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Hardwood Flooring Installation
Written by
Elizabeth Wood
Editor In Chief, United Home Improvement
Hardwood floors can be installed almost anywhere in the home. With
proper maintenance, hardwood floors can endure heavy traffic, water
spills, and other related elements. Aside from maintenance, proper
installation also plays a role on the life and beauty of your
hardwood flooring.
Hardwood floors can be installed over several different sub floors
including concrete, plywood, and existing hardwood. You have the
option of installing, sanding and finishing hardwood flooring, or
using pre-finished hardwood strip flooring. You must also consider
the need for underlayments. Regardless of how you decide to install
your wood flooring (hammer, nailer, and staple) the process is the
same.
During installation, you have the option of using tongue and groove
boards, which will hide all fasteners. Tongue and groove boards,
also called end-matches, are typically more expensive than other
board options. You can also use a process called face nailing, but
this process reveals fasteners. Other methods include gluing boards
down and using adhesives.
Installation Process:
• Begin with the focal point of the room. (For example, a fireplace)
• Once you have decided upon a focal point, start laying out an
accurate reference line. It is suggested to use a “chalk line.”
• If recommended by the manufacturer, begin to install the
underlayment over the sub floor.
• Use the chalk line to align the first row of boards.
• Lay the boards perpendicular to the floor joists.
• Make sure to test fit the rest of the boards in sections before
securing them.
• Be sure to align the second row of boards with the end of the
first row.
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