Wood flooring is one of the easiest types of floors to install. While other floors require mortar, stretching tools or floor-size patterns, you can install hardwood flooring with tools you are familiar with: drills, saws and hammers. While the right hardwood flooring contractors in Chicago can make this job much easier for you, if you are planning to install your own hardwood flooring, here are some tips to remember. Before you begin hardwood floor installation:
First, you should always leave your wood to acclimate in the room you’re installing it in for five days prior to installation, at temperatures of 65°F to 75°F. This ensures that it is adapted to the atmosphere of your home and will not expand or contract. Also, to store your wood before and after the project, stack flooring log-cabin style or just spread it around the room, but do not place it directly on the concrete. If you will be installing the floor yourself, use a set of nail guns to speed up the process. However, your Chicago hardwood flooring contractors can provide this service for you and will have the adequate tools to do so.
Finally, make sure you have an acceptable subfloor: ¾-inch CDX plywood is preferred and ¾-inch OSB is acceptable. Minimum 5/8-inch CDX existing wood floor or tongue-and-groove solid wood subfloor is also acceptable.
If you are a little overwhelmed by these directions, never fear – professionals have years of experience in doing this work and can take away all of the headaches and hassle for you. They can also help you with hardwood floor refinishing in Chicago, if you are simply looking for a touch up as opposed to an entirely new floor installation. When all else fails, always trust the experts and let professionals do the work so you don’t have to worry about it.
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