Hardwood Flooring Installation

Hardwood flooring installation

Hardwood floors a perfect solution for your home!

A man is measuring a piece of wood with a tape measure.

At Inglewood Flooring Service, we understand that choosing the right flooring for your home is a significant decision, and hardwood flooring often stands out as a timeless and elegant choice. Whether you're captivated by its natural beauty, durability, or potential to increase home value, hardwood flooring might just be the perfect fit for you. We'll explore the top five signs that indicate hardwood flooring is right for your home, helping you make an informed decision.


Once your floors are installed, maintaining them doesn't have to be a daunting task. We have compiled a list of ten practical ways to keep your hardwood floors looking pristine and lasting for years. From using the right cleaning tools to managing humidity levels, these tips will ensure your floors maintain their shine and elegance.


We're excited to guide you through the process of selecting, installing, and maintaining the perfect hardwood flooring for your space. Our expertise and dedication make Inglewood Flooring Service your go-to choice for all your flooring needs in Inglewood, California. We look forward to enhancing the beauty of your home with quality hardwood floor solutions.
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Why Choose Hardwood Flooring

We understand that choosing the right flooring is critical for enhancing the beauty and value of your home. Hardwood flooring offers numerous benefits that make it a popular choice among homeowners.


Durability: Hardwood flooring is known for its long-lasting nature. When properly maintained, it can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a smart investment for high-traffic areas in your home.

Versatility: Hardwood flooring comes in a wide array of styles, colors, and finishes. It can complement any aesthetic, from modern to traditional, allowing you to customize it to match your personal style.

Easy Maintenance: Keeping hardwood floors clean is straightforward. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping can maintain their luster. We recommend specific cleaning products designed for hardwood to ensure the best results.

Aesthetic Appeal: Hardwood floors add warmth and elegance to any space. Their timeless beauty can enhance the overall appearance of your home, making your living space inviting and sophisticated.

Health Benefits: Unlike carpets, hardwood flooring does not trap dust, allergens, or pet dander. This can lead to improved indoor air quality, contributing positively to the health of our household members.


Incorporating hardwood flooring into your home offers a host of advantages. With the combination of beauty, durability, and ease of maintenance, it's clear why so many choose hardwood as their flooring of choice. At Inglewood Flooring Service, we're here to help you make the best decision for your space.


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Is Hardwood Flooring Right for You?

Choosing the right flooring for your home is crucial. We will address important indicators that highlight when hardwood flooring fits your needs, factors you should think about before installation, and how hardwood compares to other flooring options.


Top 5 Signs Hardwood Flooring Is for You


  1. Durability Needs: If you're looking for a flooring option that can withstand heavy foot traffic and last for decades, hardwood is an excellent choice.
  2. Aesthetic Appeal: For those who prioritize a timeless and elegant look, hardwood offers a classic aesthetic that can enhance any room's appearance.
  3. Maintenance Preferences: Hardwood flooring suits you if you prefer a surface that requires regular but simple cleaning routines.
  4. Allergy Concerns: Hardwood is ideal if you're concerned about allergies, as it doesn't trap dust, pollen, and other allergens like carpets do.
  5. Home Value Increase: If boosting your home's resale value is important, installing hardwood can be a wise investment.


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Considerations Before Installation

Before deciding, weigh factors that might affect your choice. Acclimation is essential; flooring should adjust to room temperature and humidity at least 72 hours before installation to avoid issues later. Ensure proper preparation by clearing installation areas and adhering to specific temperature and humidity guidelines for the flooring.

Soundproofing might also be a consideration, as hardwood can be noisier than other types of flooring. Address this with underlays or rugs if sound concerns arise. Budgeting is crucial; hardwood can be more expensive upfront compared to other materials, so align your choice with financial plans.



Comparing Hardwood to Other Flooring Types

Hardwood flooring stands out against other materials like carpet, laminate, and tile. Durability is a key advantage, with hardwood enduring longer than laminate and offering more resistance to wear than carpets. In terms of aesthetics, hardwood provides a natural and luxurious look unmatched by synthetic materials.

