When it comes to flooring, few choices offer the timeless beauty and durability of hardwood. Among the many options available, Aurora Hardwood stands out as an excellent choice for homeowners seeking both elegance and lasting value. Whether you’re remodeling your home or planning a new construction, installing Aurora Hardwood can be a game-changer for your interior design. However, installing hardwood flooring can be a bit daunting if you’re not familiar with the process. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips for installing Aurora Hardwood to ensure your floors are both stunning and long-lasting.
1. Choose the Right Type of Aurora Hardwood for Your Space
Before you begin, it’s essential to understand the different types of Aurora Hardwood and which one will best suit your needs. Aurora Hardwood comes in various species, finishes, and thicknesses. Some types of wood are more suitable for high-traffic areas, while others may work better in quieter, less trafficked rooms.
- Species Selection: Aurora Hardwood offers a range of wood species, from oak to maple to exotic woods. Oak is durable and ideal for living rooms or dining areas, while maple offers a sleek, modern look for contemporary spaces.
- Finish Options: You can choose from pre-finished or unfinished options. Pre-finished hardwood comes ready to install, saving time and ensuring consistent quality. Unfinished hardwood allows you to customize the finish after installation, but it does require more effort and care.
- Thickness and Plank Size: Thicker planks are better for sound insulation and provide a more solid feel underfoot. Consider how much traffic your floor will experience and choose a thickness accordingly.
2. Prepare the Subfloor Properly
One of the most crucial steps in installing Aurora Hardwood is ensuring the subfloor is properly prepared. A clean, dry, and level subfloor is key to ensuring the long-term stability of your flooring.
- Clean the Subfloor: Sweep or vacuum the area to remove dust, debris, or any nails that could cause issues during installation.
- Check for Moisture: Hardwood floors are sensitive to moisture. Use a moisture meter to check the subfloor for any signs of dampness. If moisture is present, you may need to address the source of the issue before installing the hardwood.
- Level the Surface: Use a level to ensure the subfloor is even. Any dips or bumps can cause problems down the road. You can use a leveling compound if necessary to smooth out the surface.
3. Acclimate the Hardwood Flooring
Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in humidity. To avoid warping or buckling later on, it’s essential to acclimate your Aurora Hardwood to the environment in which it will be installed.
- Leave the Planks in the Room: Bring the hardwood planks into the room where they’ll be installed and allow them to acclimate for 48 to 72 hours. This will help them adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity levels.
- Check the Humidity Levels: Ideally, the room should have a humidity level between 35% and 55%. You can use a humidifier or dehumidifier to regulate the humidity in the space.
4. Install the Hardwood Planks with Precision
When it comes to the installation of Aurora Hardwood, precision is key. While some homeowners may choose to install the flooring themselves, hiring a professional can make a huge difference in ensuring a flawless finish. If you decide to tackle the job yourself, here are some tips:
- Start Along the Longest Wall: Lay the first row of planks along the longest wall, making sure they are straight and parallel. This ensures the rest of the installation follows a clean line.
- Use Spacers: Use spacers to maintain a small gap between the hardwood planks and the wall. This gap allows the wood to expand and contract without causing buckling.
- Nail or Staple Down the Planks: If you’re installing traditional hardwood, you’ll need to nail or staple the planks into place using a hardwood flooring nailer. For floating floors, the planks click together without the need for nails.
- Stagger the Seams: When laying subsequent rows of planks, stagger the seams for a more natural, visually appealing pattern. This will also add strength to the floor, as it prevents the seams from aligning.
5. Finishing Touches and Expansion Gaps
Once your Aurora Hardwood flooring is installed, there are a few final touches to complete the job:
- Install Quarter-Round Molding: Quarter-round molding covers the gap between the floor and the wall, adding a polished look. Be sure to install it carefully, ensuring it doesn’t press against the floor, allowing room for expansion.
- Leave Expansion Gaps: As mentioned earlier, hardwood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. The expansion gap around the perimeter of the room allows the wood to move freely without causing damage. A good rule of thumb is to leave about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of space between the floor and the walls.
- Final Inspection: Before calling it a day, take one final look at the flooring to ensure all planks are properly aligned and secure. Check for any gaps or areas where the wood may not have been installed evenly.
6. Maintain and Care for Your Aurora Hardwood Floors
Now that your Aurora Hardwood is installed, it’s essential to take care of it to preserve its beauty for years to come. Here are a few simple maintenance tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to keep dust and debris from scratching the surface. Avoid using wet mops or harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
- Protect from Furniture: Use felt pads on the bottom of furniture legs to prevent scratches when moving items around.
- Control Humidity: Since wood is sensitive to moisture, maintain consistent humidity levels in your home, particularly during seasonal changes.
Conclusion: Consider FMH Flooring for Expert Installation
Installing Aurora Hardwood is a rewarding project that can elevate the beauty of your home, but it’s important to do it right. By following these expert tips, you can ensure that your hardwood floors will not only look great but last for years to come. If you’re unsure about handling the installation yourself, or if you simply want the job done right the first time, consider reaching out to a professional flooring company.
For expert hardwood flooring installation, I highly recommend checking out FMH Flooring. They offer excellent services and a wide range of options for all your flooring needs. Whether you’re interested in Aurora Hardwood or other types of wood flooring, their team can guide you through the process with care and professionalism.
