Tips On Hardwood Floor Installation Projects

By Shawne M. Patrick

Many houses have had their interior decor installed with hardwood flooring. The explanation many householders select this flooring is because it adds style to the home and it's also sturdy. Installing this flooring isn't particularly easy by far. Many folks can install it themselves while others need professional help. If you've a sub-floor it's a good idea to mend it first before installing a hardwood surface.

Some recommendations on Hardwood Flooring Installation :

1) The sub-floor should be covered with 15 pound asphalt felt, overlapping the seams by 3 inches. You will need a staple gun to anchor the felt to the sub-floor. Measure the rooms width to get an accurate center line.

2) Indicate the edge of the first row of flooring by snapping another chalk line 1/2 inch from the beginning wall precisely parallel to your center line. Then a 1/2-inch opening between the flooring and the wall and this should allow for enlargement if required. It will be covered by a base shoe baseboard molding.

3) Now you'll need to select the longest boards or widest planks for the first row of flooring. Now close to the wall where the nail heads will be covered, drill pilot holes for 1 1/2-inch finishing nails. Then, face nail the first row thru the plywood sub flooring to the floor beams or sleepers. Use a nail set to recess the nails under the surface.

4) Installing the second row and each row after you will have to then move a short piece of flooring along the edge and give it a sharpened rap with something similar to a mallet to tighten the new row against the previous row before you really start nailing.

5) Finally, when you reach the last row you need to use a block and a pry bar to wedge the last boards tightly into position. Drill holes and face nail boards where base shoe or baseboard molding will cover using the reference marks along the wall to locate the joists. Set the nail heads under the surface employing a hammer and nail set. This is the final step when installing hardwood flooring. - 32406

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