre-Installation Tips
Make sure to inspect the flooring material for any visible defects prior to installing. Undercut door jambs 1/16" higher than the the thickness of the floor and always work from multiple cartons to achieve a uniform appearance. To avoid future issues ALWAYS leave an expansion space around the perimeter of your space that's equal to the thickness of your floor. Hardwood floors are a natural product, which means they can be sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. To help your floors look and perform their best, you must keep your HVAC system running prior to and during installation and maintain a temperature between 65°F and 75°F, with humidity levels between 35% and 55%. These conditions help prevent issues like expansion or shrinkage. For more details, check out the installation guide.
Choosing Your Installer
Selecting a qualified and experienced hardwood installer is critical to ensuring a successful installation.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
Experience and Certifications
- How experienced are you with hardwood flooring installation?
- Do you hold any industry certifications?
Licensing and Insurance
- Are you insured or bonded?
- Can you provide proof of insurance if required?
Warranty Information
- What warranties do you offer on your labor and work?
References and Portfolio
- Do you have references from previous clients or projects?
- Can you provide a portfolio of your work?
Cost Estimates and Payment Terms
- Can you explain how pricing for installation works and what is included in that price?
- What are your terms as far as payments is concerned?
The Installation Process
Here's a general overview of the hardwood installation process:
Pre-Installation
Your hardwood flooring should be inspected to ensure the proper color, finish and milling prior to beginning the installation. Your installer may "rack" the floor, meaning they will lay it out without securing it, working from several cartons, to ensure an optimal installation and aesthetic.
What Tools Will be Needed
Your installer will bring all they tools he/she needs to complete your installation. If you are tackling this as a DIY installation be sure to reference the installation documents on this page to ensure that you gather the right tools. You've made an investment in your floor, don't take shortcuts with tools.
Subfloor Inspection and Preparation
Depending on your agreement with the retailer or installer, subfloor preparation work may need to be completed prior to your installation. Your installer should outline the steps they will be taking to ensure your subfloor is ready for your new hardwood.
Underlayment
If an underlayment is needed your installer will lay this out prior to beginning installation or as they begin installing planks. The selection of the underlayment should be something discussed with your retailer when you make your flooring purchase. Not all floors will require underlayment so be sure to ask!
Getting Started
Remove all doors and shoe moldings, undercut door casings, determine the starter wall and direction the wood will run, this will often depend on the subfloor so check your specific installation. Always be sure to allow for the proper expansion space around the perimeter of your room to avoid issues in the future.
Final Steps
If your hardwood was glued-down or floated you'll want to allow for sufficient curing or drying time before walking on it. Sweep or vacuum, clean with a hardwood floor cleaner, like Shaw Hard Surface Cleaner, and do any needed touchup work. Be sure to save some material for future needs.
Installation Guides
Shaw hardwood floors can be nailed, glued, or floated but the method you choose depends on the subfloor type. Ask your dealer to help you decide what will work best for the specific needs of your home. If you're ready to begin, choose your installation guidelines from the list here. If you have questions feel free to use our chat feature below to connect with one of our friendly technical specialists.
HARDWOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION FAQS
Yes, you can install hardwood floors yourself. The decision to install your hardwood floor is one you need to carefully consider. Some of the factors you'll want to take into account are: subfloor prep, do you have the right tools for the job, do you feel that you have the general knowledge and patience to see it through, and are you comfortable allowing for the additional time it might take as a DIY project. Read through installation guidelines before making a decision; this project may not be the easiest to tackle yourself but with some patience and care you'll end up with a floor you will be proud of for years to come!
Whether or not you can install hardwood over existing hardwood flooring will depend on the type of flooring installation you already have in place. You should never install hardwood over an existing hardwood floor that is glued down. Before a decision is made regarding installation over any subfloor, always refer to our installation guidelines.
No, Shaw hardwood flooring cannot be refinished. We aren't trying to make things hard but that's the issue, our pre-finished hardwood's protective layer is so hard, it's almost like it has super-powers. Okay, we're exaggerating, but the finish is very hard and very durable and would wreak havoc on most types of sanding equipment without breaking a sweat!
The amount of time it takes to install your hardwood flooring will vary. If the job doesn't require a lot of subfloor prep or other issues do not arise, it may only take a day or two. If it's a more involved project it may take several days or longer. If this is a DIY installation it may add additional time based on lack of experience and a learning curve.
The answer to this question may surprise you but in our opinion, engineered hardwood is a better option for a variety of reasons. The flexibility and ease of how to install and where you can install engineered hardwood make it a great option for almost any space. Have a basement and want hardwood? Engineered hardwood can do that! Don't have the expensive pneumatic fasteners needed for a job? Float or glue works too! As always, please refer to our detailed installation guidelines for a complete list of requirements including moisture testing, subfloor requirements and more.
No, you don't have to but consider these scenarios. If you're replacing a high-pile or thicker carpet will you see a huge gap in between your baseboard and your floor? If so, will shoe molding or quarter-round cover it? Will your new hardwood easily slide up under your existing baseboard without being put into a bind? You'll want to ensure that the baseboard does not touch the surface of the hardwood and allow 1/16" or more space between the two.
RESOURCES
The preparation, planning, and overview steps listed on this page do not cover all carpet installation scenarios. Always refer to the downloadable guidelines for detailed installation information.