Transitioning from carpet to hardwood flooring in your home will bring a special look and feel to your interior decor. It is a beautiful upgrade that can completely transform the entire space. Here’s how to make the most out of your hardwood flooring.
Prepare the Room: The first step in the process is to make sure the room is ready for the transition. Remove all furniture and other items from the room that you will be replacing the carpet with hardwood flooring. It is important to have a clean work space and this will make it much easier to lay the flooring correctly.
Carefully Remove the Carpet: Removing the carpet from your room is a tedious process, but it is also necessary to ensure the new flooring is correctly installed. Start by sweeping the area from corner to corner, gradually working your way to the center. Use a shop vacuum to remove dirt and debris between the carpet fibers. After that, use a utility knife to carefully cut away the carpet and expose the hardwood below.
Check Subfloor: Now is the time to inspect the subfloor for any areas that need to be repaired. Look for signs of water damage, as well as sections that are weak or too thin to hold the hardwood installation. Additionally, make sure to check for any nails or staples that can get stuck in the future installation.
Install Padding: Install padding onto the subfloor before laying the hardwood. This will add a layer of comfort and also provide support for the floor. Make sure to use the correct type of padding and install it correctly.
Arrange the Planks: The next step is to arrange the planks in the room or section where you will install the flooring. Here you can experiment and get creative with the layout, just make sure to lay out the planks in the correct order, starting with wider planks in the center and working outwards towards the sides.
Nail the Planks: Once the planks have been arranged, it is time to nail them down. Make sure to use a nail gun to avoid damaging the hardwood. Also, use a mallet to make sure the planks fit together correctly as you go along.
Fill Gaps: After the floor has been installed, seal any gaps that may still be present. Use wood filler to cover any cracks or holes in the surface. Once the filler has dried, sand down the area and apply a sealant to finish the job.
Clean the Area: After the installation is done, make sure to thoroughly clean the area to remove any dust or debris. Use a damp cloth and soap to wipe down the surface and also vacuum any loose dirt or dust.
Create a Style: Now that you have transitioned your home from carpet to hardwood flooring, you can start bringing in some style. Place a few pieces of unique furniture to accentuate the hardwood. Place an area rug or throw blanket to add some color and texture to the room. Add some wall art to tie the whole look together.
Complete the Look: The next step is to complete the look. Place a few lamps around the room to create a warm atmosphere. Put some potted plants near a window to give the area life. Finally, hang some curtains to add a touch of sophistication and to make your home feel cozy and inviting.
Invite People In: Finally, you’ll want to invite people into your home. Display family photos around the room or on the walls. Put out some books or magazine on a table or in a basket for guests to browse through. Invest in a few interesting pieces of artwork which will make your home stand out and create a unique atmosphere.
Keep it Smelling Fresh: Make sure to keep the air fresh and smelling great all the time. Place some air fresheners throughout the room to keep the air smelling inviting. Replace the air fresheners on a regular basis to keep the air clean and pleasant.
Install Proper Lighting: Proper lighting can completely change the vibe of the room. Place a few lamps or light fixtures around the room to create different lighting effects. Allow natural light to also flow in by keeping the window shades open.
Get Rid of Pests: Pests can ruin any decor, so make sure to control the pest population in your home. Check frequently for any signs of pests and contact a professional pest control office if needed.
Decorate the Wall: The wall is the perfect place to decorate and express yourself. Hang some art pieces or install a large framed painting. Place a few shelves or cubbies where you can store your items. Put up some wallpaper or add a mural to the surface.
Choose the Right Accessories: Adding accessories to your home is a great way to tie the look together. Invest in a few quality pieces such as a vase, rug, or an interesting sculpture. Place the accessories near a focal point or near an area of natural light.
Create a Cozy Corner: Finally, create a cozy corner in your home. Place a stylish armchair or a hammock near a window for reading and relaxing. Put a rug on the floor to bring some style to the corner. Place a few decorative pillows on the couch or armchair to make it even more inviting.