There is no shortage of reality TV shows focused on home improvement. With this inundation of homeowners tackling DIY projects, it’s easy to think that as long as someone has a tape measure and hammer in the kitchen junk drawer, installing wood flooring would be a breeze. Reality TV might make DIY projects look easy, but the true reality is hardwood flooring installation is a craft that takes years of training to perfect. Let’s take a look at some of the major benefits of hiring a pro.
The right wood floor for your lifestyle
Wood floors add natural beauty and timeless style to any décor. Whether your home is traditional or contemporary, brand new or centuries old, wood floors offer endless design possibilities and make it easy to fit your home’s needs and personal style. Choices abound, including a variety of species, cuts, colors, and finishes. Working with a wood flooring professional makes the selection process much simpler. A professional will listen to what you like and how you expect to use your floor, then guide you toward the most suitable wood floor for your lifestyle.
The right skills and tools
A successful installation is reliant on several factors, including having the proper tools on hand. For example, if the subfloor isn’t prepared properly, it could lead to issues like squeaking. Wood flooring needs to be properly acclimated before installation, otherwise, it may expand or shrink later causing damage to the floor. Having an uneven floor or a room that’s not rectangular can add further difficulty to the installation process. These factors are often underestimated by DIYers in their excitement to get the work started. A hardwood flooring professional has the expertise to navigate all of these factors and the specific tools required to install wood flooring with extreme precision.
Tool safety is another important consideration. Inexperienced DIYers don’t just risk doing a bad job on their floors, they can also risk serious injury. Wood flooring professionals are trained to safely use the various tools needed to do the job right.
Save time and money
If you’re inexperienced, you’ll take much longer installing your floor than a professional. This extra time, and the disruption an ongoing project will cause in your home, are important factors to consider. A professional will know just how long the work will take and will provide a detailed schedule of the process, so you can adequately prepare for the project and its impact on your home. During the installation process, you will also need the right tools. If you do not already own these, you will need to rent or buy them adding additional expense to your project.
When you replace a floor in your home, it’s your responsibility to dispose of the old flooring material. You’re unlikely to have space in your trash cans after a major flooring job and dumping fees at a landfill can be expensive. Plus, if you don’t own a pickup truck or a trailer, transporting the old flooring to the landfill may also be challenging. A hardwood flooring professional will not only install a high-quality wood floor, but will also dispose of your old floor and waste materials with ease, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Industry standards and training
The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) represents more than 25,000 professionals worldwide, so finding one in your area is easy. NWFA members have access to industry standards, training programs, and skills certifications that validate their professional expertise. The NWFA also maintains a Certification Program that was developed to recognize and promote the competence of wood flooring professionals throughout the industry. Industry professionals undergo both online and hands-on testing to earn their certifications. NWFA Certified Professionals set themselves apart from their competition by attending training and earning certifications through the NWFA. Certification validates industry knowledge and expertise and recognizes individuals as experts in their field.
- Search for an NWFA Certified Professional in your area who can help you choose the floor that best suits your lifestyle and install them in your home.
- Search for a Contractor member in your area.
- Search for a Dealer/Retailer member in your area. A dealer/retailer can help you specify which floor is best for your home.
- Search for an NWFA Certified Wood Flooring Inspector in your area. If you are experiencing problems with your wood floors, an inspector will investigate the issue and discover the cause.
It’s easy to see the countless benefits of hiring a pro. An experienced flooring professional’s services will save you headaches, time, and money, and make your new floor look its best.
