How To Install Hardwood Floors

“Depending on the type of hardwood flooring you’re installing, you may need different tools and materials,” says Tony Pastrana, installation systems developer at Armstrong Flooring. “You may need a pneumatic flooring nailer, drill and drill bits, hammer, nails, pry bar and saw.” Consult the instructions included with yout flooring and make sure you have all tools ready and within reach.

How To Install Hardwood Floors

Tools and Materials

“Depending on the type of hardwood flooring you’re installing, you may need different tools and materials,” says Tony Pastrana, installation systems developer at Armstrong Flooring. “You may need a pneumatic flooring nailer, drill and drill bits, hammer, nails, pry bar and saw.” Consult the instructions included with yout flooring and make sure you have all tools ready and within reach.

1. Determine the Installation Method
You’ll want to start by determining the right procedure for the floor you selected. “Installation methods vary depending on the width, thickness, and construction of the hardwood product, and where it's being installed,” says Pastrana. “Typically, solid hardwood flooring is nailed or stapled to a wood subfloor. Engineered hardwood can be mechanically fastened, glued, or installed as a “floating floor”, depending on the product selected.” He also notes that solid hardwood should not be installed below grade.

Pastrana cautions that nail or glue installations can be challenging even for homeowners with plenty of DIY experience. “Hardwood floors are an investment, so you want to do it right,” he says. “A hardwood flooring installation takes time, precision, and know-how.” If you’re unsure, hire an installer who can get the job done right the first time.

2. Let Your Floors Acclimate
Just because your flooring has arrived doesn’t mean you should break out the nail gun. Solid hardwood flooring needs time to acclimate to the climate of the room.

“To acclimate hardwood flooring, move the packaged boards into the room where they will be installed and let them sit for several days, with the cartons open and raised off the ground, says Pastrana. “This allows the moisture content of the wood to adjust to the conditions in the room.” Engineered flooring does not need to be acclimated, Pastrana says that it's best to store it in the environment before installation.

“It is also important to keep the home's relative humidity level at between 35 and 55 percent or whatever the manufacturer recommends,” he adds. “Doing this will help minimize any movement within the wood flooring later.”

3. Prepare Your Space
“Before you begin, carefully read the detailed installation instructions included with your product, he says, adding that it’s a good idea to watch a few installation videos to see how it's done. Gather all the tools listed in the instructions and make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and flat.

If you are installing over an existing floor, make sure doors are still able to open and close and appliances are flush with countertops. “Most hardwood flooring can be installed over existing ceramic tile, marble, or terrazzo with proper underlayment or adhesives (according to manufacturer’s recommendation),” Pastrana says. “For nail-down applications, flooring can be installed over existing sheet vinyl or vinyl tile if fastener penetration is not significantly diminished and the subfloor meets minimum requirements.”

If you’re installing over existing wood floors, you’ll need to make sure you don’t sand any surfaces that contain asbestos or are coated in lead-based finish or paint. “If this is not an issue, you can remove the old finish and or high spots then prepare the flooring by making any repairs or replacements of loose boards then thoroughly cleaning the floor,” he says.

Next, says Pastrana, “Measure your room—adding 5 percent to the finished square footage for cutting allowance—and snap chalk lines to balance the room before beginning.” Remove any millwork or trim that you’ll reuse, and remove flooring if necessary. If you’re nailing the floor, mark the wall to show the position of the floor joists.

4. Install the Flooring
Begin by rolling out the underlayment, if it’s needed. Pastrana says to lay floor pieces parallel to the longest wall in the room. “Begin on the left side and work right, with the small tongue side facing towards you,” he says. “Use spacers between boards and walls to allow for expansion.” Follow the manufacturer's directions for the appropriate installation method.

If you are using a pneumatic nail gun, drill pilot holes and face-nail the first few rows until there’s room for the nail gun.

Boxes or bundles can differ slightly in color. Mix boards from different boxes to create a random look and make sure that the finished floor doesn’t have lighter or darker patches.

5. Add the Finishing Touches
“The finishing details can make or break the success of a professional-looking job, so don’t cut corners here,” says Pastrana, who notes that you may need to cut boards lengthwise for the last row. Once you are nearly finished,“trace for contours to be cut and fitted according to the installation guide.” When all rows are installed, remove the spacers and attach trim and moldings. View More Website

HOW TO CLEAN A COMPOSITE OR WOOD DECK

Designing and building a deck suited to your wants and needs can be fun and exciting. But when it comes to care and maintenance, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into beforehand. Examine the pros and cons of composite or wood decking -- specifically when it comes to how to clean your decking. And in addition to routine cleaning, you should also be aware of other maintenance work you may need to do from time to time on your deck.

For natural wood lovers, properly cleaning a wood deck requires annual care. You can buy deck cleaning solution at your local hardware store or make your own homemade concoctions from various household products that are effective in fighting mildew, algae, oil and debris.

In addition to cleaning, you’ll also need to routinely stain or seal your natural deck to keep it looking fresh and protect it from the harsh effects of elemental damage -- mainly heat and moisture. In some cases, your natural wood deck may also splinter, requiring sanding or replacing loose boards from time to time.

Composite decks on the other hand, offer a lower level of all-around maintenance – they won’t splinter and you don’t need to worry about periodic staining, painting or sealing projects.

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