The flooring in your home is one of the most visible—and most abused—surfaces in the entire space. Yet despite its importance, flooring installation is often treated like a commodity. The reality? Not all floors are created equal, and not all installers follow the same standards.

Whether you’re investing in engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, or natural stone, the success of your flooring project depends just as much on how it’s installed as what you’re installing. At Tradehaus, we believe every project should start with craftsmanship and be backed by expertise.

Here’s why the details matter.

Every Manufacturer Has a Playbook—You Need to Follow It

Flooring brands like Hakwood and others aren’t just selling a product—they’re selling a system. That system includes strict specifications for:

• Acclimation times

• Moisture tolerance

• Fastener types

• Underlayment compatibility

• Expansion gaps and perimeter spacing

• Subfloor flatness and prep requirements

If these guidelines aren’t followed, your warranty could be void—and your flooring could fail prematurely. We’ve seen expensive products buckle, cup, or separate simply because a contractor skipped a step or used incompatible materials.

Tradehaus installers are trained to follow manufacturer specs to the letter. We coordinate with suppliers, verify technical data sheets, and double-check every spec before the first board is laid.

Subfloor Prep Isn’t Optional

Before you can think about installing flooring, the surface underneath it needs to be properly prepared. Subfloor problems are among the most common causes of installation failure:

• Concrete slabs that haven’t been moisture tested

• Wood subfloors that aren’t level

• Old adhesives or debris left in place

• Improper fasteners or nails from previous installs

Our process includes:

• Subfloor moisture readings with digital meters

• Flatness testing and leveling as needed

• Selection of underlayment or vapor barrier

• Soundproofing solutions for multi-family and upstairs units

It may seem like overkill, but it’s the only way to ensure a floor performs over the long term.

Installation Is a Craft

A quality flooring install involves far more than just laying boards. From the direction and layout of planks to the edge details and transitions, we treat each project like a finish carpentry job:

• Layouts are planned for flow, balance, and visual appeal

• Miters, trims, and stairs are finished with precision

• Expansion gaps are concealed professionally

• Glue, staples, or floating methods are chosen per spec

We don’t cut corners because we don’t believe in callbacks. Our goal is a flawless finish—and peace of mind that your floor is built to last.

Maintenance Planning Starts on Day One

Many homeowners don’t know that different flooring finishes require different care protocols. That’s why Tradehaus provides post-installation guidance tailored to the product you’ve chosen:

• Oil-finished wood requires re-oiling schedules and special cleaners

• Polyurethane-finished floors need routine dusting and pH-neutral cleaners

• Natural stone needs sealing and avoidance of acidic substances

We also educate homeowners on:

• Humidity control (35%–55% RH recommended)

• Furniture pad usage

• Scratch and dent prevention

When you understand how to maintain your flooring, it will look better and last longer—without surprises.

Why Tradehaus? Experience, Precision, and Brand Relationships

We’re more than installers—we’re partners in execution. Our crews:

• Work exclusively with vetted, premium flooring products

• Understand brand expectations, both in finish and installation

• Coordinate with general contractors, designers, or architects on site

• Are trained to install high-end, wide-plank engineered woods, including Hakwood

Tradehaus is also in the process of launching a Certified Installer Program, to create our own standards with not only how we deliver service but how we maintain process with anyone we work with. That means more accountability, better results, and stronger warranties for our clients.

Final Thoughts

Flooring is a long-term investment. The surface may look good on Day 1—but how will it perform in five years? Ten?

Choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right product. And choosing a partner who understands both is the best way to protect your investment.

At Tradehaus, we deliver beautiful, precise flooring installs backed by process, experience, and brand integrity.

Let’s get your flooring project done right—from the ground up.