What to Expect from Your Installation

Once you’ve decided to install or refinish a wood floor, you may wonder what will happen next. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after the work takes place will help ensure a high-quality job.

Before

Before work begins, remove all furnishings, draperies, paintings, and other items from the room. For new installations, the wood will need to acclimate to the job site, which will vary depending on the species.

During

If the floors are being sanded, finished or refinished, be prepared for some noise and disruption. Dust containment systems can minimize debris, but no system is 100% effective, so cover or remove any items you want to keep dust-free. When the finish is applied, stay off the floors until it has dried. The time will vary depending on the type of finish used.

After

After the finish has dried, put felt pads on the bottoms of any furniture to minimize scratches and dents. Place throw rugs at all entrances, avoiding those with rubber backs, which can discolor your floor. Avoid walking on your floors with cleats or high heels in disrepair.

Keep in mind that no two floor boards will be identical. Variations in appearance are normal. As the floor ages, some color change can occur. This also is normal, but can be minimized by limiting exposure to direct sunlight, and periodically moving furniture and rugs. Seasonal humidity changes may cause the wood to expand and contract. Gaps are normal and will appear and disappear between floor boards during seasons of high and low humidity. Flooring inspectors recommend inspecting the floor from a standing position in normal lighting to identify irregularities.

Finally, keep your wood floors looking their best by properly maintaining them. Use a cleaning product recommended for your floors, and maintain relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent, and temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, to keep them performing well for years to come.