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DIY or DIFM (Do it For Me)? Hardwood Installation with The Home Depot Canada

February 16, 2017 By Lena 44 Comments

If you’re lucky enough to know a general contractor or someone who specializes in flooring installation, I am really, really, jealous.

Seriously. A home reno that involves a flooring install is a BIG deal, and it involves time, money and a general upheaval of your living conditions. And, when you have to trust the work to strangers, it makes it all the more ominous: will I like the results? Can I trust the quality and workmanship? You’re gluing what to where and how?

Yeah, it can get a little ambiguous.

Thankfully, you’ve got me – I’ve recently survived a hardwood install! Today, I’ll tell you what you need to know to make it as painless as possible.pic1Tip #1: Buy Your Own Wood. If you call a contractor, chances are they will offer a selection of hardwood or engineered hardwood for you to peruse, and may even try to lure you with their “contractor’s discount.” Don’t be persuaded, unless they present you with a sample you love at a price you can live with. There are other options, promise.

You see, the selection at The Home Depot Canada is unsurpassed! From the type of flooring to the species and finish, YOU get to decide what is best for your home. And remember this advice: ALL wood species are suitable for everyday use. An associate in the flooring department can help you find a look and finish that you’ll love. 

Since we had hardwood on our main floor, it was simply a question of matching the colour to our upstairs flooring. However, since our second floor actually sees more traffic than our first (both my husband and I have home offices there, and the boys are at an age where they hang out in their rooms a lot) we decided to go with Beaulieu Canada’s Inverness Oak Engineered Wood. It features stunning antique visuals with an authentic handscraped finish.
pic2Tip #2: Prepare for Plan B. Hardwood installations don’t always go perfectly to plan. In our case, based on the dimensions of our engineered hardwood, it was recommended that the flooring be glued to the subfloor. It would ensure a more precise installation and remove any concerns that the wood might shift or “float”.

Of course, materials aren’t free – so we had to incur an extra installation cost. My advice? When tackling a home reno, always have a contingency fund for unforeseen expenses. In our years of doing small (and large) home improvements, I can promise you that we tend to underestimate both our budget and the time involved for completion. So, have a buffer for both.
pic3Now, we don’t regret paying extra to have the engineered hardwood glued – not even for a second. The wood is perfectly anchored to the subfloor, and over time, the risk of squeaking has been significantly reduced.

Tip #3: Expect Dust. A LOT of Dust. I can’t think of a messier home renovation than replacing flooring. Expect your life to be disrupted for a few days (at least), and even after the reno is done, there will be debris, dust and dirt left…. everywhere. Seriously, on every floor, on every surface and in every nook and cranny. Here’s what you need to do.
pic4a) Schedule an air duct cleaning within days of the project completion. Most of the wood dust will have fallen into vents, and unless you have a professional clean them, you’ll be circulating dust for months. In addition to continuously breathing it in (which is highly detrimental if you have allergies or asthma), you’ll also be dusting around the clock. So find a local company and schedule an appointment, stat.

b) Stop by The Home Depot Canada for cleaning needs. I love Bona products such as their Hardwood Cleaner, Low-Gloss Hardwood Floor Polish and Microfiber Cleaning Pad. Give your new floors a good once-over to pick up any leftover dust and grime.

c) Make sure the cost of installation includes disposal of your old flooring. If it doesn’t, inquire how much extra you’ll need to pay to make it happen. Once your home is outfitted with shiny new hardwood, the last thing you’ll want to do is worry about how to get rid of the old stuff. Many people assume that removal is included in the cost of renovations, but this can vary from contractor. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
pic5Tip #4: Enjoy Your New Hardwood. Wood flooring really does lend a certain elegance, doesn’t it? Two months after our big reno, we are still deliriously thrilled with the results. I think it comes down to three things: selecting the correct type of flooring for our lifestyle and tastes; deciding to go with a reputable manufacturer (Beaulieu Canada) and of course, trusting the experts at The Home Depot Canada to help with our flooring questions (and we had A LOT of questions) and of course, our flooring needs!
p1ic4pic7pic 8pic9If you have any questions about replacing your flooring, don’t hesitate to reach out! I can share advice based on my experience or direct you to the right person at The Home Depot Canada!

