When you install new floors in your home, you’re investing in your home. That’s why you should understand the flooring installation process from start to finish. Whether you’re hiring a flooring professional or considering a DIY approach, knowing the process and what questions to ask lets you achieve results that last.
At our Denver flooring outlet, we walk homeowners through every step of the installation process during our in-home consultations. Today, we’re going to get into what actually happens when new floors go into a home. From crucial prep work to finishing details, it’s essential to know so you can make everything look polished.
Proper Preparation Makes All the Difference
A successful Denver flooring installation begins before the first plank is even laid. Skipping prep work is a quick way to end up with floors that buckle, crack or fail prematurely.
A stable, clean and level subfloor is essential. Professionals inspect for cracks, moisture issues and uneven spots that can result in issues down the line. Even small irregularities can show through your new flooring, creating visible imperfections or causing flooring materials to wear unevenly.
Before anything can happen, all furniture has to be moved, old flooring has to be taken out if necessary and the entire area needs to be thoroughly cleaned. If your subfloor is having problems, a leveling compound may be required to create a smooth surface for your new flooring.
Choosing Materials That Match Your Space
Not every flooring works in every room. Each flooring material has its own capabilities and installation requirements. In moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens, waterproof materials like tile or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are best. Meanwhile, in bedrooms and living areas where comfort and style come first, carpet or hardwood flooring are better options.
Accurate measurements are essential. Professionals carefully measure and account for an extra 5-10% to cover cuts, waste and potential future repairs. This prevents running low on materials mid-installation, which causes delays and headaches no one wants.
Denver homeowners appreciate our shop-at-home service as it lets them see how different materials will look in their space before installation day. Making confident material choices now prevents buyer’s remorse later.
Installation Methods Vary by Flooring Type
Each flooring type has different installation approaches. Using the wrong method can void warranties or cause performance issues down the line. Here’s a basic overview:
- Hardwood Flooring: Nail-down, glue-down or floating methods can be used, but it depends on if you’re working with solid or engineered hardwood.
- Laminate Flooring: Featuring floating click-and-lock installation, these floors are fairly DIY-friendly.
- Tile Flooring: Precise spacing, cutting, careful alignment and proper grouting are required to create a durable, waterproof surface.
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Choose between glue-down and floating installation methods based on the product and room conditions.
Professional installers will recommend what works best for your space. Consider subfloor type, room humidity and manufacturer requirements before beginning any flooring installation project.
Finishing Touches That Complete the Look
Once the flooring is down, all that’s left is the final details. Baseboards create clean transitions between your new floors and walls, while transition strips handle areas where different flooring types meet such as where your kitchen tile connects to the living room hardwood.
A thorough inspection catches small issues before they become bigger problems. Checking for gaps, uneven planks or misaligned tiles only takes a few minutes and ensures professional results. Following installation, your space is cleaned to remove dust and debris, leaving your floors ready to enjoy right away.
At Denver Carpet & Flooring, our certified installers treat every project like it’s going into their own home. We take care of the finishing details so you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the cracks.
Protecting Your Investment Long-Term
Great installation sets you up for success and proper maintenance keeps your floors looking their best for years to come. Each flooring material has its own care requirements. Follow manufacturer guidelines to protect your warranty and extend the lifespan of your floors.
Even simple routines like regular sweeping or vacuuming can prevent scratches from tracked-in dirt. You should also remember to use appropriate cleaning products for your specific flooring material. Place area rugs in the busiest areas of your home and felt pads under the legs to reduce wear. Lastly, clean up spills to prevent staining or water damage.
It’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Maintaining your floors will keep them looking as amazing as they did on installation day.
Making Installation Easy From Start to Finish
Understanding the flooring installation process goes a long way toward making you feel more confident about your project. Meanwhile, working with Denver Carpet & Flooring guarantees it. Our team is experienced, which means you benefit from proper prep work, correct installation methods and results you can count on.
Ready to make your flooring project easy? Contact us to book a shop-at-home consultation today!
