Hardwood Flooring Installation: You Vs. The Professionals

Hardwood flooring installation is an art form. Many people that seek professions in the industry come from generations of wooden floor installers. The job requires skill, patience and attention to detail. Installers not only understand the grade and grain of wood, they are also comfortable with all different types of wood and finishes.

Of course there are so many products on the market these days that are working to make the hardwood flooring installation companies obselete. Do it yourself home stores offer pre-cut floor panels that can be easily fit together. Like a puzzle, a homeowner can buy the panels so they match a room’s dimensions and lock each piece together. A homeowner will need a little bit of instruction determining what needs to be placed under the floor for proper protection against moisture.

These panels come in all types from bamboo to hardwood. For someone on a tight budget, they can look really good and give a room the wooden floor look in no time. However, like any easy solution, these panels have their problems. If not installed correctly they can slide a part causing damage or injury. The panels are often not the highest grade of wood so may need to be replaced more frequently.

If you do not have the desire to do it yourself or you want something a little more sturdy and standard then the preformed panels bought at the home store, talk to a professional. A professional hardwood flooring installation company can walk you through the process of installing wood floors in your home.

Look for a company that will consult with you and give you an estimate on cost and timeline. In fact, talk to several companies and compare the prices. And, if you still aren’t sold on paying a professional to install floors for you, compare the prices of the companies to what it would cost you to do it. Just don’t forget to factor in time and labor costs for yourself. Although, clearly, you won’t be paying yourself to install your floors, you still need to consider all of the other things you could be doing, like work, family time or other home projects.

When comparing costs between doing the floors yourself or having them done professionally, keep in mind that the professional installed floors will last longer. Over time the pre-formed panel floors could breakdown becoming damaged and in need of repair or replacement. Consider the costs involved in the upkeep of do it yourself floors and professional installed one. Professionally installed floors should require very little maintenance if any.

There are many things to consider when choosing to install floors yourself or to have a professional hardwood flooring installation team do it. Think through all the factors before making a decision.