Hardwood floors are one of the most rewarding investments a homeowner can make. They add warmth, character and lasting value to any room. Yet the beauty of a hardwood floor depends as much on the installation as on the wood itself. In Lakewood Ranch, where humidity runs high and many homes sit on concrete slabs, the quality of the install decides whether a floor stays flat and beautiful for decades. That is why LG Kramer Flooring puts certified craftsmanship at the center of every hardwood project.
Here is what NWFA certification means, why it matters in our area and what to expect when our team installs your floors.
What Is NWFA Certification?
The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) is the leading trade organization for the wood flooring industry. It sets installation guidelines that manufacturers and professionals rely on, and it offers certification programs for installers who want to prove their skills.
To earn certification, installers complete training and testing on topics such as:
Moisture testing for wood and subfloors
Acclimation and jobsite conditions
Subfloor preparation for wood and concrete
Nail-down, glue-down and floating installation methods
Layout, transitions and finishing details
Certified installers follow these industry standards on every job. For homeowners, that means fewer surprises and a floor installed the way the manufacturer intended.
Why Certification Matters in Lakewood Ranch
Humidity and Moisture
Wood is a natural material that expands as it absorbs moisture and contracts as it dries. Our region stays humid most of the year, and hurricane season from June to November brings heavy rain and the occasional power outage that leaves homes without air conditioning. A trained installer measures moisture levels in the wood and the subfloor before installation and allows the right expansion space so the floor can move without cupping, gapping or buckling.
Concrete Slab Foundations
Most homes in our area are built on concrete slabs. Slabs can hold moisture, and they are rarely perfectly flat. Certified installers test the slab, apply the correct moisture barrier or adhesive system and level any high or low spots before the first board goes down. These steps are easy to skip and costly to get wrong. A floor laid over an uneven or damp slab can develop hollow spots, loose boards or squeaks within months, while a properly prepared slab gives the wood a solid, stable base for the life of the floor.
Warranty Protection
Many hardwood manufacturers require installation according to industry guidelines to keep their warranty valid. Working with NWFA-certified professionals gives you added confidence that your investment is protected.
The LG Kramer Flooring Difference
Lance and Gianna Kramer founded LG Kramer Flooring in November 2009. Lance started as an apprentice installer at 16, and that hands-on background shapes the way the company works today. Gianna, a Sarasota native, leads the customer experience, so every project feels personal and well guided. Together they built a business that serves everyone from hometown homeowners to designers, builders and commercial clients, with the same care on every job.
Some of the reasons homeowners trust our team:
More NWFA-certified installers than any other company within 25 miles
Over 500 installations completed every year
Over 3,000 homeowners, designers, contractors and businesses served
Known from Venice to Tampa for master installation
Projects ranging from cozy hometown homes to 18,000 square foot residences
When you choose our team, the people installing your floor are trained professionals who take pride in the details.
What to Expect From Your Hardwood Installation
1. Consultation With a Project Guide
Your project starts at our Lakewood Ranch showroom on Lena Road, where a project guide helps you compare species, colors, plank widths and finishes. Appointments keep the visit focused on your home and your goals. You can preview options on our hardwood flooring page beforehand.
2. On-Site Measurement and Estimate
We visit your home to measure each room, check the subfloor and talk through layout, transitions and stairs. This visit helps us give you an accurate estimate with no guesswork.
3. Preparation
Before installation, our team handles furniture moving, removal and disposal of your old flooring and any subfloor repair. Wood is delivered and acclimated according to the manufacturer's guidelines and our moisture readings.
4. Installation
Our certified installers choose the right method for your floor and your slab, whether glue-down, floating or another approved system. They plan the layout so boards run in the most attractive direction and transitions sit cleanly at doorways.
5. Final Walkthrough
When the work is complete, we walk through the space with you, review care tips and make sure you love the result.
Engineered or Solid Hardwood?
For many local homes, engineered hardwood is a popular choice. Its layered core resists movement from humidity better than solid wood, and it installs well over concrete slabs. Solid hardwood is a beautiful option too, especially where the subfloor and conditions allow it. Our project guides explain the strengths of each so you can choose with confidence.
Caring for Your New Hardwood
Good care helps your floors stay beautiful for years:
Keep indoor humidity steady with your air conditioning running, even when you travel.
Place mats at entries to catch sand and grit.
Use felt pads under furniture legs.
Clean with a hardwood-safe cleaner and a damp, not wet, mop.
Wipe up spills promptly.
Seasonal residents can ask about settings that protect floors while the home sits empty for part of the year.
Start Your Hardwood Project With Confidence
Beautiful hardwood begins with expert installation, and Lakewood Ranch homeowners have a trusted local team close to home. Book an appointment with a project guide at our showroom at 4735 Lena Road, Suite 103, or schedule an on-site measurement and estimate. Mohawk Synchrony financing is available, subject to credit approval. Reach out to us or call (941) 401-0249 to plan floors installed with care and built to last.
