Installation

Solid hardwood flooring installation is a meticulous process that transforms a space with timeless beauty and durability. This process involves some crucial steps, ensuring a long-lasting and visually appealing result. Done right, a solid hardwood floor will outlast almost every other surface in your home — and can be sanded and refinished several times over its life rather than replaced.

1. Acclimation and preparation

Before installation, the hardwood planks must acclimate to the environment for at least 48-72 hours. This step prevents expansion or contraction after installation. Meanwhile, the subfloor is prepared by ensuring it is clean, dry, and level. In some cases, a moisture barrier or underlayment is installed to protect the wood from humidity.

This is also where any existing flooring comes out. Carpet, tile, vinyl and laminate removal are part of the service, along with the sub-floor repair that sometimes turns up underneath.

2. Laying the flooring

Installation begins by marking reference lines to ensure proper alignment. The first row is crucial and must be straight, as it sets the foundation for the rest of the floor. Planks are then staggered for a natural look, and expansion gaps (typically ¼ inch) are left around the perimeter to accommodate movement.

3. Sanding, staining and finishing

Sanding, staining, and finishing are the final steps in installing raw solid hardwood floors, ensuring a smooth, durable, and visually appealing surface. Sanding involves using progressively finer grits of sandpaper to remove imperfections, level the floor, and open the wood grain for stain absorption. Once the surface is even and dust-free, staining is applied to enhance the wood's natural beauty or achieve a desired color tone.

After the stain dries, a protective finish—such as oil-based or water-based polyurethane—is applied in multiple coats to shield the wood from wear, moisture, and scratches. This process enhances durability while giving the floor a polished, elegant look.

Finishing on site is what lets us match a new floor to hardwood already in your home. If you are adding a room or extending a floor into a hallway, we can test stain samples on your actual wood until the colour matches.

4. Post-installation care

After installation, the floor should be cleaned and allowed to settle before heavy furniture placement. Regular maintenance, including sweeping and occasional refinishing, ensures longevity. Solid hardwood flooring installation requires precision and expertise, resulting in a stunning, durable surface that enhances any space.

Ready to talk about a new floor?

We provide free written estimates throughout Lexington and central Kentucky. We will look at the space, test moisture where it matters, and tell you honestly what the floor needs — including when solid hardwood is not the right answer for a room.