What to Expect During Your Flooring Installation Day: A Comprehensive Guide
- Valex Flooring
- Jul 29
- 4 min read
Investing in new flooring is an exciting endeavor, but many homeowners find themselves anxious about the installation process. Whether you’re opting for hardwood flooring, vinyl SPC flooring, or laminate flooring, knowing what to expect on installation day can alleviate a lot of stress. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of the flooring installation process, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your new floors.
Preparation for Installation Day
Your flooring installation day will likely begin with some prep work. Here are a few things you should take care of before the installation crew arrives:
Clear the Area: Remove all furniture, decor, and any other items from the area where new flooring will be installed. This will help the installation team work efficiently.
Check the Environment: Ensure your home is at a comfortable temperature. This will help your new flooring acclimate properly for best results.
Secure Pets: Make arrangements for pets. Keep them in a safe space away from the work area to keep them calm and to give the installation crew plenty of room to work.
Arrival of the Installation Team
On the day of installation, a team of professionals will arrive at your home, ready to turn your vision into reality. Here’s what typically happens:
Initial Assessment
The first step taken by the installation team is a thorough assessment of the area. If you have chosen hardwood flooring, they’ll examine the subfloor to ensure it's dry, clean, and free from any debris. This is crucial because improper subfloor preparation can ruin your beautiful new floors in the long term.
Material Delivery
If not already delivered, your choice of flooring—be it vinyl SPC flooring, laminate flooring, or hardwood—will be unloaded and brought into your home. Make sure there is a designated spot for the flooring materials to ensure they acclimate properly if required.
The Installation Process
Once everything is set up and the installation team has assessed the area, it’s time to get started. Here is a general outline of what happens during the installation of different types of flooring:
1. Subfloor Preparation
The installation team may begin by preparing the subfloor. This step is essential for all types of flooring:
For hardwood flooring, they might install a moisture barrier or ensure the existing subfloor is leveled.
For vinyl SPC flooring, ensure that the underlayment is installed, which adds cushioning and soundproofing.
For laminate flooring, a foam underlayment can be rolled out as well to help with sound and cushion.
2. Flooring Installation
This is where the magic happens! Depending on the type of flooring you've chosen:
Hardwood Flooring: The team will nail or glue down the planks, ensuring each one is fit snugly and level.
Vinyl SPC Flooring: Usually, they will click-lock the planks together, making the installation process relatively quick and easy.
Laminate Flooring: Similar to vinyl, laminate is often a floating floor, which means it’s laid down over the underlayment without being glued or nailed down.
3. Trimming and Finishing Touches
Once the primary installation is complete, the crew will take care of baseboards or transition pieces. This gives your new flooring a polished look and helps with transitions between different flooring types or rooms.
Post-Installation Cleanup
Once your flooring is installed, the last step involves cleanup:
The installation team will ensure that the work area is clean by removing any debris, excess materials, and tools.
You should inspect the work to make sure you’re satisfied with the final result.
What Happens After Installation?
Once your flooring installation is complete, life can return to normal—and you can start to enjoy the beauty of your new floors! Here are some tips for maintenance:
For hardwood flooring, avoid excessive water and use a damp mop for cleaning.
With vinyl SPC flooring, utilize a broom or vacuum for regular cleaning, and a wet mop for deeper cleans.
For laminate flooring, avoid using excessive moisture and clean spills immediately.
Allow Time for Acclimation
Each type of flooring may require some time after installation to settle into its intended environment. Keeping your home at a steady temperature and humidity level will help your new floors perform their best.
Your Journey to Beautiful Flooring
The installation day is just the beginning of your journey toward elevating your space with stunning new floors. Not only do flooring options like hardwood flooring, vinyl SPC flooring, and laminate flooring enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, they can also improve its value and functionality.
As you adjust to your new floors, take some time to reflect on the choices you've made. You can look forward to years of enjoyment, as long as you take the time to care for them properly. If you’ve taken the plunge into the transformative world of flooring, rest assured that your investment is one that will reward you time and time again.
Your flooring installation day doesn’t just mark the end of a project; it’s the start of a new chapter in your home. Embrace the change, and get ready to enjoy all the comfort and style your new floors will bring!
FAQs
What should I do to prepare for flooring installation day?
You should clear the area of all furniture and decor, ensure the temperature is comfortable, and secure pets away from the work area.
What happens when the installation team arrives?
The installation team will perform an initial assessment of the area and bring in the flooring materials if they haven't been delivered yet.
What is involved in the flooring installation process?
The installation process typically includes subfloor preparation, actual flooring installation, and adding trimming and finishing touches.
What clean-up happens after the flooring installation is complete?
The installation team will clean the work area, removing debris and excess materials, and you will have the opportunity to inspect the work to ensure you're satisfied.
How should I maintain my new floors after installation?
For hardwood, use a damp mop; for vinyl SPC, use a broom or vacuum for regular cleaning; and for laminate, avoid excessive moisture and clean spills immediately.
