OLD MASTER PRODUCTS

Hardwood Flooring and Mouldings

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Dangers of DIY Hardwood Floor Installation

DIY Hardwood Floor
The repairman laying laminate flooring at home

Installing Hardwood Floors

Are you thinking of installing a hardwood floor in your home yourself? DIY hardwood floor installation can seem like quite a bargain—saving time, money, and effort. However, home improvement projects can have serious consequences when done incorrectly — and hardwood floor installation is no exception. 

In this blog post, we will be exploring the potential dangers of DIY hardwood floor installation so that homeowners like you can make an informed decision on whether or not to proceed with the project. Read on to learn more – 

Safety

One of the biggest risks involved with a DIY hardwood floor installation is safety. Working with tools that you may not be familiar with and dealing with hazardous materials can be dangerous. It is easy to get hurt or injure yourself. Things can also go wrong with tools that you may not have the expertise to understand how to correctly use. The costs of a potential hospital visit or potential damages to the hardwood floor can quickly add up. 

Quality

Another risk is the quality of the end result. When it comes to hardwood floor installation it is important to get the desired results. With a DIY project, it is easy to overlook the importance of a level floor, clean straight cuts, and cuts for the transition pieces. Poor workmanship can lead to a damaged final product that is not covered under any warranties. 

When it comes to product knowledge the stakes are even higher. Hardwood flooring is just one part of the project. Understanding how to lay the floor correctly and what tools, adhesives, and fasteners you need can be tricky. You may think you can get away with using any option, but that could lead to the flooring not being secure, wobbling when people walk on it, or worse. 

Experience

Lastly, is the time factor. It takes time for a DIY hardwood floor installation. One of the biggest benefits of professional installers is that they have the experience, the tools, and the team to get the job done quickly, correctly, and safely. Time is money and sometimes getting it done quickly is worth more than the time you would have on your hands to complete a DIY project. 

DIY hardwood floor installation comes with a lot of risks that can range from physical harm to damaged products and financial costs. Weigh the options carefully before making a decision. Professionals bring experience, product knowledge, and the right tools to get the job done right, quickly, and safely. Although it can be tempting to do it yourself, it is important to evaluate the risks and costs associated first.

Although we don’t sell to the public, we can connect you to a vast network of dealers to purchase our material. We also can connect you with professional flooring contractors to complete your installation. Reach out to us or visit one of our seven OMP locations to learn more.

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5 Essential Tools Hardwood Flooring Installers Should Have On Hand

Hardwood Flooring Tools

As flooring installers and contractors know, having the right tools is imperative to ensuring a quality job every time. That’s why we’ve taken the time to list the top tools hardwood flooring installers should have on hand. Whether you’re installing hardwood for the first or five-hundredth time, these tools are must-haves for anyone serious about achieving a flawlessly finished hardwood flooring installation. 

Tools Hardwood Flooring Level

Level

First up, we have the level. It’s an essential tool you’ll want to make sure you always have on hand. Not only will it give you an indication of how level your floors are, but it can also be used to adjust the alignment of your flooring pieces. Plus, a level can be used to check other vertical or horizontal surfaces, like walls and windows, in your home or business. 

Saw

Second, on the list is a saw. A saw is an essential tool for cutting your planks to size. Having the right type of saw for the job can make a huge difference in the tools’ durability, accuracy, and quality of the finished product. Whether you need a table saw, miter saw, circular saw, or jigsaw, make sure you have the right saws for the job. 

Tools Hardwood Flooring Saw
Tools Hardwood Flooring Rubber Hammer

Rubber Hammer

That leads us to our third tool: the rubber hammer. A soft-head rubber hammer is great for installing wood floors, as it won’t mar or damage the wood the way a regular hammer might. It’s also great for pushing boards into place prior to nailing them down. 

Spacers

Next up is spacers. Spacers help ensure your boards are correctly spaced and that your flooring installation looks professional and even. You’ll want different sizes for different uses, so make sure your toolbox is well-stocked – you never know when you might need them! 

Tools Hardwood Flooring Spacers
Moisture Meter

Moisture Meter

Finally, a moisture meter. It’s important to check the moisture content of the subfloor, location, product, and more to make sure it’s adequately dry. Having the appropriate moisture meter will help guarantee the best possible job and a successful installation. 

So there you have it – the 5 essential tools flooring installers should have on hand. Installing hardwood floors is all about precision, accuracy, and quality. And having the right tools on hand to complete the job is the key to success. Happy flooring!

Although we don’t sell to the public, we can connect you to a vast network of dealers to purchase our material. We also can connect you with professional flooring contractors to complete your installation. Reach out to us or visit one of our seven Old Master Products locations to learn more.