Installing Hardwood Floors: Proper Planning - By: John Reynolds, Posted on: 2007-07-26

So, you've decided to take the plunge and have hardwood flooring installed in your home. Congratulations! Here's a handy checklist - just some things that you should take care of BEFORE the work begins.

Right off - you want to inform your whole household that you are going to have those floors worked on. Tell them when it is going to happen, and what will be expected from them during the install. This family meeting is very important - especially if you have kids. When the workmen get to your home and begin work, there will be lots of noise, dust and confusion, and this meeting will help everyone to prepare.

Before the workmen arrive, and well before the date of the installation, you will need to go into the room that is going to be re-floored and take everything out: all the furniture, everything on the walls, all the curtains, drapes and blinds - everything.

Why do this? Because having this stuff in the room will hinder their work - or it could get damaged while they are in there. Make sure that everything that is moved out can be left in it's storage location for a while, as you will not be able to go into the room while the finish on your new flooring is drying and curing.

Now, what about the pets? Do you really want them to get into your newly-floored room and scratch up all the woodwork, or leave pet hair imbedded in the still-sticky finish? I didn't think so - so make sure that your pet can't get back into the room. If necessary, leave your pets at a family or neighbor's house for a few days.

Speaking of floor finishes, after your hardwood flooring has been installed, and it has been sanded and finished, you will need to just leave it to sit and dry for a few days. During this time, don't walk on the floor, and don't move any furniture back in. Your hardwood floor installer will tell you how long you will have to wait.

Once the floor has had sufficient time to dry, it will be time to move the furniture back in. A good practice is to make sure to put small protectors under the legs and bottoms of the furniture. Small rugs can also work well, as well as pads.

Also, be careful that you don't walk on your floors with hard rubber soles, on in spikes or cleats (such as are found on athletic shoes). Ladies should not walk in high heels as well. If you need to protect an entrance way or stairway from the high traffic in those areas, you can put down rugs or mats - this will help keep your hardwood floors looking like new.

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The author of this article, John Reynolds writes abouthome improvement and Restoring Hardwood Floors Learn more aboutAnderson Hardwood Floors by visiting his website.
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