Are you getting ready to install new hardwood floors? You don’t have to sit idle and wait for the professionals to arrive for the action to start! Some simple prep work will ensure that the hardwood flooring installation goes smoothly. From clearing out the furniture to removing trim and baseboards, this definitive guide will get your home ready for hardwood floors in no time.
List of Contents
Hardwood Flooring Installation Prep Guide
1. Remove Furniture and Breakable Items
First things first: you’ll need to clear out the room entirely of any furniture or breakable items. If you have large pieces of furniture, you may want to consider renting a storage unit for the duration of the hardwood flooring installation.
For smaller items and breakables, find a different room in your home to store them temporarily. If you are dragging furniture, be sure to use furniture sliders to avoid damaging your floors or walls!
Now that the room is empty, it’s time to start prepping for installation!
2. Don’t Forget to Clear Closets and Storage Areas
It’s easy to forget about the nooks and crannies. Remove any items from the free-standing closets and storage spaces where new flooring will be installed. This includes anything on shelves, cabinets, or drawers. Even if you think an item won’t be in the way of installation, it’s better than sorry!
Once everything is cleared out, give the area a good sweep or vacuum to get rid of any dirt, dust, and debris.
3. Disconnect Gas and Electric Lines
If you have any gas-powered appliances in the room where the professionals will install hardwood flooring, you must disconnect the gas lines before installation begins. The same goes for any electrical lines – hardwood flooring installers will need clear access to outlets and switches, so make sure all cords are disconnected and out of the way.
Once the lines are disconnected, be sure to label them so you know which ones go where when it’s time to reconnect everything.
If you need help with disconnecting gas or electric lines, be sure to call a professional before proceeding.
4. Assist with Dust Control
Any installer worth their salt will take measures to control the amount of dust generated during hardwood flooring installation. However, there are a few things you can do as a homeowner to assist with this process and help keep your home clean.
To help contain the dust and protect your other rooms, seal off the doorway with plastic sheeting and tape.
In addition to sealing off the doorways, be sure to cover any HVAC vents in the room to prevent dust from circulating throughout your home.
If something specific needs protection from dust, such as instruments or electronics, be sure to cover them with a tarp, drop cloth, or sheet.
5. Remove Baseboards and Molding
It’s time to start removing baseboards and trim – doing so will allow the hardwood flooring installers to get a tight fit against the wall. Use a pry bar to gently remove the baseboards, taking care not to damage the drywall beneath.
Use a utility knife to score the paint line between the molding and the wall for any molding or trim around doorways, windows, or fireplaces. Be careful when removing these pieces, as you’ll want to reuse them if possible. Use a pry bar or putty knife to remove the molding from the wall carefully. If the molding is hardwood, be extra careful not to damage it!
Once everything is removed, set the baseboards and molding aside in a safe place – you’ll be able to reinstall them once the hardwood floors are in place!
6. Figure Out a Pet Plan
Unless you have an exceptionally relaxed dog or cat, they’ll not likely enjoy being around during the installation. Not only is the process noisy, but there will be strangers in and out of your home all day.
To avoid stressful situations (for you or your pet), it’s best to make arrangements for them to stay elsewhere during the hardwood flooring installation. If you have a friend or family member nearby willing to take them in for a few days, that’s ideal. If not, there are always pet hotels or doggy daycares!
When it comes to hardwood flooring installation, a lot goes into the process – but that doesn’t mean it has to be stressful! With some preparation (and help from a friend or family member), you can get your home ready for new hardwood floors in no time.
Check Out Our Hardwood Flooring Showroom
Dublin Carpet has an extensive collection of hardwood flooring options for any of your residential or commercial flooring needs. We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and help you find the perfect hardwood floors for your home or business. Call us today at (925) 833-0165 to schedule an appointment!
