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Adding floor outlets--before or after wood floor installation?

Chris Stromberger

17 years ago

We have a room where wood floors are coming in and we know we want some floor electrical outlets in there. The room is over a basement, so access is no problem. Question is, does it matter when the outlets are installed? Should they be in place before the wood floor installation starts, or does it even matter? Seems like it might be hard for the floor installer to "install around" an existing outlet box.

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Comments (5)

floorman67
17 years ago
cutting around a box takes a couple minutes.

it's no big deal either way.
lghamm_aol_com
16 years ago
Floorman, would you be willing to provide instructions for cutting around an existing box? My installer is a general remodeling contractor who hasn't encountered this before. I'd really appreciate it.
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piegirltoo
16 years ago
We are doing what gardenchick1 did. I found some very cool ones at Lew electric. They are round (with a single outlet) and will be flush with the finished floor. The visible parts are brass.
texas_al
16 years ago
We wanted floor outlets but have a slab on grade so they had to be allowed for ahead of time. When it came time for the wood floors he had them move two outlets about a foot by running wires under the hardwood. Turns out the original locations would have been better. Further, we ended up with wall plates on the floor which were never designed to be stepped on or have furniture legs on them. The original locations would have had nice recessed brass outlets. Bummer.

The best thing to do is wait until the furniture is place then install them if there is good access from beneath. Basements must be nice.....

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