Day of Install Guidelines
Before Installation
A little preparation helps your installation day go smoothly. Here is what to expect and what we will need from you.
- Clear the space. All furniture and appropriate appliances should be moved out of the installation area. Furniture and appliance moving is available for an added charge. You are responsible for moving all knick-knacks and small items.
- We will not move or disconnect electronic equipment.
- We are not responsible for wires of any kind run along the perimeter of the floor or underneath the existing flooring.
- Please provide proper ventilation and access to electricity so we can complete the installation.
- Pulling up and prepping the existing floor creates dust, so expect to do some light dusting afterward.
- Expect some noise during the day, such as power tools and hammers.
- We do not cut doors. Because a new floor can sit higher than the old one, some doors may need trimming, which you will want to arrange separately.
- All jobs are C.O.D., with the balance due upon completion.
What To Expect During Installation
Carpet Seams
Your installer places seams where they’ll show least. On cut-pile carpet, seam peaking is most noticeable when new and eases with time and traffic; on loop and some patterned carpet, seams stay visible by nature of the construction.
Hard Surface Layout
Before installation, we'll determine the best layout and plank direction for your space to create the most natural and visually appealing look. With real hardwood especially, expect some natural variation in color, tone, and grain from board to board. That's part of the beauty and character of real wood, not a flaw.
Dust and Noise
Pulling up and prepping the old floor creates dust, so plan on a little cleanup afterward, and expect some noise from power tools and hammers during the day.
After Installation
Start your normal care routine right away, and keep receipts from professional cleanings, since they are required as proof for some warranty claims. Every S&G installation is backed by our Lifetime Installation Warranty for as long as you live on the floor.
Settling in. Carpet is compressed during manufacturing and can take up to eight weeks to blossom and feel as full as the showroom sample. You’ll also see footprints and vacuum marks; loop styles help minimize them, and not every vacuum works well on soft yarn carpet, so check the maker’s guidance. For hard surface, plan to stay off the new floor the night of installation so glues and sealers can fully cure. Over time, sunlight can add patina to hardwood and fade vinyl, so window coverings help.
Protecting your new floor. Use a good-quality floor protector under rolling chairs; we recommend tempered glass chair mats at least 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. We recommend against floating floors in homes that use wheelchairs, electric scooters, or other heavy mobility aids.
Doors and baseboards. A thicker new floor can mean doors need trimming, and removing old baseboards can affect paint lines. Carpet’s stiffer synthetic backings can also scuff painted or wood baseboards during install. We don’t cut doors or do baseboard touch-up painting, so new baseboards give the cleanest finished result. We’ll talk through all of this and answer questions at your estimate.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Most flooring warranties depend on correct installation. Our certified installers prep the subfloor and install to manufacturer’s standards, which protects both the floor and your coverage.
Questions About Your Floor? We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re planning a project or caring for floors you already have, our team is glad to help. Stop by a showroom to talk it through, or schedule a free in-home estimate, and we’ll bring the answers and the samples to you.