Maintenance for hardwood is straightforward but requires consistency; unlike tile, which can stain or chip, or carpet that can become worn or discolored. If longevity and a classic appearance are priorities, hardwood is a compelling choice compared to these alternatives.





Hardwood Flooring Installation Process

The installation process of hardwood flooring involves several critical steps, from selecting the appropriate type of wood to ensuring it's properly maintained after installation. By following clear and methodical steps, we can ensure a durable, attractive floor.



Selecting Your Ideal Hardwood

Choosing the right hardwood is the first step in our installation journey. With various options like oak, maple, and cherry, the grain pattern, hardness, and color must align with your design preferences and lifestyle needs.

Considering the room’s traffic level is crucial. For high-traffic areas, harder woods such as hickory might be preferable. Engineered hardwood offers flexibility in areas with fluctuating humidity levels. We should always prioritize eco-friendly options with certifications ensuring sustainable sourcing.



Preparation for Installation

Before we install, preparing the space is essential. This involves removing existing flooring and making sure the subfloor is clean and level. Ensuring that your hardwood has time to acclimate to the room's humidity is also key.

We typically deliver hardwood planks two days in advance. This helps reduce any expansion or contraction after installation. Finally, confirm appropriate temperature and humidity levels to guarantee optimal conditions for laying your floor.


Step-by-Step Installation Guide

We begin installation by marking a starting line, usually a 3/4-inch gap from the wall, to allow for wood expansion. The first board is placed with the groove towards the wall, ensuring a straight line. Spacers help maintain consistent gaps.

As we lay each row, ensure that the joints are staggered for stability using a mallet to fit boards snugly together. For the final row, boards may need to be cut lengthwise to ensure a perfect fit, maintaining expansion gaps all around. 



Post-Installation Tips

After installation, maintaining our hardwood floor’s appearance and longevity includes regular cleaning and monitoring indoor climate conditions. To protect against scratches, we suggest using furniture pads and area rugs in high-traffic zones.

Moisture is hardwood’s enemy, so quickly cleaning spills and avoiding excessive water during cleaning is critical. Our maintenance routine should involve sweeping daily and using recommended hardwood cleaners monthly to keep floors looking new. Regular inspections help identify any potential issues early, ensuring longevity and beauty.



A close up of a wooden floor with a checkered pattern.


Customization Options

With hardwood flooring, homeowners can choose from a wide range of customization options to match their specific design preferences. These choices include a variety of finishes, patterns, and board types, allowing us to create a truly unique look.

Stains and Finishes

Selecting the right stain and finish can dramatically change the appearance of hardwood floors. Light stains offer a bright, airy feel, while darker stains add warmth and elegance. We can also choose from finishes like matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss, each offering different levels of sheen and maintenance requirements. Each option affects not just appearance but also durability, important for high-traffic areas.

Patterns and Layouts

The layout of flooring can significantly influence a room's aesthetics. Common patterns include the classic straight lay, which highlights the natural grain of the wood. For a more intricate design, we might consider herringbone or chevron patterns, which create a dynamic, visually striking effect. Diagonal layouts can make a space feel larger, offering another unique option for customization.

Board Widths and Textures

Board widths range from narrow strips to wide planks, each providing a distinctive style. Narrow boards lend a traditional look and work well in small spaces. Wide planks offer a more contemporary, spacious feel. The texture choice, such as smooth, hand-scraped, or wire-brushed, adds character by showcasing or minimizing the wood's natural imperfections, ensuring the floor meets both aesthetic and functional needs.


A person is using a machine to clean a wooden floor.

Maintenance and Care

At Inglewood Flooring Service, we know how important it is to keep your hardwood floors looking their best. Proper maintenance can extend the life of your flooring and maintain its aesthetic appeal.


  • 1. Regular Sweeping

    Use a soft-bristle broom to regularly sweep your floors. This helps remove dirt, dust, and debris that can accumulate and potentially scratch the surface. Make it a habit to sweep at least once a week to keep your floors looking pristine.


