29 Mar How to Install Hardwood Flooring
There are many benefits to getting hardwood flooring for your home. They are stylish, durable, and easy to maintain over time. Hardwood is also built to last, and the flooring will remain in top condition for many years. Because they are cut from trees, there’s a wealth of options: oak, maple, cherry, walnut, or hickory.
If you’re considering handling the installation of hardwood flooring on your own, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you.
Go through the pre-installation preparations
The first thing you must do is prepare the material. Place the hardwood in the room for 3 to 5 days before installation. This lets the flooring get acclimated with the ambient temperature and humidity. While you wait, remove any residue from the old flooring and vacuum the space.
Nail down the first board
Place the first wood slab on the floor and near a wall; make sure the tongue side (the side with a small section jutting out) is facing outward. Then countersink the nail using a nail gun, and use putty to fill whatever space is left to maintain the surface’s consistency. Be sure to leave 0.75-inch spacers between the board and the wall.
Fit the rest of the boards
Once you have boards installed along the length of the room, it’s time to fit the rest of it. You do this by locking the tongue end of the first board with the groove end of the new one, then using a mallet to tap them together for a tight fit. You may create a more attractive pattern by varying the length of every other slab of hardwood.
Use a flooring nailer
After getting the third layer of boards in, you may now use a floor nailer to make your work easier. Without one, you’d have to use a nail gun for every slab you fit, and in addition to taking longer, there’s an increased chance of a mistake. However, while using the equipment, ensure the nailer’s protective boot is installed to safeguard your new flooring from scuffs and deep scratches.
Complete the installation
The last rows to be installed will need some special attention. For one, you have to nail them by hand. Then you may also need to cut the last pieces so they’d fit with the space left in the room. When you’re done, install the transition pieces by following the manufacturer’s instructions, then remove the spacers.
And that’s it, a step-by-step guide on how to DIY the installation of hardwood flooring. If this process seems complex or you don’t have the requisite tools to carry it out, you may hire professionals to get the job done.
If you live in the Algarve region in Portugal, you’re in luck. TJ Projects handles home construction and renovation projects in the area, and we have craftsmen who can get your hardwood flooring installed in no time at all. For enquiries or to get a cost estimate, call +351 918 348 898 now or send a quick message to info@tj-projects.com.