How to Prepare Your Home for a Hardwood Floor Installation in Sacramento, CA

Installing hardwood floors is an exciting upgrade for any home. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of wide planks or the durability of engineered wood, preparing your space properly can make the entire hardwood floor installation process smoother and more successful. If you’re planning to install hardwood in Sacramento, CA, here’s everything you need to know before the work begins.
 

Why Preparation Matters

Even the most quality hardwood will not perform well without proper prep work. Floors need to be installed on a flat, dry surface, and environmental factors like temperature and humidity play a significant role. Preparing in advance not only protects your investment but ensures the beauty of your floors lasts for years.
 

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Home

• Clear the Area: Remove all furniture, rugs, and décor from the installation area. This gives the installers room to work efficiently and prevents any damage to your belongings.
• Check Subfloor Conditions: If you're replacing old flooring, make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Uneven surfaces may lead to creaks or gaps after installing hardwood floors.
• Control the Indoor Environment: Wood is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Before hardwood floor installation, maintain a consistent indoor climate between 60°F–80°F and 30%–50% humidity.
• Acclimate the Wood: Your new quality hardwood should be delivered a few days before installation to allow it to acclimate to your home’s environment. This step helps reduce the risk of expansion or contraction after it's installed.
• Plan for Noise and Dust: While professionals do their best to minimize disruption, hardwood floor installation can be noisy and dusty. Consider staying in another area of the home or scheduling work while you're away.

Know What to Do After Installation

Once your new floors are installed, be cautious with furniture placement. Avoid placing heavy items immediately and use protective pads under furniture legs. To keep your floors looking beautiful, learn how to clean hardwood floors using the correct, wood-safe products.
 

Start with a Smooth Foundation

At Palm Design + Surfaces, our experienced team guides you through every step of installing hardwood floors, from choosing quality hardwood to prepping your Sacramento-area home. We proudly serve homeowners in Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, East Sacramento, Gold River, Pocket, and Granite Bay. Visit our showroom or contact us to get started on your hardwood flooring journey.