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot Canada. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words.

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #HDBlogSquad, hardwood installation, Home Depot Canada

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Judy Cowan

    February 16, 2017 at 10:13 am

    Lots to always think about when doing renovations, your new floors look amazing!

    Reply
  2. kathy downey

    February 16, 2017 at 12:02 pm

    I like the nice wide boards you selected very nice,it’s a time consuming job.Hubby and i installed hardwood right through our home when we built we done it alone and it turned out perfect.Wood is always a good investment.

    Reply
  3. Stephanie LaPlante

    February 16, 2017 at 1:30 pm

    We had a friend put in our floors. Definitely helped with the cost.

    Reply
  4. LisaM

    February 16, 2017 at 6:34 pm

    Building in a buffer – of time and money – is key I think. It helps handle any stress!

    Reply
  5. Debbie Bashford

    February 17, 2017 at 6:43 am

    wish we had a local HD. Love that flooring you picked.

    Reply
  6. Darlene Schuller

    February 17, 2017 at 7:14 am

    I love a deep shaded hardwood floor! You made a beautiful choice! However, I can’t imagine the upheaval.. I’d go nuts w/all the chaos!

    Reply
  7. Sue Frampton

    February 17, 2017 at 11:43 am

    The floors look good, you have some helpful tips Thanks

    Reply
  8. Ashley Jenkins

    February 17, 2017 at 12:17 pm

    Your new floors look amazing Lena!!!

    Reply
  9. Marissa

    February 17, 2017 at 3:49 pm

    Great choice Lena and thanks for the handy tips.Your new flooring looks awesome!

    Reply
  10. Susan T.

    February 17, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    I love the colour of that wood! Very elegant. Great choice!

    Reply
  11. September Dee

    February 17, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    Thanks for sharing all of you tips! Your new floors look great!

    Reply
  12. Frank

    February 18, 2017 at 8:25 am

    Looks sharp!

    Reply
  13. Debbie Bashford

    February 19, 2017 at 5:57 am

    I would have them install it, less aggravation and mistakes that way

    Reply
  14. kristen visser

    February 19, 2017 at 12:01 pm

    looks beautiful!! and such a great idea to have a plan B! we are going to be installing hardwood in our master bedroom sometime this year and that is a good point to have money set inside in case needed !

    Reply
  15. June Murphy

    February 26, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    I love this flooring! I agree with you, the time you plan for a reno takes longer than expected

    Reply
  16. Julie Hartwig

    February 27, 2017 at 9:34 am

    We will be installing new flooring this spring so this is very helpful, thanks!

    Reply
  17. Tara Gauthier

    March 1, 2017 at 11:10 am

    Your floors look great!

    Eventually I would love to replace flooring in our house. Upstairs we have a combo of cheap laminate with carpet in two bedrooms still. The really odd thing that needs dealt with is tile in the middle of wall in our living room that a previous owner installed for a plug in fireplace. I am hearing lots of great things about vinyl plank flooring.

    Reply
  18. Ron Giese

    March 5, 2017 at 9:37 am

    We had a long DIY list when we first moved in 5 years ago, but the list is much shorter now.

    Reply
  19. kathy downey

    March 19, 2017 at 11:13 am

    So did you finally get your floors done and do you love them?

    Reply
  20. Betty S

    April 16, 2017 at 10:32 am

    great comments and suggestions, been quite a while since we did reno’s so this is helpful

    Reply
  21. Stephanie

    May 12, 2017 at 3:12 pm

    I am both DIY and DIFM haha!

    Reply
  22. Tania B

    May 22, 2017 at 1:14 pm

    I am 125% a DIFM person. I have much better things to be doing rather than stressing myself and the hubby out trying to get things right.

