Step-by-Step Instructions for Installing Hardwood Flooring in Morton Grove

Installing hardwood flooring is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you can take on. Whether you're upgrading your Morton Grove home for aesthetics, durability, or resale value, hardwood floors bring timeless elegance and long-term functionality. If you're a DIY enthusiast or just want to better understand the process before hiring a professional, this step-by-step guide walks you through the entire installation process.

1: Choose the Right Hardwood Flooring

Begin by selecting a hardwood type that suits your style and the conditions of your home:

• Solid Hardwood: Best for upper levels and areas without moisture concerns.
• Engineered Hardwood: More dimensionally stable and ideal for basements or rooms with fluctuating humidity.

Popular species in Morton Grove include oak, maple, and hickory—each with its own grain pattern and hardness rating.

2: Prepare the Subfloor

Before installation, inspect and prepare the subfloor:

• Ensure it is clean, dry, and level.
• Remove any old flooring, nails, or staples.
• Fix any squeaky or uneven spots using screws or leveling compounds.
• A flat, solid base is essential for a successful hardwood installation.

3: Acclimate the Hardwood

Morton Grove experiences seasonal humidity changes, so it’s crucial to let your hardwood acclimate to your home’s environment. Leave the unopened boxes in the installation room for 3–5 days to stabilize the moisture content of the wood.

4: Lay the Underlayment

Install underlayment or a vapor barrier to protect against moisture and reduce sound. The type of underlayment you use depends on your subfloor and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

5: Plan Your Layout

Before you start nailing or gluing, plan the direction and layout of your boards:

• Most homeowners run boards parallel to the longest wall or the main source of natural light.
• Measure and mark a chalk line to ensure a straight starting point.
• Make sure to stagger the end joints to prevent uniform lines, which can look unnatural.

6: Install the Hardwood Flooring

Now you're ready to install:

• Nail-Down Installation (for solid hardwood): Use a flooring nailer and place nails through the tongue of each board.
• Glue-Down Installation (for engineered hardwood): Apply adhesive with a trowel and press boards firmly into place.
• Floating Installation: Snap boards together without glue or nails. Often used for engineered hardwood over concrete or radiant heat.

Use spacers around the perimeter to allow for expansion—typically 1/2 inch.

7: Cut and Fit Final Rows

The final rows will often need to be ripped to fit the remaining space. Use a table saw to trim boards to size, ensuring a tight but not forced fit. Be sure to maintain the expansion gap around all walls.

8: Install Molding and Transitions

After all boards are in place, remove the spacers and install:

• Baseboards or shoe molding to cover the expansion gap.
• Transition strips between rooms or where the hardwood meets tile or carpet.
• Nail moldings to the wall—not the floor—to avoid restricting floor movement.

9: Clean and Inspect

Vacuum up all debris and clean the surface with a hardwood-friendly cleaner. Walk through the floor to check for any creaks, gaps, or uneven areas.

When to Hire a Professional

While many homeowners enjoy the challenge of DIY flooring, hiring a professional ensures precision, efficiency, and peace of mind—especially for complex layouts, large areas, or subfloor issues. The best hardwood flooring contractor near Morton Grove can handle everything from product selection to installation with craftsmanship and local expertise. They’ll also account for Morton Grove’s unique seasonal changes, which can affect long-term floor stability.

Final Thoughts

Installing hardwood flooring in your Morton Grove home is a satisfying project that adds beauty and value. With proper planning and attention to detail, it’s possible to achieve professional-looking results. However, when quality and longevity matter most, working with the best hardwood flooring contractor near Morton Grove is a smart investment that ensures your new floors are built to last.