BEFORE INSTALLATION
Preparation is very important for a successful hardwood flooring project. While you should consult with a McCurley's National Flooring specialist for complete instructions, here are a few things you should consider to get an idea of what your project will involve.
You'll first need to remove all the furniture from the rooms where your new hardwood is to be installed. A professional moving and storage company can be incredibly useful at this point, especially for large or heavy items. A professional moving team can have a single room ready in a matter of hours and a whole house in as little as a day. You should also take down photos or other wall hangings which can be damaged accidentally during the installation of your hardwood flooring.
Hardwood flooring requires a flat, clean surface for a proper installation. To ready the area for your new flooring, you may have to remove your existing flooring. This process will be different for different types of existing flooring and extra care may be required if your previous flooring is glued down or set in tile adhesive. Calling in a pro at this point is a good idea, since a professional hardwood specialist will come equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to do the job right.
DURING & AFTER INSTALLATION
An adult member of your household (age 18 or older) should greet your installer and show them to the work area. Be sure to get a walkthrough of the job from the lead installer to give you a clear idea of what the work involved and ask them any questions you have about the job.
To ensure everyone’s safety and to help the job go smoothly, keep children and pets away from the work area for the duration of the job. Stay off your new floors for the required amount of time after the job is done. The stain and varnish that has been used on the surface will need time to cure properly. The lead installer will be able to advise you on how long this will take. If the smell of varnish or stain bothers you, open windows for ventilation or stay out of the house until the air has had time to clear.