One of the most amazing things you can do when redesigning a house is choosing to install solid wood flooring. Aside from its beautiful and sophisticated look, for a do-it-yourself person, it is an exciting project to deal with. Your local store can give you basic instructions on how to install it with or without the help of an expert. By carefully reading the manual or conducting research, it is possible to collect helpful tips for better results.
Guidelines on how to install solid wood flooring:
When remodeling, be sure to remove the existing floor all the way to the subfloor. A subfloor is the surface in which you will install your wood flooring. Make sure to pull out any particles that have been there previously, like staples, grout, nails and glue. Chipped holes should be properly covered to make an even surface.
Remove baseboards carefully and store it in case you need to use them again after installing the hardwood floor. For best outcomes, treat them with sand paper and repaint them to go with your new flooring.
The bare flooring surface needs to be completely free of debris. Poor cleaning will lead to an uneven floor after the installation process.
Cut the felt underlay and start stapling it to the floor. Avoid using too much staples to achieve better leveling.
Locate the floor joists. This is where you will nail your flooring, if required; draw a chalk line along this joist as a marker. You can locate joists by tapping the floor; the hardest sounding part is where they are located.
Your first piece needs to be laid along the joist, nailing it at 45 degrees on the side all the way to the panel joist. Make use of a floor nail gun for best results. Avoid nailing the surface of your hardwood flooring. Do the whole length of the joist first and then proceed to the rest of the floor.
This constant method should be kept all throughout the process. Ensure that you align your pieces the same as the first ones you installed, to get a uniform floor design.
Make sure to give a small space, about a quarter of an inch on your last piece to fit movement and expansion.
Place your new or repaired baseboard on your new solid wood flooring to finish the project.
Before you start any project, give yourself enough time to plan and select the type of hardwood floor that you really want install. Check out the warranties and consider special offers to acquire the best deals. If you are going to do the project on your own, create a simple wood flooring plan and begin the project in the smallest part of the house. Seek advice and ask questions from experts, get assistance if needed. It is not only the design of your hardwood floor that is taken into consideration but also the way it is installed. Poor installation will cause movement on the floor, allowing for gaps and uneven surfaces to be visible. Do not be overwhelmed with the project, instead, ask for help and have fun putting it all together. The best part will be standing back and appreciating your fabulous new floor!
