How To Install Hardwood Flooring Without Headaches

How To Install Hardwood Flooring Without Headaches

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Are you going to learn how to install hardwood flooring? First thing's first: You need to choose the flooring. You have many options when it comes to hardwood flooring. Some of it can be installed the old-fashioned way, and some of it just snaps in place.

Laminates and snap-together hardwoods have their own instructions, which will come with the flooring. However, traditional hardwood flooring is more involved. Here are some steps to help get you started.

Before anything else, the flooring base needs to be put down. The subfloor needs to be level, dry, and clean. Remove the baseboards before you begin.

You want the wood to get acclimated to your house first, so whether you pick up the flooring yourself or have it delivered, time it so that it all gets stacked somewhere in your house for a few days or so. Remember, wood is a natural material that's sensitive to temperature and humidity levels; it expands and contracts. It won't fit properly if you don't give it time to adjust to your home.

While you're figuring out how to install hardwood flooring, determine which direction the floor joists/supports run. Once you do that, mark the position at the base of the walls so you have a handy reference. Now you'll need to layer the top of the subfloor with 15-pound asphalt felt.

You'll muffle the creaks and squeaks this way, and your floor will be protected from moisture. It's even more critical that you do this if you're installing the hardwoods in a bathroom or kitchen.

Mark the centerline of your room to indicate the position for the first board. As you install the flooring, be sure to leave a gap of 1/2 inches at the walls.

You'll want to use a nail set to finish hammering in each nail. This way, your hammer won't indent your wood. The first three boards or so should be nailed in by hand, even if you're using a pneumatic flooring nailer. This will keep them from shifting.


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Make sure to visit How to Install for more tips on everything from How to Install a Window to How to Install Gutters.



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