Installing and refinishing wood floors involves a few detail-oriented decisions. One of those decisions is the kind of floor vents you want. Most homeowners haven’t given much thought to their floor vents, but you basically have two choices. To get you started thinking about which you might like, the experts at SVB Wood Floors have some facts about drop-in versus flush-mount wood floor vents.
Consider Floor Vents before Installation Is Done
Deciding which type of vent you’d like is one of those details that you’ll want to consider from the start. That’s because it’s much easier better to install them during the design process rather than trying to fit them in afterward. Fortunately, our free in-home consultation will cover all aspects of your floor design – including vent options.
Drop-In or Self-Rimming Vents
These vents have a slight rim all around the edge. That rim fits neatly over the cut edges of your floorboards. Unlike flush-mount vents, these can be installed with ease and at any time during the installation process, and even afterward.
Pros of Drop-In Vents
- These are very easy to install because they literally just ‘drop’ into the floor opening. They’re generally also a less expensive option than flush-mount vents.
- If you decide on this familiar style, we can install them for you or you can choose to do it yourself later. In either case, we can stain them to match your beautiful new flooring.
Cons of Drop-In Vents
- The raised rim of these vents sometimes gets in the way of furniture placement or floor traffic. As small as that rim is, it can topple toddlers who aren’t steady on their feet yet!
- It’s particularly important to keep the area around the rim of these vents free of damaging grit. Grit has a tendency to gravitate towards them – especially when you’re sweeping. It’s a good idea to vacuum around each vent after you’ve swept in order to keep them free of that grit.
Flush-Mount or In-Floor Vents
These vents mount flush with your floor so there is no rim. It’s much easier (and less expensive) to install these along with your new flooring. You can have these installed retroactively, but you’ll need to hire an expert. This is definitely not a project for the average DIYer!
Pros of Flush-Mount Vents
- These vents fit smoothly and seamlessly into your new floor. Your new hardwood floor takes more of the spotlight when the vents are inconspicuous.
- Since they sit flush, they won’t negatively influence furniture placement or traffic patterns. No more wobbly side tables or tripping toddlers!
- Cleaning is easier without that grit-trapping and vacuum or broom-deflecting lip.
Cons of Flush-Mount Vents
- These are difficult and expensive to retrofit. That means they’re difficult to change later on, too.
Fitting them in after the fact requires a careful layout and precision cuts. It’s also a bit nerve-wracking watching holes being cut in your beautiful new floors!
- Even when installed along with the flooring, these are generally more expensive than drop-in vents.
Can’t Decide? Let Us Be Your Guide!
Our family-owned company is committed to providing you with the quality results you deserve. Whether your job is large or small, we want to give you the kind of high-quality, professional service that helped us win the award for the 2016 Wood Floor of the Year from the National Wood Flooring Association. That includes paying attention to every detail – including the vents!
When we refinish or install a hardwood floor, we replace the baseboard molding. Baseboard molding installations are finished off with a small piece of molding that covers the gap between the bottom of the baseboards and the floor. There are two types of molding that can be used – base shoe or quarter round. So what’s the difference? 