  • 2. Vacuum Gently

    When vacuuming, opt for a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar or with a setting specifically designed for hard floors. This prevents damage to the wood and helps maintain its finish. Vacuuming once or twice a week can significantly reduce dirt buildup.


  • 3. Use Doormats

    Place doormats at all entryways to trap dirt and moisture before they enter your home. This simple addition can significantly reduce wear and tear on your floors by preventing grit from being tracked inside.


  • 4. Avoid Water

    Water can be detrimental to wood floors, so it's essential to act quickly when spills occur. Use a dry or slightly damp cloth to wipe up any spills immediately. Avoid soaking the floor, as excess moisture can warp or damage the wood over time.


  • 5. Polish Periodically

    To keep your wood floors looking their best, apply a wood floor polish every couple of months. This not only enhances the shine but also provides a protective layer against scratches and scuffs. Choose a product that is compatible with your floor type for optimal results.


  • 6. Furniture Pads

    Apply felt pads to the legs of all furniture pieces to prevent dents and scratches when items are moved or shifted. These pads create a protective barrier between the furniture and the floor, minimizing damage and making it easier to slide heavy items.


  • 7. Rugs and Carpets

    In high-traffic areas, consider using area rugs or carpets for added protection. These can absorb impact and prevent wear on your floors while adding style to your space. Be sure to choose rugs with non-slip backing to keep them securely in place.


  • 8. Humidity Control

    Maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30-50% is crucial for the longevity of wood floors. Use a humidifier in dry months and ensure proper ventilation in humid conditions to prevent warping or cracking of the wood.


  • 9. Sun Protection

    Direct sunlight can cause fading over time, so consider using curtains or blinds to shield your floors from UV rays during peak sunlight hours. This simple step can help preserve the color and finish of your wood flooring for years to come.


  • 10. No High Heels

    Encourage family members and guests to remove shoes, especially high heels, before walking on your wood floors. High heels can create dents and scratches that detract from the beauty of your flooring. Consider providing a designated area for shoes near entryways to make this easier.


Daily Care Routine

We recommend sweeping or dust mopping daily to keep dust and abrasive particles at bay. A microfiber mop is ideal for this task. For deeper cleaning, consider using a pH-balanced cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors. This ensures a clean surface without any sticky residue. Always dry mop after to prevent moisture infiltration.

Seasonal Maintenance Guide

With the changing seasons, make minor adjustments in care. During wet seasons, increase mopping frequency to address any water or mud brought indoors. In warmer months, observe the effects on wood expansion and apply additional polish to mitigate any surface irregularities. Regularly check and maintain climate control systems to ensure consistent humidity that aligns with floor care requirements.

Repair and Restoration Services

Even with diligent care, hardwood floors may need professional services from time to time. We offer repair services for scratches, dents, and routine wear. Our restoration services are perfect for more extensive needs, such as sanding and refinishing, making your floors look as stunning as the day they were installed. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.


Cost Considerations and Financing

When planning hardwood flooring installation at Inglewood Flooring Service, it's important to assess cost factors carefully.

Installation costs range widely. For an average 340 sq. ft. living room, expenses fall between $2,500 and $7,500. For a 2,000 sq. ft. home, the cost spans $14,700 to $44,000. Key factors like material choice, labor, and area significantly impact the total price.

We offer financing options to help manage expenses. Flexible payment plans are available to suit varying budgets. Customers can explore monthly installment options to spread the cost over a longer period.

Consider the following when planning the budget:

  • Materials: Costs range from $4 to $15 per square foot.
  • Labor: Averages between $3 and $10 per square foot.
  • Additional Costs: Subfloor preparation and removal of existing flooring may add to the bill.

Here's a quick cost breakdown:


Cost Range

Materials

$4 - $15/sq ft

Labor

$3 - $10/sq ft

Total Installation

$12.24 - $15.54/sq ft

Entire Home Estimate

$14,700 - $44,000


Understanding these costs helps us tailor solutions to fit clients' financial plans, ensuring that our quality services remain accessible to everyone.



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