There are many types of wood floors, but only two main ways to install them; either by nailing or stapling the boards to a subfloor, or by gluing them down. Installing a wood floor is not as difficult as one might think and can be done by most do-it-yourselfers with a little bit of know-how.
Materials Needed for Installation
When it comes to installing a wood floor, you will need some basic tools and materials. These include:
• Tape measure
• Chalk line
• Circular saw or power miter saw
• Hammer
• Nail set
• Prybar
• Crowbar
• Stapler or pneumatic flooring stapler
• Drill
• Jigsaw
• Safety glasses
• Respirator mask
• Knee pads
• Hearing protection
• Wood flooring of your choice
• Underlayment (if needed)
• Construction adhesive (for glue-down installations)
• Finishing nails or staples (for fasten-down installations)
Instructions
1. Choose the location for your wood floor. It should be an area that is free from moisture and humidity and has a solid subfloor. If you are unsure about the subfloor, it is always best to consult a professional.
2. Measure the area where you will be installing the wood floor and calculate how many boards you will need. It is always best to buy a little extra just in case you make any mistakes during installation.
3. If you are doing a fasten-down installation, nail or staple down a layer of underlayment to the subfloor. This will help to dampen noise and provide a smooth surface for the wood flooring.
4. If you are doing a glue-down installation, apply construction adhesive to the subfloor using a notched trowel.
5. Starting at one end of the room, begin laying down the boards for your wood floor. If you are doing a fasten-down installation, nail or staple the boards to the subfloor every 6-8 inches. If you are doing a glue-down installation, spread construction adhesive on the back of each board and then lay it down onto the subfloor. Be sure to use a J-roller to apply pressure to the boards so that they adhere properly.
6. Once all of the boards have been installed, trim off any excess with a circular saw or power miter saw.
7. Finish off the edges of the room with molding or baseboard trim.
Mistakes To Avoid:
1. One of the most common mistakes when installing a wood floor is not acclimating the boards first. This means that you should take the boards out of their packaging and let them sit in the room where they will be installed for at least 48 hours so that they can adjust to the temperature and humidity level.
2. Another mistake is not allowing for expansion space. When installing a wood floor, you should always leave a 1/4-inch gap around the perimeter of the room to allow for expansion.
3. Another common mistake is not using the proper tools and materials. Be sure to use the correct size nail or staple for your particular flooring and make sure that your construction adhesive is compatible with your flooring.
4. Finally, one of the most common mistakes is not taking the time to clean up after installation. Be sure to remove all debris and dust before putting furniture back in the room or walking on the floor.
Conclusion
Installing a wood floor is not as difficult as one might think and can be done by most do-it-yourselfers with a little bit of know-how. With the proper tools and materials, you can easily install a beautiful and durable wood floor in your home.