Wood floor contractors are as varied as the products they install in your home. You’ll find top-shelf, trusted professionals who invest in insurance and high-quality tools. Others are the bargain bin varieties that aren’t a good investment of your remodeling dollars. The cream of the crop let customers in on the industry secrets that can make the most of their purchases.
Why Wood Floor Contractors Like to Work Last
Every once in a while, particularly in a new build, a homeowner or builder will become annoyed with a wood floor installer’s insistence on being the last professional to work in the space. No, it’s not arrogance or laziness, and it isn’t a diva trip. The installers are looking out for the long-term integrity of the floor (and for their business).
They know the science behind wood flooring – its hygroscopic properties mean bad news when wet paint or plaster comes into play. It absorbs moisture from the environment and can become warped during installation because of it. Down the road, homeowners might find their floors are uneven, curling upward toward walls or having gaps between boards.
It’s a good idea for wood contractors to complete their work last so they can control the moisture conditions in the space during installation. According to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), humidity levels should be between 30 and 50 percent, and temperature should be between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
A general contractor might think two days of sitting in a structure is enough to acclimate wood flooring to the environment. Flooring professionals know to measure moisture levels, and they also know what tools – if any – are capable of correcting high humidity levels to allow for safe installation.
What Credentials Wood Floor Contractors Care About
In the remodeling world, there are two types of flooring installers. Those who specialize, and those who don’t. General liability insurance is important in either case. Amateurs might not carry it, so if you’re getting low quotes from an individual, ask to see his policy before you schedule the work.
Specialized training and tools are just as important. Everything from the way a piece of wood lays to the proper care regimen to recommend has a big impact on how the floor will look, sound and feel over time. Installers can get this information straight from manufacturers, or they can join a professional organization such as NWFA for the latest techniques and market trends.
You should also expect your wood floor installation team to have their business legally registered and listed on Google, Yelp and the like.
How Wood Floor Contractors Keep Customers Happy
Setting reasonable expectations is a skill every successful, long-term flooring professional must possess. Depending on the type of flooring you want installed, it could take weeks to prepare the materials. This is especially true when you’ve selected a type of wood that does not naturally grow in your area or if you’re heading into a particularly wet season.
It might sound better to hear that someone can get a job done right away, but you will struggle to achieve lasting results if you rush the process.
Want to learn the secrets of the best wood floor contractors in Georgia? Be sure to give our team at Atlanta Floors a call. We can tip you off to the best techniques for replacing, repairing, refinishing or installing new wooden floors.
