Tips for Installing Hardwood Flooring – Do’s and Don’t

1
Tips for Installing Hardwood Flooring Dos and
Dont

• A hardwood flooring has a charm of its own it
  is a subtle blend of old-world appeal and
  modern-day style and can add warmth and value to
  your home. Not only is it available in a range of
  colors to complement your personal preferences
  but it also is durable and can last for years. If
  you are the typical DIY person, hardwood flooring
  installation should not be too difficult but in
  case of any doubts call in the professionals. It
  is almost impossible to rectify later an
  installation gone wrong.

2

• Your work starts with preparing the sub floor
  which can take as much time as the installation
  of the hardwood flooring. When you are replacing
  a carpet, simply pull it up with a pair of pliers
  and remove the under layment and tack strips. For
  replacing other types of flooring before hardwood
  flooring installation, you will have more work on
  your hands.

3

• Vinyl flooring, for example, is very difficult to
  replace. Some contractors do consider installing
  hardwood flooring over particle board but that is
  not advisable as nails and staples will not hold
  well. In short, preparing the sub floor is
  critical to the ultimate hardwood flooring
  installation.

4

• There is another aspect to keep in mind. Hardwood
  flooring cannot be installed straightaway after
  it is delivered to your home. It has to be kept
  in the rooms where it will be installed for
  several days to allow it to adjust to the
  temperature and the humidity to prevent gaps and
  buckling. Top contractors suggest that the wood
  be left on the job site for two weeks. But on the
  flip side, the wood might already be at the right
  moisture level and ready for installation. This
  has to be checked before starting on hardwood
  flooring installation.

5

• Here are some dos and dont for installing
  hardwood flooring.
• Start the installation from the straightest and
  longest wall and work on the installation
  perpendicular to the floor joists.
• Get the right amount of flooring. Keep a margin
  of 5 for standard cutting and a culling
  allowance of 10. Hardwood is sold in cases so
  round up the floor space measurements when
  ordering.
• Stack up the hardwood spread around the room
  but not directly on concrete.

6

• Install ¾ inch hardwood flooring using nails or
  staples over a wood subfloor. You can also use
  full spread adhesive or a floating method for
  hardwood flooring installation when there is an
  approved sub floor.
• Ensure that the sub floor is strong.
  Recommended parameters are ¾-inch CDX plywood but
  ¾-inch OSB is acceptable as is a minimum 5/8-inch
  CDX existing wood floor or tongue and groove
  flooring. Be safe and always wear work gloves
  and knee pads so that the hardwood flooring
  installation is comfortable for you.   While
  the installation is generally not complicated,
  get professional help if the process requires
  glue-down or nail-down. These are not easy at all.