Wood Flooring: Taking the Time to Do it Right

It would be great if some contractor could say "It'll take three days, exactly, to install wood floors in your home." Certainly, most companies claim they can finish in two to three days and it can be done, but there are a lot of factors to consider along with the actual work.

The time it takes to have wood floors installed in your home is really relative to your schedule, the area you want finished and your dedication to quality. Seeing as how wood floors are a way to increase the comfort and value of a home, it seems in a homeowner's best interest to take the time necessary to do it right.

Cutting corners can be seem like a real steal at the start, but can be costly down the road when the planks of your warped, cheap floor begin to groan and creak.

Previous articles have talked about preparing a home for wood flooring installation, but here's a quick recap.

So, like with most projects, you must begin by deciding who is going to install your wood floors. It seems like the Web is constantly touting do-it-yourself tips on all kinds of different projects. The truth is, you can do it yourself. But, even if you are a skilled craftsman, do you want to take the time, and the chances on your uninsured work, to do a project that you could have a trained professional do instead?

In other words, we suggest a homeowner begin by finding the right contractor. There are a lot of contractors out there, so be sure to dig deep in your search. Don't be afraid to ask for references and, very importantly, proof of insurance and licenses.

There are also a myriad of considerations that can go into the actual look of the project. What kind of wood do you want? What kind of finish? Different flooring can be easier or more difficult, depending, and special finishes often take time to dry and settle.

Then there's whether you like a more natural look or a more polished one? Do you want nails, or would you prefer the planks be glued? And does your contractor do all of these things?

After those decisions have been made and a contractor assigned to the job, there's the preparation of the house, which includes at least a full day's worth of labor, depending on how much you choose to do on your own. Again, DIY will work, but you have to consider whether or not it is worth it and whether you have the time.

It's recommended that you find a way to be at your home, or to have a trusted friend there, while the floor is being installed, just to safeguard your home and belongings.

As you can see, when it is all said and done, it can approximately take anywhere from five to seven total days to install wood flooring in your home, and that's assuming you've got nothing to do in between!