Introduction:
Choosing new flooring is an exciting part of any home renovation, but understanding the installation process is just as important as selecting the perfect material. Whether you’re opting for luxury vinyl plank, hardwood, carpet, or tile, knowing what to expect during the flooring installation can help you prepare your home and ensure a smooth experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each stage of the flooring installation process, providing insights that will help Edmonton homeowners feel confident in their decision-making.
Step 1: Consultation and Material Selection
The first step in any flooring project is a consultation with a flooring expert. At Renew Floorcovering, we offer free consultations to help you choose the best flooring material for your space. This involves discussing your specific needs, lifestyle, and design preferences. Are you looking for durability, low maintenance, or eco-friendly options? Once your goals are clear, our team will help you select from options like luxury vinyl plank (LVP), hardwood, tile, or carpet.
- What to Expect: During the consultation, you’ll be able to view samples and even take advantage of our shop-at-home service, where we bring the samples to your house so you can see how they look in your natural lighting.
Step 2: Measuring and Preparing the Area
Once you’ve selected your flooring, the next step is a detailed measurement of the area. Accurate measurements are essential to ensure that the right amount of material is ordered and that any challenges like uneven subfloors or awkward room shapes are accounted for. Preparation may also include removing old flooring, addressing subfloor issues, and preparing the area for installation.
- What to Expect: The flooring installation team will assess the condition of the subfloor and determine if it needs leveling, cleaning, or repairs. If you have old flooring, such as carpet or laminate, it will need to be removed, and any nails or staples will be pulled up. For tile installations, expect a more involved removal process, as tiles are typically adhered to the subfloor.
Step 3: Delivery of Flooring Materials
After measurements are finalized, it’s time for the delivery of your flooring materials. Depending on your selection, it’s important to allow the flooring material to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity before installation. This is especially crucial for hardwood floors, which expand and contract based on environmental conditions.
- What to Expect: Flooring materials will typically arrive a few days before the scheduled installation. For hardwood and laminate, the planks will need to sit in the room for 48-72 hours to adjust to the home’s climate. Tile, vinyl, and carpet generally do not require the same acclimation period.
Step 4: Installation Day
The actual installation process varies depending on the type of flooring you’ve chosen. Below, we’ll break down what installation looks like for different flooring materials:
- Hardwood and LVP Installation: Both of these materials are installed plank by plank. Hardwood is often nailed or stapled to the subfloor, while LVP can either be glued down or installed as a floating floor that clicks together. Installation times vary based on the size of the room and the complexity of the layout.
- Tile Installation: Tile installation requires laying down a cement board or other underlayment first. The tiles are then adhered with mortar and grouted in place after they’ve set. Tile installation can take longer due to the precision required in cutting tiles to fit around edges and corners.
- Carpet Installation: Carpet installation begins with laying down padding before stretching the carpet over the area. It’s secured with tack strips along the edges. Installing carpet is typically faster than installing tile or hardwood, but it requires professional expertise to avoid issues like lumps or uneven seams.
Step 5: Post-Installation Inspection and Cleanup
Once the installation is complete, the flooring crew will inspect the job to ensure everything has been done correctly. This step may include a walkthrough to address any questions or concerns you may have. The installation team will also clean up the area, removing debris and leaving your home looking fresh and renewed.
- What to Expect: After installation, make sure to examine the flooring for any inconsistencies or imperfections. It’s also important to follow any care and maintenance instructions provided by the installers to ensure the longevity of your new floors.
Conclusion:
Understanding the flooring installation process can help you prepare for each step and ensure a seamless experience from start to finish. Whether you’re installing durable luxury vinyl plank or elegant hardwood, Renew Floorcovering provides expert guidance and professional installation services to make the process stress-free. Ready to upgrade your Edmonton home with new flooring? Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.