You don’t need flooring experience to get started as a hardwood floor installer at Ralph’s. If you like working with your hands, learning to use tools and seeing the results of your work, you can learn the trade on the job.
At Ralph’s, new installers work alongside experienced crew members and Rod, learning the steps and skills that go into a well-installed floor. You won’t be expected to know everything on day one. You’ll learn to measure, cut, fit, glue, and nail hardwood, then build your skills as you gain experience.
More than physical work
Installing hardwood floors is hands-on work, and it can be physically demanding. It also takes care and attention to detail. Boards need to fit properly. Cuts need to be accurate. The work needs to follow the installation specifications for each project.
Experienced installers handle the more complex decisions about design, materials and custom details. As a new installer, you’ll learn the craft by helping with the work, following instructions, and watching how experienced installers approach each step. Over time, you can take on more tasks and develop new skills, including sanding, staining and finishing. A finished floor is something you can point to at the end of the day. You’ll know you helped create a lasting change in someone’s home, and you’ll have learned something along the way.
Learn from an experienced team
Good training takes time and people who are willing to share what they know. Ralph’s crew leaders average more than 15 years of experience, and employees describe the team as, “Everybody is willing to teach you new things, move forward, and learn new things.” That kind of support matters when you’re learning a trade. You can ask questions, watch how the work is done and build confidence with each project. You’ll also be part of a team, travelling to job sites in company vehicles and working together to complete each floor.
A career that can grow over time
Starting as an installer means building your skills from the ground up. As you gain experience, you can develop a deeper understanding of the craft and take on more of the work. Hardwood installation offers new challenges with each project, with plenty to learn as your skills grow.
Ralph’s has people who have built that experience over time. One employee featured on the Careers page has been with the company since 2006, and the crew leaders bring an average of more than 15 years of experience. For someone starting out, that means skilled people around to learn from and a chance to build a long-term career.
Could this be a good fit?
You might enjoy this work if you:
- Like hands-on work and using tools.
- Pay attention to details and take pride in doing things properly.
- Can follow instructions and work well with a team.
- Are ready to learn and solve practical problems.
Experience with power tools can help, whether you’ve used them at work, in school, or on home projects. Previous flooring experience is welcome but not required. The job is physical: installers must be at least 18, have a valid driver’s license, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and be able to lift up to 75 pounds.
A job with room to grow
Ralph’s offers health, dental, life, and disability insurance; paid time off and holidays; a 401(k) plan; and other benefits. Installers travel to job sites in company vehicles and average about five hours of overtime each week.
If you want to learn practical skills, grow with an experienced crew, and take pride in what you help build, consider starting a career in hardwood floor installation.
Bring your willingness to learn. Ralph’s will help you develop the skills.
Interested? Visit the Ralph’s Careers page to learn more and apply.
