How To Install Hardwood Floors
Hardwood flooring is the best kind of home flooring because it provides elegance and durability. Hardwood floors can be the answer for all types of rooms. Although many only utilize wood floors in dining rooms, living rooms, and family rooms, they can be a beautiful choice for bedrooms, kitchen, and baths as well.
If the hardwood floor installation is going to be done by the homeowner, it is best to use planks that have already been finished. Unless you are a professional at using a drum sander, you would not want to try using unfinished wood. The sander can leave grooves in the floor if not done correctly.
It is a good idea to stack any wood planks inside of your home for a few days before installing them. This is so that the wood can adjust to the humidity inside the home. Hardwood planks should be placed across the joists in the floor.
After checking the sub-flooring, remove the shoe moulding, clean up any dirt, and replace the flooring. Vapor barrier paper will need to be placed down, with 4 inches overlapping each edge. Staple the vapor barrier down to the sub-floor. For around $12, you can purchase rolls of 15 pound tar paper or felt. Draw off the location of the joists with a lead pen.
Pick the longest wall and a long plank, and using a chalk line, mark the board for pilot holes. Pilot holes past the board and sub-floor and in the joist. The first plank in the row will have to be face-nailed, and then a nail set should be used. The groove side of the first row’s planks should face the wall.
Mending your nail holes with matching wood putty as you work is a fantastic idea. This is much easier than trying to identify the holes later on, as some of them may be difficult to see. Once these steps are done, lay out the planks for the next row.
Notice how the wood flooring latches piece to piece. Using the same methods for every row and cover the entire floor with the wood boards. Always be sure to leave a 3/8 inch gap between the last planks and the wall, in case the wood expands. Sweep up any dust and dirt and finally replace the shoe moulding.
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