Does the thought of planning and preparing for new flooring feel daunting? It can be hard to know where to start. With expert guidance from Bigelow Flooring, you can make informed choices that will pave the way to a smooth installation. Here’s how to prepare for new flooring:
Understand the Basics
Knowing about technical aspects, like measurements and floor levelness, is one of the first steps for a successful installation of new flooring in your home.
Measurements and Direction
Measuring Square Footage: You’ll need to measure the square footage of your space to determine how much flooring product you’ll require for the installation. This is where our online measuring tool comes in handy. This calculator will provide you with an estimate, but it’s still important to have a professional measure the space to determine the exact amount needed and other factors.
Decide the Direction: The direction in which you lay your flooring matters. For hardwood, go perpendicular to the joists. This will enhance the stability of the subfloor, reduce squeaking, and minimize bumps from joists down the line. Warranties will often depend on this alignment.
Levelness Matters
Sometimes it’s beneficial if you remove the existing floor when preparing for your new flooring. This will allow a professional to better gauge the levelness of your floor, which is particularly important for hardwood and vinyl plank flooring. Also consider:
- Older Homes: If your home has uneven floors or requires extensive prep work, we can suggest alternative flooring options that suit your needs.
- Basements: Concrete floors in basements may require more extensive levelling, particularly when considering thinner products like vinyl plank.
Consult with Experts
Navigating the details of new flooring can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Booking a one-on-one consultation with Bigelow Flooring can make all the difference. Here are some of the areas where our experts can provide answers and guidance:
Tile Placement: If you’re opting for tile, the starting point matters for both aesthetics and ease of installation.
Floating Floors: The ease and adaptability of floating floors make them popular, but they have their nuances. We’ll guide you through the process of choosing and installing them.
Material Selection: Whether it’s the durability of hardwood, the comfort of carpet, or the water resistance of vinyl, we can help you match your needs to the ideal material.
Warranties: Warranties can sometimes depend on the direction of your flooring. We’ll help you understand how different warranty options relate to your chosen flooring type and installation methods.
Are you ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation in our showroom. We look forward to discussing your flooring plans with you.
