Detecting Signs Of Bad Hardwood Floor Installation

August 26, 2022

You deserve to have a durable and beautiful floor installation. For first-time remodelers that are heavily reliant on their contractors, it may be challenging to feel fully confident that the job is being done right.. Fortunately, there are actually signs of bad hardwood floor installation you can detect to prevent a bad hardwood floor installation.

Home improvement specialists at Harper Floors comprised a list of eight signs to look out for during your flooring installation. Catching these red flags early on in your renovation project could save you money on expensive replacements down the road.

1. Choosing the Wrong Material

Every home is unique and choosing the right material for your new flooring is essential.

The climate you live in plays a significant role in the lifespan of your flooring. Find material that matches your style and is compatible with the environment you live in.

Each type of flooring performs differently. During your search, researching high-performance flooring, such as Harper Floors’ Brazilian walnut solid wood flooring, will mean the difference between living with peace of mind about your floors and frequent floor maintenance.

2. Poor Planning

Problems with new flooring can begin immediately without proper planning. There are a set of steps that are necessary when preparing a home for flooring installation and when these steps are not followed, a number of issues can arise like:

Warped floors
Conflicting patterns
Safety hazards

Above all, contractors should not be laying down the new hardwood flooring without first preparing the subfloor due to a time crunch. Floor boards that later squeak and pop typically result from hasty installation.

Additionally, rooms are rarely shaped like a perfect square. Taking the time to point out obstacles around the room, and measure corners and angles meticulously is essential in quality floor installation. Contractors who cut corners (excuse the pun) on layout designs by getting started right away risk unnecessarily wasting material and forming aesthetically awkward sizes and shapes with the floor boards.

3. Failing To Check Room Moisture

This sign is easy to miss.

Moisture issues can significantly impact the wood on your floors by causing hardwood and vinyl floors to expand. The humidity level in your home is an important piece of information to have on hand if you end up having to file a claim for flooring that is under performing. Make sure your contractor or installer has performed the proper moisture readings. Save this information.

On the other hand, dry air can also cause certain wood materials to constrict. A reliable contractor can identify moisture levels and plan solutions to avoid damage. Professional flooring specialists will likely leave small gaps to allow the wood to settle during expansion. They may also recommend a humidifier.

Keep an eye out for warping in the floor that is digging or buckling against the wall. These traits may indicate that the contractor did not properly acclimate the flooring by measuring the moisture content of the wood and its environment.

4. Ugly Racking

Hardwood racking is a term we use to describe the order and pattern in which contractors arrange the planks. Proper racking is crucially needed for both style and function. Correct racking results in planks properly fitting together and a beautiful pattern throughout the room.

Ugly racking will expose awkward panel placements and is one of the signs of bad hardwood floor installation. A good racking strategy takes time and attention from qualified specialists. Remember that a single misplaced plank can throw off the entire floor design.

Enlist flooring contractors who treat your home like a piece of art. Don’t waste your money partnering with lazy technicians who will not complete the job right.

5. Improper Sanding

Sanding the wood for installation is an essential step in retaining its beauty and durability. A specialist should sand the wood in constant even strokes. Incorrectly sanding can strip the wood of its finish.

Contractors that do not sand wood correctly can weaken the strength of the flooring. Residents are also prone to injuries or splinters. If the problem is too significant, it may require a complete floor replacement.

Poor sanding is one of the signs of bad hardwood floor installation. Even if the measurements of the layout are correct, improper sanding can render the entire floor unstable. At Harper Floors, we offer prefinished hardwood floors, so this will never be an issue to worry about. All Harper Floors are sanded in fully automated facilities giving the product precision and consistency of the surfaces.

6. Not Enough Nails

Using the right measurements and adhesive can secure your hardwood into place. Still, there is more to do. Nails and other sturdy fasteners are critical for a long-lasting floor.

Creaking in the floorboards may be the result of an unprepared subfloor. Another culprit may be a lack of nails securing wood in place. Nails affect the tension between planks on the floor.

Using the proper amount of nails will prevent warping and uneven levels. Areas of hardwood that are buckling from lack of nails can compromise the integrity of the entire floor. Keep your new wood lasting as long as possible by placing the correct amount of fasteners in the right spots.

7. Ignoring Clean Up

Interior home improvements can be messy. Ensure that your technicians prevent outside dirt from accumulating inside the house. Respectable companies use methods that keep the floor as clean as possible during installation, like laying drop cloths and wearing protective booties.

Despite the strategies some contractors use to protect the home, they will still need to cl

ean up afterward. Don’t let the flooring specialist leave before they’ve taken the time to clean. Dirt and grime can tarnish your wood coating and get stuck between gaps and adhesive.

Thousands of homeowners are stuck cleaning up in this scenario. Unfortunately, they do not always have the tools or time necessary to save their floors from wear. Get the life expectancy from your hardwood that you pay for and hire a thorough contractor.

8. Not Having Reliable Help

While DIY floor installation is achievable for some, your best bet for a high-quality, long-lasting floor is to hire an experienced flooring contractor.

Enlisting help from lazy or incompetent technicians wastes your time and your money. Hire a company that respects you and your home. This way, you get the best flooring solutions available.

Get Superior Materials Today

Are you ready to begin your hardwood floor replacement? The right floors start with the right materials. Harper Floors is the one-stop shop for superior hardwood and vinyl on the market.

Easily browse flooring options and shop online from the comfort of your home. With over 25 years in the industry, our specialists can advise you on the best flooring materials and guide you through the process. Our company sources high-quality materials so you get the flooring solution you deserve.

Do you have questions about your installation process? We can advise you on choosing a wood floor color and the appropriate materials to use.

If you notice any signs of bad hardwood floor installation, contact us today. Harper Floors will help you find the solutions you need. Call us at 1-888-807-2704.