Installation FAQ

How much does it cost to install hardwood?
What types of hardwood do you install?
Will hardwood change color over time?
How long does it take to install a new floor?
When can I walk on the new floor?
Do I need to remove my furniture or appliances?
Do I need to remove the carpet?
Do you have to remove baseboards before installation?
What about paint?
Will I be able to stay in my house during the process?

How much does it cost to install hardwood?
The price of a new hardwood floor varies greatly. The bulk of the cost is the wood itself. The price per sq ft really varies between species and configurations. The average cost would be from 5-10 dollars per sq ft for the wood. This does not include the installation cost, underlays, glue, leveling if necessary. Because the price varies so greatly, the only way to know the cost is to have a free in home estimate prepared based on your requirements.

What types of hardwood do you install?
We install Unfinished hardwood prefinished hardwood and engineered hardwood.

Will hardwood change color over time?
Yes. The tone and extent of the change is determined by the wood species, finish and light conditions. Hardwood floor finishes tend to take on an amber hue over time. The oil based finishes will do this sooner and more noticeably than the water based finishes which will hardly change at all. Direct sunlight will lighten the floor. Many of the exotic species and Cherry floors will change greatly over time, darkening with age.

How long does it take to install a new floor?
That really depends on the sq ft being installed and the configuration of the install. Most residences take approx. 1-3 days.

When can I walk on the new floor?
That depends on the type of hardwood that you have installed. If you install solid or engineered pre-finished hardwood than you can walk on the hardwood as soon as the installation is complete. Unfinished hardwood requires time for the finish to dry; you should plan on at least 3-5 days before regular traffic can resume on your floor.

Do I need to remove my furniture or appliances?
Furniture, appliances (in some cases but not always), window coverings and hanging pictures should be removed from the work area. It’s also recommended that shelving and mantles be cleared of breakables as vibrations from machinery or the putting up and taking down of plastic can snag on these items, causing them to fall and break. We do not remove furniture but can recommend movers and storage solutions to aid you in this process.

Do I need to remove the carpet?
Customers should consider removing carpet themselves but if not we can include this as part of the estimate. Our customers should be aware that floors that are covered at the time of the estimate may require additional work that may not have been apparent to our estimator. We do not remove linoleum or tile.

Do you have to remove baseboards before installation?
It is usually a good idea but not necessarily mandatory. If the baseboards are not removed prior to installation, a small baseshoe moulding will have to be installed to cover the gap between the baseboard and the floor.

What about paint?
Our customers should be prepared to do some touch-up painting after our work is completed. We strive to be as careful as possible during our work, but some touch-up painting may be necessary. This is especially the case with painted mouldings that contact the floor, you may have to repaint them after sanding. This is easier than removing and replacing them.

Will I be able to stay in my house during the process?
The answer really depends on where the hardwood is being installed and if you need to walk in these areas or not while the floor is being installed. Usually it’s ok to stay in the house overnight, especially if it’s a pre finished floor that’s being installed.