Quote:
Originally Posted by GGG
I can't do baseboards to save my life. Corners have little gaps and just looks like crap. Hardwood is a bunch of research to get the design right but the actual work of putting it in is easy. Time consuming but easy.
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Yes the actual installation of hardwood is easy if you have done all your prep work properly, and know how to use and are comfortable using a table saw and mitre saw. But as easy as it can be to install it can be just as easy to screw up. Line being off, nails not setting properly, improper or lack of gluing, nail pattern causing cracks in the wood and whatnot.
I do a lot of repair work, and it seems when the economy goes down like now and in 2008, I get a ton more calls from people who tried to save a few bucks doing installs themselves and ran into gapping issues, squeaky wood, buying cheap exotic wood which doesnt perform well in Calgary's dry climate or just using a lack of common sense. It can end up costing themselves more then it would have in the first place if they hired a professional.
Is it impossible for an average handy guy to do properly? Absolutely not, just do your research on what you want, how it performs in Calgary's climate, engineered or solid wood, floating installation (click laminate, glue together engineered wood) or nail down installation (solid wood, engineered wood), what kind of subfloor (wood or concrete), is your floor flat, is it screwed down, do you need to self level the concrete, is your humidifier sufficient or do you even have one. Hope this helps.
