How to Install Hardwood Floors Like a Pro

Hardwood floors are a beautiful and durable addition to your home. Learn how to install them like a pro. Start your installation at the longest, unobstructed wall and install flooring perpendicular to floor joists. Be sure to calculate a cutting and culling allowance when ordering.

Before installing, lay out several boxes of hardwood to visualize lengths and wood grain patterns. Let the boards acclimate for days before installation. Check out PG HARDWOOD FLOOR REFINISHING LLC web site if you require details resources all about hardwood floor refinishing.

Preparation

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home, and they last longer than other types of flooring. They are also easy to maintain and clean. They can increase the value of your home and make it look much more spacious. However, wood floors require a little more preparation than other flooring materials. Improper preparation can lead to buckling, warping and other problems that can ruin your new wood floor.

One of the first things to do before installing hardwood floors is to remove any existing flooring. This can be done by sanding the surface of the old floor and then using a vapor barrier to protect against moisture under the new floor. It is important to prepare any doorways as well, so the flooring will fit properly. You can use shims or wood putty to raise the doors so the flooring will engage with them properly.

Solid hardwoods should be acclimated to the temperature and humidity in the room where they will be installed for a few days before installation. This will prevent the wood from drying out and becoming damaged during the installation process. A good time to do this is in the spring or fall, when the temperature will be moderate. It is also a good idea to have a moisture meter on hand and read the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.

Installation

Hardwood floors add warmth and beauty to your home, and increase its value. Unlike other flooring options that come and go with trends, wood floors never go out of style. Wood floors are also easier to clean, and require less maintenance than carpets.

Whether you choose solid or engineered hardwood, the first step is to prepare the area. This can be done by removing existing floors, or by creating a new plywood subfloor over concrete, depending on the type of floor you are installing. The subfloor must be flat, dry and structurally sound. It is also important that it be moisture tested (this process is beyond the scope of this project and can be completed by a professional).

To install your floor, start with the longest unobstructed wall and remove any shoe molding. Lay the first row of boards, staggered along floor joists. Face nail your second row, being sure to maintain the expansion gap at all edges and the joists. Use a pneumatic flooring nailer or stapler for the rest of the floor, being sure to countersink your nails and tap with a mallet.

Be sure to save a few rows of boards in case there are any future repairs or replacements. You will also want to have a few extra boards to replace any damaged or stained ones from the installation.

Finishing

When you’re ready to put the finishing touches on your new hardwood floors, apply a wood finish. This will protect the flooring from dirt and stains, and it also gives the wood a natural appearance. Finishes can be oil-based or water-based. Water based finishes dry faster, but they aren’t as durable as oil-based options.

Then, let the wood acclimate in the room where it will be installed for three days. You can use a room’s humidity and temperature levels to determine acclimating time.

If your customers have existing floors in their home, consider installing the new hardwood on top of them. This bypasses the messy job of removing the old floors and adds instant soundproofing to the rooms underneath. It also saves on installation costs.

Lay the first row parallel to your guidelines, using spacers (if needed) to ensure that the floor is square and level. Face nail the final two rows on the tongue side, making sure to leave a 3/4-inch gap for expansion. Conceal the gap with baseboard and shoe molding, if desired. Finally, fill the holes left by nailing with putty in a color that matches your floors. This project may seem daunting, but with the right tools and a little preparation, you can successfully install hardwood floors like a pro.

Business name: PG HARDWOOD FLOOR REFINISHING LLC
Address: 424 West 22nd Street, Lorain, OH 44052
Phone: (440) 506-9220
Website: http://pghardwoodfloorrefinishing.com/
Email: pghardwoodfloorrefinishing@gmail.com