Installing New Hardwood Flooring: Expert Guide for Lasting Results

Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring: A Crucial Decision for Your Interior

Installing new hardwood flooring represents a significant investment for your home. In Nyon and throughout the Lake Geneva region, we regularly advise our clients on choosing the ideal hardwood flooring based on their lifestyle, budget, and desired aesthetics.

Different Wood Species

The choice of wood species determines the aesthetics, durability, and price of your hardwood floor:

• Oak: Very popular for its exceptional durability and distinctive grain, available in numerous shades. Average price: 80-150 CHF/m²
• Walnut: Elegant with its brown tones and sophisticated grain pattern, ideal for refined interiors. Average price: 120-200 CHF/m²
• Maple: Bright and contemporary, offering excellent resistance. Average price: 90-160 CHF/m²
• Beech: Homogeneous and warm, adapts to many styles. Average price: 70-130 CHF/m²
• Ash: Light and dynamic with pronounced grain patterns. Average price: 80-140 CHF/m²

In our Nyon workshop, we prioritize wood sourced from sustainably managed European forests, with special attention to Swiss species when possible.

Formats and Installation Patterns

The format and installation pattern significantly influence the final appearance of your floor:

Formats

• Wide planks (18-20 cm): Generous appearance, ideal for large spaces
• Medium planks (14-16 cm): Versatile, adapt to most interiors
• Narrow planks (7-12 cm): Traditional, perfect for small rooms or to create a classic effect

Installation Patterns

• English pattern (staggered joints): Classic and timeless
• Hungarian point (point de Hongrie): Elegant and sophisticated, adds character
• Herringbone: Chevron pattern, more contemporary than Hungarian point
• French pattern: Aligned planks that structure the space
• Ladder pattern: Dynamic and original

For historic homes in the canton of Vaud, we often recommend traditional patterns such as Hungarian point that harmonize perfectly with the local architecture.

Available Finishes

The finish influences not only the aesthetics but also the future maintenance of the hardwood floor:

• Oiled: Natural appearance, penetrates the wood, simple but regular maintenance
• Varnished: Resistant, easy to maintain, but more complex repairs
• Brushed: Tactile texture that reveals the wood's relief
• Whitewashed: Brightens the room, Nordic trend
• Mass tinted: Homogeneous and durable coloration
• Aged/patinated: Antique effect for character interiors

For the Lake Geneva region, where humidity can vary significantly, we particularly recommend oiled finishes that allow the wood to "breathe."

Steps for Professional Hardwood Floor Installation

1. Subfloor Preparation

The quality of the installation largely depends on the preparation of the subfloor:

• Flatness check: Maximum tolerance of 2 mm under a 2 m straightedge
• Moisture control: Moisture content must be less than 3% for cement screed
• Thorough cleaning: Removal of all dust and residue
• Vapor barrier installation: Essential to prevent moisture infiltration
• Acoustic underlayment installation: Reduces impact noise and improves comfort

In older buildings in the Vaud region, we pay particular attention to moisture management, a critical factor for the longevity of hardwood flooring.

2. Installation Methods

Several installation methods exist, each with its advantages:

Glued Installation

• Advantages: Excellent stability, ideal for underfloor heating, no noise when walking
• Disadvantages: Permanent installation, more complex repairs
• Applications: Recommended for high-traffic rooms and large areas

Floating Installation

• Advantages: Quick installation, possibility of disassembly, good value for money
• Disadvantages: Hollower feeling when walking, less stable than glued installation
• Applications: Suitable for standard living spaces and controlled budgets

Nailed Installation on Battens

• Advantages: Traditional technique, excellent stability, optimal thermal and acoustic insulation
• Disadvantages: Raised floor level, higher cost
• Applications: Ideal for renovations of old houses or for creating flooring on an unstable surface

For properties in the Lake Geneva basin, we often favor glued installation, which offers excellent stability in the face of seasonal climate variations.

3. Finishing and Details

The quality of the finishing makes all the difference:

• Fine sanding after installation for a perfectly flat surface
• Application of the chosen finish (oil, varnish) respecting drying times
• Installation of matching baseboards for a neat finish
• Installation of necessary expansion joints (usually hidden under baseboards)
• Treatment of junctions with other coverings (tile, carpet)

Our team of cabinetmakers in Nyon pays particular attention to details such as door thresholds, fireplace surrounds, or stairs to ensure harmonious integration of the hardwood floor.

