Articles | DIY to Install Hardwood Floor

A do it yourself install hardwood floor project is best left to someone with experience in putting down this type of flooring. There are many things to know and many features of the boards to take into account. Unless you have worked as a professional installer, chances are you will have a difficult time making the project turn out right. Make sure you at least understand these details before you start.

1. Tongue and Groove

Tongue and groove flooring is made to go together one way. As long as the tongue fits into the groove, you are on the right track. One problem occurs when you have to rip a board lengthwise. Because the two sides of the board are not the same, you have to be sure that you know which way the board fits in before you rip it. If you are not careful, you will cut off the wrong side of the board and end up trying to put a groove with a groove or a tongue with a tongue. This feature needs to be considered every time you install hardwood floor coverings.

2. Layout

The layout is important when you install hardwood floor boards. You have to choose the boards which will be put into place together. Most people start with a long board against the longest wall in the room. Wherever you place that first board, you have to follow it up correctly. The entire line of boards against that first wall set the stage for the rest of the floor.

After you put start to install hardwood floor boards beyond that first row, there are a few rules you have to follow. The first is that you do not ever want two boards to end together side by side. They should always be staggered. Second, the boards might vary in length, but too many short boards placed together makes for a cheap-looking floor. Start laying out the floor ahead of the row you are working on.

3. Nailing

When you install hardwood floor pieces, a certain degree of technique and skill is necessary in the nailing process. On the first boards that go along the first wall, you cannot use the power nailer. You have to use the technique of face nailing to put the boards in place while still allowing for expansion and contraction with humidity variation. You will have to do some hand nailing therefore.

After there is clearance for the pneumatic nail gun, you can use it to staple the boards into place until the final few rows. Then, you are back to hand nailing. The process you go through to install hardwood floor coverings is painstaking and challenging. Everything must be done exactly correctly or the floor will not look perfect. In the end, it is much better to rely on an expert installer if you want a beautiful floor to be the result.