Helpful Information On How to Install a Hardwood Floor

In order to lay a perfect hardwood floor, you need to start with sub-flooring. Sub-flooring will provide a smoother surface to lay the hardwood on, plus it will add a layer of insulation under the hardwood. After choosing your hardwood, look at the instructions to find out what kind of sub-flooring the manufacturer recommends you use with that particular floor. The hardwood flooring will also provide you with a list of tools you will need to lay the floor as well as instructions on how to lay the floor.

You will need to cut the sub-flooring so that it will fit the space, and then nail it down securely on the floor. It needs to be at least ½" to ¾" thick in order to properly support the hardwood floor. It will keep the floor from moving around and keep the room warmer by adding that extra layer of insulation. If you’re unable to make the sub-flooring lie flat because of problems with the original floor, you may need to smooth the floor with an application of joint compound and then let it dry before you go on with the project.

Start by gathering the tools you will need together. They include a hammer and saw, spacers, a pull tool, a measuring tape, straps, a level, glue, a tapping block, and a chalk line. These tools will allow you cut your flooring to size and nail it to the sub-flooring. Spacers will keep you from leaving unwanted gaps between the boards, and the chalk line will be used to mark the perimeter of the area to be covered.

Putting Down Your Hardwood Flooring

The most critical part of any hardwood floor is the way the first three rows of planks are laid. They need to be perfectly straight. You can use you level to make sure you’re keeping them that way. The clamps and straps will help you keep everything together. A hammer and tapping block will come in handy to knock pieces into place, but it needs to be done light. Don’t try to force two boards to fit together because you might cause damage.

In the back groove of every piece of hardwood you lay you’ll need to add a line of glue so that it will be securely fastened to the board next to it. Use plenty of glue, but watch that you don’t get too much. If you do it can squeeze up and ruin the finish on the floor.

You’ll find that as you near the edge of the room you’ll no longer have space enough to use your tapping block and hammer. Now you’ll use your pulling iron an pull the floor together. As you’re working on the middle of the floor, watch where you lay your tools, because they could scratch the finish of the new floor. Instead, you need to keep a soft cloth with you that you can lay down first.

It’s a smart move to completely read through the instructions before starting your project. It will tell you the tools you’ll need to pre-stage in order to do the job, and you can have them altogether, too. This will make it easier for you when you’re actually laying the floor. You know you won’t like having to stop and look for things or drive to a store for a missed item when you’re working. But no matter what effort it takes, you’ll be completely thrilled when you see your new hardwood floor finally coming together.

Visit us for more information on types of hardwood floors, refinish hardwood floors and how to install bamboo hardwood floors.