We recently discussed the preparation process for a hardwood flooring installation. Now we are going to provide you with some details on the flooring installation process. Each hardwood flooring installation project is different, but there are some key aspects that factor into almost any installation job.
Choosing The Optimal Flooring Material
Before the flooring installation process begins, you will need to select the type of flooring best suited to meet your specific needs. At E_M Custom Flooring & Installations, our flooring experts can help you find the material that will look best while keeping within your budget.
The Different Types of Flooring
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is a great option for a wide array of areas within your home. While oak and maple flooring are two of the most popular materials, there are a variety of other quality types of hardwood flooring to choose from. Hardwood flooring is extremely durable and is available unfinished or pre-finished.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring’s versatility makes it a smart choice for nearly any application. And at E_M Custom Flooring & Installations, we offer laminate flooring in a range of different styles, many of which emulate the look of beautiful cuts of wood or the unique aesthetics of natural stone.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is a cost effective, highly durable flooring material and is perfect for areas with high foot traffic. Like laminate flooring, vinyl flooring also comes in stylish varieties, emulating the visual qualities of other types of flooring.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood flooring typically consists of an upper layer of hardwood veneer placed atop structural flooring material such as plywood, birch, or spruce. As with many of the premium flooring options we offer, engineered wood flooring can actually increase the resale value of your home.
Hardwood Flooring Installation Methods
There are three main hardwood flooring installation methods and choosing the right one mainly depends on the flooring material and preference.
Nail Down
The nail down installation method is one of the most popular choices for hardwood flooring installs. Usually requiring a wooden subfloor, nail down installation helps form a sturdy base, potentially increasing the longevity of the flooring. This installation method also enables you to easily customize the flooring with unique borders and patterns.
Glue Down
The glue down method of installation is often done with engineered wood flooring. This is partially due to the fact that the National Wood Flooring Association states that all hardwood flooring more than 5” in width should be glued down, and many engineered hard wood floor planks meet this guideline. Using high-grade flooring adhesive, the floorboards are carefully glued down in rows, ensuring a cohesive, uniform fit. For maximum stability, our flooring experts usually glue down and nail down certain areas of the flooring, forming a tighter fit between planks.
Snap Together
Also known as floating, or click-lock, snap together flooring installation is popular for a variety of different flooring materials and applications. Engineered, laminate, vinyl, and pre-finished hardwood flooring can all be installed in this method. The snap together method is also a great option for many residential gym floor installations. Snap together installation is ideal when installing flooring over an existing floor or a concrete base.
