Hardwood Floor Installation 101: Best Practices from Subfloor to Finish

At U.B. Hardwoods & Flooring in Plymouth, MN, we know that a great hardwood floor starts well before the first board is installed.

The key to long-lasting beauty and performance is thorough site preparation and proper subfloor inspection. That means clearing the area, checking moisture levels, and confirming that the subfloor is level, dry, and structurally sound. Whether you’re working with our professional team or managing a remodel on your own, getting these early steps right helps prevent costly delays and ensures a smooth, successful hardwood floor installation.

In this guide, we’ll break down five critical steps that flooring professionals rely on to deliver flawless results. You’ll find practical tips and proven methods that set the foundation for hardwood floors built to last.

Let’s get started—and show you how to prepare your home for a floor you’ll love for years to come.

Comprehensive Site Preparation and Subfloor Inspection Checklist

Clear the workspace of debris, trim door jambs, and remove baseboards to allow the new flooring to fit precisely. Measure moisture levels in both the subfloor and hardwood boards using a calibrated moisture meter. A maximum difference of 3% between wood and subfloor is acceptable.

Check for soft spots, squeaks, and loose boards. Reinforce weak joists with blocking or sistering, repair damaged plywood sections, and confirm the subfloor thickness meets the ¾-inch minimum for solid hardwood. Use a straightedge to identify high or low spots, correcting any deviations greater than 3/16" over 10 feet.

Install a suitable underlayment—rosin paper for nail-down or a vapor barrier for concrete slabs—to protect against moisture migration. Proper subfloor preparation is the foundation of reliable hardwood floor installation and long-term performance.

Selecting the Perfect Hardwood Species and Board Grade for Your Project

Choose wood species based on traffic patterns and environmental conditions. Oak and maple have high Janka hardness ratings, making them ideal for busy households. Tropical species add exotic hues but may be less stable in high-humidity regions.

Decide between solid and engineered boards. Solid planks offer longevity but are sensitive to moisture changes, while engineered boards resist movement and suit basements or over concrete. Select narrow or wide widths to match room scale and design goals.

Board grade determines appearance level. Clear grade has minimal knots, #1 common offers moderate character, and #2 common displays more variation. Match grade to your aesthetic preference and budget without compromising structural integrity.

Installation Methods: Nailing, Stapling, and Glue-Down Explained

Nail-down installation uses a flooring nailer to secure solid hardwood to wood subfloors. It allows boards to move naturally and facilitates future refinishing. Use 15- or 16-gauge cleats every 6–8 inches along each board.

Staple-down follows similar principles but uses heavy-duty staples. It’s faster for large areas and offers strong holding power. Both nail and staple methods require a moisture barrier over plywood or engineered subfloors.

Glue-down installation bonds boards directly to concrete or approved plywood with specialized adhesive. This method reduces hollow spots and works well with engineered flooring. Trowel size and adhesive open time must match manufacturer specifications.

Acclimation Guidelines and Expansion Gap Requirements

Store hardwood indoors for 3–7 days before installation to let the boards reach equilibrium with room temperature and humidity. Ideal conditions range from 60–80 °F and 35–55 % relative humidity.

Maintain a consistent environment during acclimation. Stack boards flat on spacers to allow air circulation above and below. Check moisture content daily until readings stabilize within 1–2% of expected in-service levels.

Leave 3⁄8" to ½" expansion gaps around all walls, columns, and fixed obstacles. Use spacers to hold the gap during installation. After the flooring is complete, cover gaps with quarter-round or transition moldings.

Final Walk-Through and Ongoing Care Tips

Once installation is complete, inspect for nail or staple pops, uneven seams, and finish imperfections. Lightly sand and recoat any areas that show gaps or blemishes in the finish.

Wait 48–72 hours before light foot traffic and 7 days before area rugs. Clean floors with a pH-neutral hardwood cleaner and microfiber mop. Avoid excess water and abrasive tools.

Maintain indoor humidity between 30% 50 % to minimize wood movement. Schedule recoating every 3–5 years or as needed. For tailored maintenance plans, contact U.B. Hardwoods & Flooring.

Partner with U.B. Hardwoods & Flooring for Expert Installation and Care

U.B. Hardwoods & Flooring combines skilled craftsmanship with premium materials to handle every phase of your project. From site preparation and subfloor repair to species selection, installation, acclimation, and ongoing maintenance, our team delivers lasting beauty and structural stability.

Visit our showroom at 3431 US-169, Plymouth, MN 55441, or call 763-807-4500 to discuss your next project. Ready to upgrade your space? Contact us to schedule a consultation and discover how we bring industry best practices to your home.