- Where to install what: Natural hardwoods are susceptible to moisture. For basements or over concrete, engineered hardwoods are a must.
- Strip or plank size: Hardwoods are supplied as boards, called strips if they’re narrow or planks if they’re wider. Strips make a small room look larger, but planks are best installed in larger spaces.
- Square or beveled edges: Which you choose depends on your subfloor and your environment. The 90°-angled edges of square boards can reveal little imperfections much more readily than the rounded edges of beveled or microbeveled boards.
- Colors and grain: Tree species determine the basic color of natural hardwoods, but cut direction reveals the grain. No two natural hardwood floors look the same, which contributes to their appeal. Darker woods make a formal impression, whereas lighter colors look more casual.
- Finishes: Traditional hardwood floor installation includes onsite application of surface finishes. By contrast, pre-finished hardwoods offer greater color consistency among boards and more uniformity after installation. To repair a pre-finished floor, simply replace damaged boards rather than refinish the entire floor.
Ready for installation day
Some of our installers have worked with us for 15 years or more. Their professional experience helps your new floor look and perform its best.
Plan your checklist
Before
- Decide who’s responsible for removing furniture and other objects. Installers can do this – for an additional fee.
- Installers may need to remove moldings and baseboards. Be prepared to take care of any repairs or paint touchups.
- Remove any breakables, computers and electronics before installers arrive.
- Clear off tables and desks.
- Remove the contents from bookcases, entertainment centers and armoires.
- Disconnect gas appliances in installation rooms.
- For closet installations, clear at least 3′ above floors to give installers room.
During
- Be at home to answer questions and verify what goes where.
- Keep yourself, kids and pets out of the way of installers and their tools.
- If our installers discover an existing leak or subfloor problem after they remove your old flooring, they’ll notify you immediately and provide you with a quote for additional repairs or prep work. For plumbing or electrical work, we’ll ask you to contact the right specialists.
- Before installers leave, walk through the space with the crew chief to tie up any loose ends.
After
- Your installers will tell you how long to wait before walking on and moving furniture onto your new hardwood floors
- It’s always a good idea to clean the feet or rollers on your furniture before it is placed on the new hardwood. To protect your floors from scratches, use felt pads on the bottoms.
Ask us anything
Whether you’re redoing one room or your entire home, make sure you choose the right flooring for each application. Your Kermans Design Consultant will be happy to help you through these questions and more.
- Does this product suit my lifestyle?
- How will I use this floor?
- Will this work with pets and children?
- Why is this more or less expensive than other options?
- How long will this stay viable?
- What type of hardwood is best for my room(s)?
- Is moisture a problem in my home?
- What’s the installation cost, and what’s included in it?
- How long will this installation take?
- Are your installers insured and bonded?
- Will my baseboards and trim pieces be a problem?
- What about my furniture and breakables?
- Was this product made in the U.S. or outside the country?
And most importantly:
- Why should I choose Kermans?
We’re a family-run company with a century of expertise, a broad selection of high-quality flooring and a consultative approach to customer satisfaction. Our designers work with you at no charge as you refine your choices and find your best options.
Come to Kermans for the best of everything you need on your floors.