CMA Flooring: Hardwood Floor Installation

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home. Properly installed hardwood floors add value to your home and can become its decorative foundation. No matter how beautiful and elegant the hardwood floor you choose is, if it is not installed correctly, you could have a floor that is unattractive and not functional. This article will discuss the importance of hiring a professional Dallas hardwood flooring installer for the most beautiful floor.

Installing a hardwood floor is unlike the installation methods for any other type of floor. It is important that the person you use to install your floor is experienced and professional. You want someone who will do a quality job that he or she will stand behind. If you can find someone with several years of experience of hardwood floor installation and restoration, that would be a plus.

Your hardwood floor installer should also be a licensed professional who carries insurance to protect you in case he or she causes damage to your home. If you choose to hire an unlicensed person to complete the job and they cause harm to your home in some way, you would have no way to collect for necessary repairs for your home.

A good idea to help you make the best choice for your Dallas Exotic Hardwood Flooring installer is to ask for recommendations from your friends or family. If you have a friend who has a hardwood floor that you love the look of it and the workmanship looks good, it would be a great idea to get the installer's contact information. In addition, an installer who has been recommended to your should be able to offer references to you along with contact information and pictures of past jobs. This is incredibly helpful to you in making a decision on an installer.

Getting several bids on your hardwood floor installation job is also something you should consider doing before settling on a professional. Most recommend that you get at least three bids from different installers. This way, you have an opportunity to compare prices and ask questions of your installer. The more knowledgeable the installer, the more confident you will be in his or her work.

Beyond the skill and craftsmanship of the installer, you need to take steps to know that this person is someone you can trust inside your home. In today's uncertain times, you must be cautious of anyone you invite into your home. A reputable hardwood floor installation company will take steps to make sure they know who they are hiring to work for their company and their reputations. Background checks should always be performed on any installer who will work in someone else's home or business. When a company is that diligent in their hiring procedures, you can feel more confident to have the installer in your home.

It is clear that choosing a professional from CMA Flooring to install your hardwood floors is the best option. Nothing is more important than the care of your home and the protection of you and your family.

                                

How to refinish your hardwood floors

Hardwood is a timeless flooring option that can last through lifetimes. However, the only way one can enjoy long-term use from this flooring option is through routine maintenance. At CMA Flooring, we believe that by providing regular care and maintenance to your hardwood floors one can ensure quality floors look attractive and up-to-date. Part of this maintenance involves refinishing your hardwood floors. While many individuals hire a third party service to refinish your floors, it is easy to do so yourself.

Before refinishing your hardwood floors, one must perform an overall assessment of the floor. Look to see if there any holes or cracks in the hardwood that may need to be plugged before you proceed. If so, find a wood plug or putty to plug into the hole and let it harden before you begin refinishing your floor. After this is complete, you should thoroughly sweep and clean your floor.

After your floor has been prepped it is time to start sanding your floor. Sanding your floor removes any rough spots and smoothes out the surface so that a fresh layer of finish can be applied. When refinishing hardwood floors, it is important to start with a rougher and more courser sand paper and then to refine it using sandpaper with a lower grit. The exact sandpaper grit needed can vary widely from floor to floor. If you do not own a belt or drum sander then you can rent one from many home repair and maintenance stores.

When sanding, be sure to avoid spending too much time in any one section of the floor. For corners that are too small to access with the belt or drum sander, a hand sander is a good option. Run the sander over your hardwood floors and then lower the grit level to further smooth out the floor. Use mineral spirits to then wipe on the surface to clean it thoroughly.

Once the floor has been sanded, it is ready to be refinished. Decide whether you will be using a water or oil based refinish. Oil is generally thought to provide better care and protection for your wood, but it takes longer to apply and dry. Oil based refinishers also have a strong smell and need to be properly ventilated.

If you are going to apply a stain to the hardwood flooring, this is the appropriate time to do so. If you’re not planning to apply a stain, then clean your refinished floor with mineral spirits and enjoy the fruit of your labor.