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.
Tip #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.
Tip #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.
Now, 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.
a) 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.
Tip #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!
If 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.
Lots to always think about when doing renovations, your new floors look amazing!
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.
We had a friend put in our floors. Definitely helped with the cost.
Building in a buffer – of time and money – is key I think. It helps handle any stress!
wish we had a local HD. Love that flooring you picked.
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!
The floors look good, you have some helpful tips Thanks
Your new floors look amazing Lena!!!
Great choice Lena and thanks for the handy tips.Your new flooring looks awesome!
I love the colour of that wood! Very elegant. Great choice!
Thanks for sharing all of you tips! Your new floors look great!
Looks sharp!
I would have them install it, less aggravation and mistakes that way
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 !
I love this flooring! I agree with you, the time you plan for a reno takes longer than expected
We will be installing new flooring this spring so this is very helpful, thanks!
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.
We had a long DIY list when we first moved in 5 years ago, but the list is much shorter now.
So did you finally get your floors done and do you love them?
great comments and suggestions, been quite a while since we did reno’s so this is helpful
I am both DIY and DIFM haha!
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.
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 :)
I love hardwood floors- so easy to keep clean. I love the color of your floors.
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.
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. :-(
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
I do like hardwood and proper installation is so important.
Love your flooring! We’re actually putting a very similar hardwood in our new home. We will be doing it ourselves.
The flooring looks fantastic, we will be doing a big reno in the next few months.
The floors look amazing. Thankfully I have friends who are renovators so I know who to go to for advice.
Your floors look great!
I love the dark wood. It looks so beautiful.
Your floors look amazing you must be so happy with the end result !
Thank you for all these great tips! Your new floors look amazing!
I have such an admiration for people who DIY! The flooring looks fantastic!
Thank you for the great advice and tips! Your floors turned out great!
The hardwood looks absolutely beautiful. Renovations are work but so worth it.
We had hardwood installation for our room, agree, it is a big deal. Expensive & stressful!
If area is too large, help would be required. :)
Love the look of the wide boards you chose!
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).
It’s good to know about that option. Thank you!
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.