What to Expect During a Hardwood Flooring Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

When you upgrade the interior of your home, some improvements provide the timeless elegance and durability of the installation of hard wooden floors. Whether you replace the old carpet, old laminates or just update the living space, hardwood flooring installation provides value, beauty and long life to any room. 

 But before you dive into the installation process, it is necessary to understand what to expect - of preparation for final polishing. In this step-by-step guide, we will drive you through the installation process on the wooden floor and the way the carpet patch repair, laminated floor services and stretching services on the carpet will be affected to help you make decisions. 

Step 1: Pre-Installation Consultation & Flooring Selection 

Before anything installed, you will meet a floor specialist to discuss your requirements, design preferences and budget. You will detect different wood species (eg oak, salary or walnuts), finish (food, satin or shine) and installation methods (nailing, glue-down or liquid). This is also the phase where you want to determine whether you replace the old carpet or upgraded with laminated flooring services

Important tips: 

  1. Ask about the pros and cons of solid vs. engineered hardwood. 

  2. Consider your region’s humidity levels and how it may impact wood expansion. 

  3. Discuss how existing floor coverings will be removed—especially if you're switching from carpet or laminate

 Step 2: Site Preparation 

The preparation of the site is important for the installation of a smooth and successful hardwood flooring. The fall should be clean, dry, level and structurally justifiable. Your installer will also consider whether any previous flooring material needs to be absorbed. If you have wall-to-wall rugs that are loose or tilted, you may need fabric services for blankets before removing or recycling. 

If there are damaged spots that are not replaced by hardwood, the carpet patch may be necessary to restore continuity in carpet areas around the repair.If there are damaged spots that won’t be replaced by hardwood, carpet patch repair may be necessary to restore continuity in adjoining carpeted areas. 

What happens during site prep: 

  1. Existing flooring is removed (including nails, glue, or tacks) 

  2. Subfloor is inspected and repaired 

  3. Moisture levels are tested 

  4. Baseboards and thresholds may be temporarily removed 

 Step 3: Acclimation of Hardwood Flooring 

Unlike other flower types, hardwood should be involved in the environment where it will be installed. This step prevents expansion or contraction after installation, which can lead to intervals or baking. 

What to expect: 

  1. Hardwood planks are delivered and left to sit in the room for 3–7 days 

  2. Your HVAC system should be running to maintain normal room temperature and humidity 

  3. Keep doors and windows closed to stabilize the indoor climate 

 Step 4: Installation Day 

When the floor is reduced, the time has come to start installing the wooden floor. Depending on the method (nail, glue-down or liquid), the procedure can be taken anywhere for an average room for 1 to 3 days. 

Installation steps include: 

  1. Laying the underlayment (if applicable) for soundproofing or moisture protection 

  1. Planning the layout to ensure a balanced, symmetrical appearance 

  1. Installing the planks row by row, starting from one wall 

  1. Cutting and fitting wood pieces around doorways, vents, and tight corners 

  1. Securing the wood using nails, glue, or click-lock systems 

  1. Reinstalling baseboards and moldings for a polished finish 

If you are infection with blankets or laminate flower services, the installer may also have to adjust the door heights and dice plugs to fit the height of the new floor. 

 Step 5: Clean-Up and Inspection 

After installation, your crew will clean the space, remove the debris and inspect the floor to install it properly. A final review will be held to check uneven boards, intervals or loose pieces. 

Tips: 

  1. Keep pets and children away from the work area during and immediately after installation 

  2. Don’t move furniture back into the room for at least 24–48 hours 

  3. Use felt pads under furniture to protect the finish 

 Step 6: Post-Installation Care and Maintenance 

Proper maintenance ensures that your new hardwood floors remain beautiful for decades. Here you have to do post -installation: 

  1. Avoid mopping with excess water—use hardwood-safe cleaners 

  2. Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent scratches from dirt 

  3. Place rugs in high-traffic areas 

  4. Maintain humidity between 35–55% to avoid wood warping 

If you're maintaining different flooring types in the home (like carpet or laminate in other rooms), consider carpet patch repair and carpet stretching services to keep everything looking fresh and well-integrated with your new hardwood floors. 

 Hardwood Floors vs. Other Flooring Types 

While hardwood floors are a premium option, many homeowners weigh them against carpet and laminate flooring services for cost, maintenance, and durability. Here’s a quick comparison: 

Final Thoughts 

A professional installation of hardwood floors brings timeless elegance, durability, and lasting value to your home. From the initial consultation to post-installation care, knowing what to expect can make the process smoother and more rewarding. Don’t overlook the importance of your existing floors—services like carpet repair, laminate flooring, and rug stretching can ensure a seamless transition between different flooring types. Ready to transform your space? Trust a reliable local flooring specialist like Sunny Homes, who truly understands how to deliver quality results that fit your home and lifestyle.


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McFarland and Son Flooring

McFarland and Son Flooring, your trusted Tempe, AZ carpet specialist, is here for all your flooring needs.