When customers walk into our showroom looking for expert advice on how to get the hardwood floors they want, we work closely with them to explore their many options. We strive to be a valuable part of a team effort.
But after you make your choice, the ball’s in our hands. It’s up to us as the installer to turn the beauty you envision into a reality.
That’s why we are committed to getting every detail just right. We realize that precise installation is absolutely necessary to attain the full potential beauty of finished hardwood floors.
The average experience of our installation crew is more than 15 years, and that experience has taught our team how to manage the following five critical elements of installing new hardwood floors or refinishing existing ones:
1. Temperature
Hardwood expands or contracts based on temperature and its relationship to relative humidity, so installers must be constantly aware of temperature fluctuations. They must understand how temperature affects wood movement and adjust their installation accordingly.
2. Moisture
Likewise, humidity can cause swelling that installers must take into account. Particularly in new homes, humidity levels can be high if the HVAC system isn’t installed and running and/or if there is moisture from concrete, plaster, and paint. So we test the humidity and if it’s high, we use commercial dehumidifiers to correct the situation.
3. Species
The reaction to temperature and moisture variations differs between wood species, so it’s essential to have knowledge of each species’ specific behavior as the temperature and moisture variables change. What applies to one species doesn’t necessarily apply to another.
4. Appearance
Installing finished hardwood floors requires an artist’s appreciation for beauty. Our installers are proud of their craft and of each floor they install. Just like you, they want your new floors to look spectacular. They will take all the care necessary to achieve the best appearance.
5. Coordination with Trades
Our sales staff act also as project managers who coordinate with trade professionals we trust to ensure that installation is minimally disruptive and that the job doesn’t suffer delays that negatively affect quality.
It’s not just the wood or finish you chose that will determine how your finished wood floors will look—you also need a superior installer like Ralph’s Hardwoods to ensure your floors look as lovely as possible.
