Home improvement projects tend to fall into one of a few categories. There’s the easy DIY projects, the professionals only projects, and a middle ground where the seasoned home improvement DIYer could probably get it done, but calling a pro could also be warranted. So where does installing a hardwood floor fit?
Engineered vs Solid Hardwood
One of the first things you’ll need to do to answer that question is decide what sort of hardwood you’re dealing with. There’s a difference between engineered and solid hardwood, and it can impact the degree of difficulty your project has. Engineered wood is mostly a substrate of layered wood with a thin covering of hardwood. Some engineered wood can be locked into place without the need for nails or glue, while the rest will generally need to be nailed or glued down to be installed. Solid hardwood is more difficult to install. You’ll need a special nailer to install it, and it will need to be sanded down and finished.
Skills You Need
There are a few different skills you’ll need to install a hardwood floor in addition to the basics of using a hammer and screwdriver. To start, you need to be able to take accurate measurements and determine how level the floor is. If you’re installing solid hardwood, you’ll need to be able to use a pneumatic nail gun and a sander. You may also need to know your way around applying a finish to the floor.
The Benefits of Hiring Professionals
If those are already skills you have, then installing a hardwood floor yourself might be something within your capacity, whether you choose to use solid hardwood or engineered wood. If not, hiring professionals to handle the installation is a better option. Hardwood floors can look stunningly beautiful, but only if they’re done right. Hiring professionals to handle the installation, including the sanding and finishing helps ensure that yours will be done properly the first time.
At the end of the day, whether or not you can install a hardwood floor yourself depends on the type of hardwood you’re using and the skills you have. Hiring professionals is always an option, though. Make sure you know what you’re getting into with the installation of a hardwood floor before you get started to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
It helps to have home design professionals on your side for home improvement projects. Contact us to see how we can help you with yours today!
