How to Install Wood Flooring

How to Install Hardwood FlooringFor the ambitious DIYer: Okay, you’ve got a big pile of flooring sitting in your house. Now what?

While we strongly encourage you to rely on a professional to ensure proper installation of this valuable addition to your home that can last for generations, it’s not beyond the means of the average person.

Even though it might seem daunting at first, as long as you don’t mind taking the time to learn something new, are not afraid of hard work and especially if you take satisfaction in seeing the results of your efforts, installing your own floor may be right for you.

Even though it might seem daunting at first, learning how to install wood flooring is merely a matter of elbow grease and patience. Plus, a few good resources and tools!

Learn How to Install Wood Flooring Properly

We recommend that you start with a good book such as Don Bollinger’s Hardwood Floors, available as a how-to DVD from Taunton Press. You will need to learn the basic steps of installing a wood floor, including:

  • how to remove old flooring and prepare the subfloor
  • how to establish a baseline and layout your floor
  • how to use a power nailer in tight spaces
  • how to lay flooring around awkward spots like hearths and heating ducts

After familiarizing yourself with the terrain, you will need to get the right tools for the job. Wood flooring is best installed using a purpose designed flooring nailer, which is generally available for rent at most building supply stores or rental companies. They’re also great tools to have around if you’re an advanced DIY-er who wants to add one to your collection.

How to Install Hardwood Flooring - Setting Boards

A powerful flooring nailer gun will allow you to quickly lay down floorboards without much hammering.

Wide pine must be face nailed or attached with screws (which can be plugged with matching or contrasting plugs) to prevent cupping. This can be done with modern nails, or old fashioned cut nails such as those available through us from Tremont Nail.

How to Install Hardwood FlooringThere are nearly an infinite amount of finishing options available to you, one of the beauties of installing an unfinished floor.

In addition to the myriad of stain types and colors, if you so choose, there are many surface finishes as well. Whether you choose a simple oil finish or a modern monocoat you can be sure that they will all serve to reveal and highlight the beauty that will be your floor for a lifetime.

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