What to Know Before Installing Hardwood Floors
- Feb 23
- 4 min read
Installing hardwood floors is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to any home or commercial space. The warmth, character, and timeless appeal of real wood underfoot adds lasting value that few other materials can match. But before the first plank goes down, there is a fair amount of groundwork to cover. From choosing the right product to preparing your subfloor and understanding your environment, a little knowledge upfront can make the difference between a flawless installation and a costly do-over. Here is what you need to know before getting started.
Understand Your Space First
The condition and makeup of your space will largely determine which flooring option is right for you. Start by assessing the subfloor. Is it concrete, plywood, or something else? Is there any moisture issue in the room? These are critical questions because wood is a natural material that responds to humidity and temperature changes. Rooms with high moisture levels, like basements, require special consideration and may be better suited to a product like EVP Flooring, which is 100% waterproof and dimensionally stable, making it ideal for environments where solid wood would warp or buckle over time.
Also take note of foot traffic levels, whether you have pets, and whether the room gets a lot of direct sunlight. All of these factors will influence the species, thickness, and finish you ultimately choose.
Choose the Right Type of Hardwood Flooring
Once you have a clear picture of your space, the next step is selecting the right product. When it comes to hardwood flooring, the two primary options are pre-finished and unfinished, and each has distinct advantages depending on your project goals.
Pre-Finished Flooring arrives from the manufacturer with the stain and protective topcoat already applied. This makes for a much faster installation timeline since there is no drying or curing time required after the boards go down. The finish is applied in a controlled factory environment, which often results in exceptional durability. This is a great choice for homeowners who want minimal disruption and a quick turnaround.
Unfinished Flooring, on the other hand, is sanded, stained, and finished on-site after installation. This approach gives you far greater control over the final appearance, including custom stain colors and sheen levels that can be perfectly matched to your interior. It also allows the floor to be sanded flush with adjacent flooring, creating a seamless look throughout a space. While the process takes longer due to drying time between coats, the result is a truly custom floor that is hard to replicate with factory-finished boards.
Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Flooring (EVP)
One of the first decisions you'll face is choosing between solid hardwood and engineered flooring. Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood, offering a timeless look and the ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime. It's a premium, long-lasting choice — but it's sensitive to moisture and humidity changes. Engineered Vinyl Plank (EVP) flooring, on the other hand, features a real wood veneer over a layered core, making it more dimensionally stable and better suited for areas prone to moisture, like basements. At Olson Floor Supply, we carry both options so you can find the right fit for your space and budget.
At Olson Floor Supply, we carry everything professionals and homeowners need to complete a flooring project from start to finish. From premium wood selections and finishing products to professional-grade machinery for purchase, our team is here to help you make informed decisions and get the best possible results. With over two decades of experience serving contractors, developers, and homeowners across New York and Connecticut, Olson Floor Supply is the trusted resource for quality flooring products and expert guidance. Whether you are just beginning to plan your project or you are ready to get started, stop by or reach out, we are happy to help every step of the way.
Acclimation Is Not Optional
One of the most overlooked steps before installation is acclimation. Wood needs time to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the space where it will be installed. Bringing flooring directly from a warehouse into your home and installing it the same day is a recipe for issues. Generally, solid hardwood should acclimate for at least three to five days in the room where it will be installed. Engineered options may require less time, but it is always best to follow the manufacturer's recommendation and the advice of your installer.
Prepare the Subfloor Properly
A smooth, clean, and level subfloor is essential for any successful flooring installation. Uneven subfloors can cause boards to creak, separate, or crack over time. Check for any squeaks, soft spots, or protruding nails and address these issues before the new floor goes in. For nail-down installations, make sure the subfloor material is appropriate, typically at least 3/4-inch plywood. For glue-down installations, the surface must be completely clean and free of any old adhesive or debris. If you are going over concrete, perform a moisture test first to ensure the slab is dry enough for installation.
Tools, Supplies, and Professional Support
Having the right tools and materials on hand before you begin saves time and prevents mid-project delays. Depending on your installation method, you may need adhesives, fasteners, underlayment, polyurethane, stains, and sanding equipment. You will also need a quality nailer or stapler for nail-down installations. If you are finishing an unfinished floor on-site, you will need both a drum sander and an edge sander to achieve a smooth, consistent surface before applying stain and finish coats.
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