Hardwood installation starts with the product and what it will be fastened to.
Solid hardwood is real wood through the thickness of each board. A successful installation depends on the approved fastening method, a suitable wood subfloor, product acclimation requirements, layout direction, expansion space, and stable site conditions. The material should not be selected on appearance alone.
Where this service is often considered
- Living rooms and dining rooms
- Bedrooms and upper hallways
- Connected main-floor areas
- Stair landings and adjacent rooms
Installation choices depend on the hardwood and the subfloor.
Board construction, width, manufacturer instructions, room level, and substrate determine which method belongs in the estimate.
Nail or staple down
A common solid-hardwood method over an appropriate wood subfloor. Fastener type, spacing, board width, and direction remain product-specific.
Glue-assisted systems
Some installations combine approved adhesive with mechanical fastening, particularly when board width or product instructions call for it.
Transitions and stairs
Doorways, nosings, landings, vents, baseboards, and neighbouring floor heights should be planned with the board layout.
The subfloor, indoor conditions, and material all need to be ready.
Installing over an unknown, damp, damaged, or poorly secured substrate can affect movement, noise, and the finished alignment.
- Confirm wood-subfloor type and condition
- Check flatness and accessible squeaks
- Follow product acclimation instructions
- Confirm indoor temperature and humidity
- Plan doorway and stair transitions
- Verify material quantity before scheduling
What the estimate can separate clearly
A useful flooring scope distinguishes the visible installation from removal, substrate work, material responsibilities, finishing, and conditions that cannot be confirmed until the existing floor is exposed.
Removal
Identify existing carpet, laminate, tile, vinyl, or hardwood and whether removal and disposal are included.
Preparation
Separate minor fastening and patching from larger subfloor replacement or structural correction.
Installation
Record board direction, fastening method, room boundaries, vents, closets, and special layout conditions.
Finishing
List baseboards, shoe moulding, thresholds, reducers, stair nosing, and touch-up responsibilities.
Do not buy the exact measured square footage.
Rooms include cuts, board selection, defects, closets, staggered joints, and future repair material. The required allowance depends on the layout and product, so quantity should be confirmed rather than based on a universal percentage.
Three ways to start
- Flooring already purchased: confirm product, quantity, accessories, substrate, and installation instructions.
- Supply and installation: define the room and performance requirements before material is sourced.
- Installation only: confirm the installation conditions before purchasing the final quantity and accessories.
Questions about hardwood flooring
Can solid hardwood be installed in a basement?
Solid hardwood is generally not treated as the default below-grade choice. Product instructions, slab or subfloor construction, moisture conditions, and the installation system must all be reviewed before selecting a wood floor for a basement.
Does hardwood need to sit in the house before installation?
Acclimation is product- and site-specific. The material, indoor conditions, moisture readings, packaging, and manufacturer instructions determine how it should be stored before installation.
Can hardwood be installed through several connected rooms?
Often, but board direction, hallway alignment, room shape, movement allowances, and transitions need to be planned as one layout rather than room by room.
Are baseboards part of hardwood installation?
They can be. The estimate should state whether existing baseboards remain, are removed and reinstalled, or are replaced, and whether shoe moulding or other trim will be used.
Can you install hardwood that I already purchased?
Customer-supplied hardwood can be considered after the product, quantity, accessories, installation method, subfloor, and storage conditions are reviewed.