Wooden flooring has been trenԁing for some time now. It has been attracting attention for the past few years. Many reasons form the basis for the popularity of this flooring.
The primary one is that it is easy to install. Simpler cleaning & maintenance are also driving factors. This flooring adds a touch of warmth and a natural vibe to your space.
Wood flooring installation is a straightforward process. Knowing the right way to do it is the condition. A flooring contractor can simplify the installation for you.
This аrtiсle is going to look at some of the most common mistakes that people make when installing wooden flooring. Avoiding these mistakes can ensure an immaculate installation experience.
Here are some common wood flooring installation mistakes that you need to avoid at all costs:
- Not Paying Attention to The Proper Subfloor Preparation
The most common mistake people make is not paying attention to the condition of their subfloor before installation. This can loosen boards with time. It can also cause creaking sounds. Damage to the flooring gets intense with time.
Always make sure the subfloor is even & clean. Ensure that it is 100% flat. This will provide a level base & a strong foundation for your wood flooring. It leads to a longer lifespan for the board. This is true for vinyl flooring in Dubai as well.
- Ignoring Moisture Levels
Moisture can be damaging for wooden flooring. It should be minimal on the subfloor & the wooden flooring. Failing to check the moisture level can cause the flooring to warp. The flooring can cup or buckle. This ruins its appearance & functionality.
Always make sure to use a quality moisture meter before starting the installation process. If the levels are too high use a dehumidifier or a moisture barrier to bring these to an acceptable level. Services for flooring in Dubai can help you get it done in a better way.
- Not Allowing the Wood Flooring to Acclimate
A wood flooring that is not acclimated to the environment where it will be used can cause it to shrink. It can also expand or create gaps in the flooring. This is why you need to make sure the wood stays in the room where it is supposed to be installed
Experts recommend leaving the wood flooring in the installation area for at least 2 days prior to the installation. This allows the wood to reach an equilibrium with its surroundings which minimizes the risks of cracks or damage.
- Not Inspecting the Wood Flooring Boards for Damage
This installation mistake can cost you a lot in the long run. Thoroughly examine each piece of the flooring for damages before installation. Look for cracks & color variations.
If you forget to do that and focus entirely on installation, you will be in for a big surprise when a certain part of the flooring cracks or looks odd immediately after completing the project.
So, to avoid that identify issues in the floorboards while you take them out of the box and order replacement if you find some pervasive problems.
- Wrong Board Selection and Placement
Most people tend to use wood floorboards with considerable shade variations side by side.
Wood flooring is milled and produced in different runs. A single run gives you flooring with the same shade. However, flooring from different runs can show shade grain variance.
This issue is more common and unavoidable when the flooring is done in a large space and more flooring pieces from different runs are required. To avoid distinct contrasts in this case, you can pull the random boards out from different boxes and use them in a sequence.
- Not Paying Attention to Spacing and Expansion Gaps
Wood flooring tends to expand or contract based on the humidity and temperature levels inside your house. Even after acclimation, this effect is not completely neutralized.
So, when you install the flooring with improper spacing and without accounting for the expansion gaps, it can cause it to loosen or buckle.
For hardwood flooring, you need to keep a 3/4 inches space while for engineered wood flooring about 1/2 inches of space along the walls for expansion.
Another thing to pay attention to is the nail or staple spacing. Experts recommend a 10 to 12 inches gap between two nails or staples. You need to at least use 2 nails per floorboard to eliminate peaking or movement of the boards.
Final Thoughts
Even a smallest misstep during wood flooring installation can lead to noticeable changes in the final look. It can impact the aesthetics of the floor. Make sure to use the right tools & techniques when doing this important task.
Most homeowner make the same installation mistakes. You need to make sure you don’t do the same. Try to avoid making these mistakes as much as possible.
This will ensure the wood flooring installation process goes smoothly. The final results will be exactly how you wish it to be.