Hardwood floors are beautiful, hard-wearing and attractive. Many people are under the impression that installing hardwood flooring can be difficult. Wood flooring installation is no weekend chore, however there are several tips that will make it easier.
Be sure that you have a clean, dry and even surface to work on. The installation of wood floors is difficult on surfaces that are not flat.
Installing hardwood floors easier when you allow them to adapt and settle to the humidity in your household.
As you lay your floor down, add an asphalt felt layer. This will both make it easier to install and protect the substrate.
In planning your installation, you should include the table saw, circular or power miter. The latter will enable the cutting of the boards in the required length.
Check that each joint on any row does not come closer than six inches to another joint. End pieces should be at least eight inches long.
When installing hardwood, it is worth investing in a wood flooring nailer. This tool will secure the strip to the underside joists. However, this can be a tricky process and damage to your surface is possible.
Fitting a reducer (a strip of moulded, bevelled or shaped wood to soften the transition) between your wooden floor and the floor next door is the best option. The smallest change in floor level could cause people to slip.
Even though wood floor installations are possible for DIYers, they can still be challenging. A floor that is not flat or square can cause damage to the flooring. Also, it’s difficult to fit the flooring into an area that doesn’t have a level surface.This is especially true if your local contractors are experts in wood flooring installation. Otherwise, buying materials on your own may work best. The materials will still be cheaper, while you get to enjoy the professional installation. The cost of a professional installation is cheaper than having to pay for new materials if something goes wrong or to hire someone to remove your old flooring and reinstall it.