Installing Mercier wood flooring is a simple way to add a natural and welcoming look to your home. Whether you go with solid or engineered hardwood, the process can be smooth if you're well-prepared. This guide will walk you through each step of installing Mercier wood, from getting started to the final details.
Step 1: Preparation Before Installation
The first thing to do when installing Mercier hardwood plank is to get the area ready. Make sure the subfloor is dry, clean, and even. Whether you're using red oak, hard maple, or hickory, a solid foundation is key to making the floor last. The installation process may be a bit different depending on whether you’re using Mercier engineered hardwood or solid hardwood, but all need a stable surface. It's also important to let the wood adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity before starting. For white oak or any other type, leave the wood in the room for about 48 hours to avoid any future shrinking or expanding.
Step 2: Installation Methods
Mercier wood flooring can be installed in different ways, it can be glued, stapled, or floated over the subfloor. Floating is a good option in areas with changing humidity, as it allows the floor to move a bit without causing problems. For solid hardwood like Mercier red oak or hickory, it’s usually nailed or stapled to the subfloor, which makes it very secure. Just make sure the planks are lined up properly and leave enough space between them. Laying the planks along the longest wall usually gives the best result.
Step 3: Fitting and Laying the Planks
After prepping your space and deciding on your installation method, you can start laying the planks. Begin by placing the first row of hardwood planks along the longest floor, making sure the boards are straight. Use spacers around the edges of the room to leave a small gap for the wood to expand naturally. If you’re using Mercier hickory or hard maple, which have distinct grain patterns, mix planks from different boxes to avoid similar patterns clumping together. This will give the floor a more balanced look. For tricky areas like doorways or corners, measure carefully and cut the planks to fit using a jigsaw or miter saw for a clean finish.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once all the planks are laid down, take out the spacers and add baseboards or quarter-round trim to hide the expansion gaps. This final touch finishes the installation while still allowing room for the wood to expand. If you picked pre-finished, like Mercier white oak or hard maple, there’s no extra work needed—the floor is ready to use right away. But if you chose unfinished wood, you’ll need to sand and seal it to protect the surface and highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
Step 5: Post-Installation Care
After your Mercier engineered or solid wood plank is installed, taking care of it properly will help it last a long time. Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt that could scratch the surface. If needed, use a damp mop with a cleaner made for hardwood, but avoid too much water to prevent damage. Keeping the humidity in your home steady is also important. species of planks like Mercier red oak and hickory can expand or shrink if the humidity changes a lot, so a humidifier or dehumidifier can help maintain the right balance.