It's possible to add value to your home with hardwood floors.Wood floors are more practical than many other types of flooring.It's possible to install hardwood floors on your own.The steps will teach you how to install wood flooring.
Step 1: Consider the quality of the wood.
Traditionally, solid hardwoods have been used in flooring.Solid hardwood floors last a long time and will give a room an elegant, old-world look.They can be sanded and refinished many times, giving them a much longer lifespan than other types of wood flooring.As hardwoods are very susceptible to changes in moisture level, considerations must be made.Solid hardwood floors can only be placed in certain areas.They can't be used in the bathroom or basement.Prepare accordingly.Installation considerations will also need to be considered.A wood subfloor is required for solid hardwoods to be nailed into place.You will need to consider other options if you don't provide this.
Step 2: Consider engineered wood.
If you would like to have a similar look, consider engineered wood.This wood is similar to what is used to construct many types of modern furniture, and can be used anywhere in your home as it is not affected by water as much.It will make a room look more modern.It's possible to glue boards like this.It is not necessarily a good idea to apply the surface to because it must be flat and clean.
Step 3: There is a possibility that this is not the case.
It's important that your subfloor is ready for laying down hardwood floors.If you want to follow the directions exactly, you will want a wood subfloor.Other options are available.Don't forget to look at things like door jambs as well.You will either have to cut your floor or get your floors underneath the mold.
Step 4: Allow your wood to get used to it.
If you want to install solid hardwood floors, you need to allow the wood to acclimate to the home's humidity level.The wood will be installed in a room for at least three days.Try to install the floor when the temperature is not very hot or cold.The temperature will affect the wood.
Step 5: There are tools to gather.
There will be more tools and supplies needed to complete the project.Larger pieces, like flooring nailers, can be rented from your local hardware store.There are other pieces that will need to be purchased.The materials list can be found at the bottom of the page.
Step 6: The tongued-edge of the first board should face out into the room.
The manufacturer recommends leaving a small gap at the wall for expansion and placing the board in line with the room.There is a gap.A cross can be created by marking a line between the walls and finding the center point of each wall.If one of these lines meets with the wall, mark the manufacturer's recommended expansion distance and then draw a line which is parallel to the center line.
Step 7: The boards need to be nailed to the floor.
Use the drill to make guide holes and then, using a hammer, nail the board into the subfloor with nails placed 12” from the end of the plank, and every six inches down theboard.A nail set is needed to finish the job.
Step 8: The boards should be locked together.
Place the next board so that the tongue of the first fits into the grooves.The boards should be offset by six inches from the end of the previous board.To create a tight seam, tap the boards together with a mallet and block.
Step 9: Continue until you have finished three rows.
The first three rows are the same as in Step 2.
Step 10: It's important to cut boards to size.
You will need to cut boards in order to fit in the gaps at the end.Measure the distance, keep the expansion gap in mind, and then cut it using a saw.
Step 11: The flooring nailer is used to lay rows.
Once you have enough space, you should use the flooring nailer.To hit it, align it with the board.
Step 12: For the last few rows, use a hammer.
When you run out of room, you'll use the flooring nailer.The last few rows should be the same as the first ones.
Step 13: The board should be cut to size.
You will need to cut the final board so that it is small enough to fit.To cut the boards to size, measure carefully and use a circular or miter saw.
Step 14: The crowbar can be used to place the final boards.
If you don't have enough room to tap them with the mallet, wedge them into place with a crowbar.You're ready to finish the floor.
Step 15: You can add baseboards.
Once the floor is in place, you can add some type of baseboard trim to the wall.Depending on your needs as well as the design of the room, what type of baseboard you choose is up to you.
Step 16: Add trims and transitions.
Where your floor does not meet up with your wall, such as doorways or a section of the room with different floor covering, add trim and transitions.According to the manufacturer's instructions, trim and transitions should be cut to size.A very simple process is what this is.
Step 17: To cover holes, use putty.
If you want to cover the holes created by the nails, you can use nail putty.Dirt and other undesirable material can be collected by these holes.If you want the wood to blend in, be sure to get the color of the putty you use.