Installing Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors can be installed almost anywhere in the home. With proper maintenance, hardwood floors can endure heavy traffic, water spills, and other related elements. Aside from maintenance, proper installation also plays a role on the life and beauty of your hardwood flooring.

Hardwood floors can be installed over several different sub floors including concrete, plywood, and existing hardwood. You have the option of installing, sanding and finishing hardwood flooring, or using pre-finished hardwood strip flooring. You must also consider the need for underlayments. Regardless of how you decide to install your wood flooring (hammer, nailer, and staple) the process is the same.

During installation, you have the option of using tongue and groove boards, which will hide all fasteners. Tongue and groove boards, also called end-matches, are typically more expensive than other board options. You can also use a process called face nailing, but this process reveals fasteners. Other methods include gluing boards down and using adhesives.

Hardwood Installation Process

• Begin with the focal point of the room. (For example, a fireplace)
• Once you have decided upon a focal point, start laying out an accurate reference line. It is suggested to use a “chalk line.”
• If recommended by the manufacturer, begin to install the underlayment over the sub floor.
• Use the chalk line to align the first row of boards.
• Lay the boards perpendicular to the floor joists.
• Make sure to test fit the rest of the boards in sections before securing them.
• Be sure to align the second row of boards with the end of the first row.

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