    Reply
  23. Treen Goodwin

    May 27, 2017 at 11:17 am

    I love your new floor they look so awesome , Hubby and i have tackled laying flooring in our home , i really enjoyed it , we are DIYers and saves money :)

    Reply
  24. Donna Wilson

    May 28, 2017 at 5:42 am

    I love hardwood floors- so easy to keep clean. I love the color of your floors.

    Reply
  25. Kristi Friesen

    May 28, 2017 at 10:15 pm

    I agree, knowing someone who is a flooring contractor would be really helpful. Right now we are trying to decide on new flooring the basement and we have been looking at Home Depot, they have a great selection.

    Reply
  26. Elizabeth Matthiesen

    May 31, 2017 at 12:46 pm

    I used to have a marvellous wooden floor in my last home, I loved it. Unfortunately I have a basement apartment and can’t have wooden floors down here. :-(

    Reply
  27. Alison Braidwood

    June 7, 2017 at 1:43 pm

    I’m all about DIY when it comes to pinning stuff. When it comes to actually DOING the projects I’m more a DIFM kinda girl :0

    Reply
  28. Janet M

    June 21, 2017 at 6:46 pm

    I do like hardwood and proper installation is so important.

    Reply
  29. Corry L.

    June 28, 2017 at 7:21 pm

    Love your flooring! We’re actually putting a very similar hardwood in our new home. We will be doing it ourselves.

    Reply
  30. Joyce S

    July 31, 2017 at 7:19 pm

    The flooring looks fantastic, we will be doing a big reno in the next few months.

    Reply
  31. Terri Baker

    August 18, 2017 at 10:23 am

    The floors look amazing. Thankfully I have friends who are renovators so I know who to go to for advice.

    Reply
  32. Donna L.

    August 28, 2017 at 12:00 am

    Your floors look great!

    Reply
  33. Janet M

    August 29, 2017 at 11:59 am

    I love the dark wood. It looks so beautiful.

    Reply
  34. kathy downey

    September 10, 2017 at 10:27 am

    Your floors look amazing you must be so happy with the end result !

    Reply
  35. Josie Tusa

    September 19, 2017 at 10:02 pm

    Thank you for all these great tips! Your new floors look amazing!

    Reply
  36. Erin N

    September 20, 2017 at 4:45 pm

    I have such an admiration for people who DIY! The flooring looks fantastic!

    Reply
  37. Peter Tusa

    September 27, 2017 at 10:52 pm

    Thank you for the great advice and tips! Your floors turned out great!

    Reply
  38. lori galbraith

    September 29, 2017 at 8:01 am

    The hardwood looks absolutely beautiful. Renovations are work but so worth it.

    Reply
  39. Fan R.

    February 28, 2018 at 8:36 pm

    We had hardwood installation for our room, agree, it is a big deal. Expensive & stressful!

    Reply
  40. Calvin

    March 23, 2018 at 3:53 pm

    If area is too large, help would be required. :)

    Reply
  41. DebH

    April 2, 2018 at 3:50 pm

    Love the look of the wide boards you chose!

    Reply
  42. Jay M

    November 16, 2018 at 12:03 pm

    Love the flooring you chose! I didn’t know they glued that kind of flooring down.

    As far as dust goes, I’m well aware of the inconveniences of dust from this past winter’s basement renovation. I ended up in the emergency room due to a scratched cornea, which I’m blaming on all the dust. It definitely the most painful injury I’ve ever had. We were so careful about cleaning after that (and wearing eye protection).

    Reply
  43. Athena

    November 23, 2018 at 8:44 am

    It’s good to know about that option. Thank you!

    Reply
  44. Daphne Gilpin

    April 15, 2019 at 12:10 pm

    I’m glad you pointed out that there’s probably not a messier home renovation than replacing flooring due to the amount of dust that’s generated. My husband and I want to increase the atmosphere and elegance of our home by adding hardwood flooring. I don’t really know how to deal with all of that dust, so I think it’d be a better option for us to leave the job to a flooring contractor.

    Reply

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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