The Step-by-Step Guide On How To Install Hardwood Flooring
This article presents a step-by-step guide on how to install hardwood flooring for those who want to save on the installation fees that they would pay a contractor. The first step is to select the board widths and the hardwood species, such as beech, maple, oak or walnut. And before you can order the hardwood planks, you will need to measure the area of the room. It is advisable to place an order for hardwood boards with a total area of 110 to 115 percent of your calculated room area. This will provide some allowance for any errors in cutting and any irregular planks. Those who want to save further can look for discount hardwood flooring. And before you can install hardwood flooring, it is vital to check the sub-floor for squeaks and to place vapor barrier paper on the sub-floor.
It is important to make sure that the sub-floor is at lease three-fourths of an inch and that there are no squeaks. If you do find a squeak, the remedy is to use a drywall screw to join the joist and sub-floor in that area. Next, roll out the vapor barrier paper strips and staple them to the sub-floor. After this, make sure that you have all of the tools required and you can begin to install hardwood flooring. Remember to provide a clearance of three-eighths inch from the baseboard so that there is room for expansion when the air is hot and humid.
When installing wood floors, start by choosing a long plank for the first row. Make sure that you will be laying the first planks perpendicular to the joists below. After the installation of the first few rows, you will have to drill pilot holes through the tongue of each board. You should hand nail the rolls until there is sufficient space for the nail gun. You will then use the nail gun to staple the tongue of the hardwood board. After the last board has been installed, if there is a narrow gap, measure it and rip the final board to fit it in. Place wood putty on all of the nail holes while making sure the color of the putty is compatible with the floor.
After the installation of the hardwood planks, it is time for sanding hardwood floors. You may need to utilize a window fan to eliminate most of the dust that the sander is unable to get into the dust bags. Remember to use an edge sander to take care of the portion that is close to the wall. Make sure that the sanding direction is consistent. A vital guideline to follow when you want to install hardwood flooring is to ensure that when you are blind-nailing not to use a hammer to drive the nails until it is flush with the floor. Instead, the head of the nail must be left projecting by about 1/8 inch. You will then place a nail set sideways over the the top of the nail and then tap the nail set with the hammer to drive the nail.