Comparison: Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Solid Hardwood Flooring

Advantages:

• Exceptional durability (can last more than 100 years)
• Can be renovated multiple times (up to 4-5 complete sandings)
• Superior heritage and property value
• Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation

Disadvantages:

• Higher price (90-250 CHF/m² excluding installation)
• Sensitivity to humidity variations
• Not recommended for certain underfloor heating systems
• Longer acclimatization time before installation

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Advantages:

• Excellent dimensional stability
• Compatible with all types of underfloor heating
• Less sensitive to humidity variations
• More accessible price (50-150 CHF/m² excluding installation)

Disadvantages:

• More limited lifespan
• Fewer possible renovations (1-2 sandings depending on thickness)
• Variable quality wear layer

In the Nyon region, for long-lasting family homes, we generally recommend investing in quality solid hardwood flooring that will last for generations with appropriate maintenance.

Hardwood Flooring and Underfloor Heating: Compatibility and Precautions

The combination of hardwood flooring and underfloor heating is perfectly possible while respecting certain rules:

Essential Recommendations

• Choose suitable species: Prefer oak, maple, or beech that conduct heat well
• Limited thickness: 14 mm maximum for solid, 10-14 mm for engineered
• Controlled plank width: Ideally between 70 and 140 mm to limit movement
• Full-surface gluing recommended to optimize heat diffusion
• Surface temperature limited to 28°C maximum
• Progressive startup of heating after installation

In the Swiss climate context, engineered hardwood flooring often represents an excellent compromise for installations with underfloor heating, offering stability and thermal comfort.

Maintenance and Longevity of Your New Hardwood Floor

A well-maintained hardwood floor can retain its beauty for decades:

Daily Maintenance

• Regular dusting with microfiber mop or vacuum with soft brush
• Cleaning with a neutral detergent specific to the type of finish
• Immediate removal of stains to prevent them from penetrating the wood

Periodic Maintenance

• Oiled floor: Application of maintenance oil every 6-12 months
• Varnished floor: Revitalizing polish 1-2 times a year
• Waxed floor: Annual stripping and rewaxing

Essential Precautions

• Maintain a stable humidity level between 45% and 65%
• Use pads under furniture
• Place mats at entrances to limit abrasive dirt
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure that can discolor the wood

For our clients in the Lake Geneva region, we offer an annual maintenance service that helps preserve the beauty and longevity of their investment.

The Ecological Impact of Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring represents an ecological choice for several reasons:

• Renewable material when sourced from sustainably managed forests (FSC or PEFC labels)
• Carbon storage throughout the lifespan of the hardwood floor
• Low embodied energy compared to other coverings
• Exceptional longevity which limits replacement
• Recyclable at end of life

At Albert Ébénisterie, we are particularly attentive to the origin of our wood and favor local or European suppliers committed to responsible forest management.

Conclusion: Artisanal Expertise Serving Your Home

Installing new hardwood flooring is an investment that durably enhances your property. By calling on cabinetmaker artisans like our team in Nyon, you benefit from traditional expertise enriched by modern techniques.

Each project is unique and deserves a personalized approach, from the choice of wood to the finishes. Our knowledge of the architectural specificities of the Lake Geneva region allows us to offer solutions perfectly adapted to your home, whether it's a contemporary house in Nyon or a historic residence in the canton of Vaud.

Do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation and a personalized quote. Our team travels to your home to assess your needs and provide tailored advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What budget should I plan for new hardwood floor installation?

The cost varies considerably depending on the wood species, format, and installation method. For quality hardwood flooring, expect between 150 and 350 CHF/m² all-inclusive (materials + installation). Solid oak flooring installed in a Hungarian point pattern will be in the higher range, while engineered flooring with floating installation will be more economical.

What is the best season to install hardwood flooring?

Autumn and spring are generally the ideal periods, with moderate humidity and temperature conditions. If possible, avoid periods of severe cold (condensation) or intense heat (wood too dry). In any case, the wood should acclimate in the room for at least 48 hours before installation.

Can hardwood flooring be installed in a bathroom?

It's possible but with special precautions. Choose naturally moisture-resistant woods like teak or iroko, opt for full-surface gluing, and apply a suitable waterproofing treatment. Room ventilation must be effective to avoid condensation. For areas directly exposed to water, other coverings remain preferable.

How long does hardwood floor installation take?

For a 50m² surface, expect about 2-3 days for floating installation, 3-4 days for standard glued installation, and 5-7 days for complex patterns like Hungarian point. Add to this the drying time for finishes, which can take 24 hours to several days depending on the products used.

What hardwood flooring should I choose for a home with pets?

For homes with pets, favor hard woods like oak or maple, ideally with a matte or ultra-matte varnish finish that will offer the best resistance to scratches. Prior brushing of the wood can also help mask small scratches. Avoid soft species like pine and very glossy finishes that reveal marks more.

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