Installing hardwood flooring can be a rewarding project that adds beauty and value to your home. Here are some tips to help you with the installation process:
Prepare the Subfloor: Ensure that the subfloor is clean, level, and dry before installing hardwood flooring. Remove any existing flooring, such as carpet or tile, and make sure the subfloor is free of debris and in good condition .
Acclimate the Flooring: Allow the hardwood flooring to acclimate to the room where it will be installed. This helps the wood adjust to the temperature and humidity of the space, reducing the risk of warping or shrinking after installation .
Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific hardwood flooring you are installing. Different types of hardwood may have specific installation requirements, so it’s important to follow the guidelines provided .
Calculate the Amount of Flooring: Measure the length and width of the room to determine the square footage of the area. Add an additional 10% to account for waste and damaged boards. This will give you the total amount of flooring you’ll need .
Install Perpendicular to Floor Joists: Install the hardwood flooring perpendicular to the floor joists. This helps provide stability and prevents sagging or flexing of the floorboards. It’s also recommended to install the flooring parallel to the longest wall in the room .
Leave an Expansion Gap: Leave a 1/2-inch expansion gap around the perimeter of the room to allow for natural expansion and contraction of the wood. This gap can be covered with baseboards or quarter-round molding .
Avoid H-Joints: When joining the ends of the boards, try to do so over a floor joist and avoid creating H-joints. It’s also recommended to stagger the joints at least two rows apart for a more visually appealing installation .
Consider the Last Row: Before starting the installation, calculate the width of the last row of flooring. If it will be less than an inch, cut the width of the first row in half to ensure a balanced and aesthetically pleasing layout .