How To Install Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors exude timeless beauty and elegance, adding warmth and sophistication to any home. The natural variations in color and grain create a unique and inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall aesthetic of your living space.

Whether you’re installing hardwood floors yourself or simply want to understand the process, this guide will walk you through and explain, how to complete each step. From selecting the right materials to adding the finishing touches, we’ll provide you with all the knowledge needed.

Benefits of New Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors offer numerous advantages that make them a popular choice for homeowners. Hardwood is not just a surface to walk on; it’s an investment in your home’s beauty, value, and longevity. Whether you’re enhancing a single room or updating your entire home, installing wooden floors is a choice you won’t regret.

Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Hardwood – How Do I Pick?

Choosing between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood involves understanding their key differences. Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of wood, allowing it to be sanded and refinished multiple times. This makes it an excellent long-term investment, perfect for rooms above ground level like living rooms and bedrooms. However, it’s sensitive to moisture and can warp in humid environments.

Engineered, on the other hand, is composed of multiple layers with a top layer of veneer. This construction makes it more stable and resistant to humidity changes, making it suitable for basements, kitchens, and other areas prone to moisture. Additionally, this type is generally more affordable than solid, providing a cost-effective option without sacrificing the look of real wood. While it can be refinished, it’s limited compared to solid options.

So, if you want traditional beauty and longevity, solid hardwood is ideal. For a more budget-friendly choice, engineered hardwood is the way to go.

Popular Types of Wood Species

When it comes to choosing hardwood, the type of wood you select can significantly impact the look and feel of your space.

Oak Flooring

Oak is a classic choice for flooring with a fair cost. It comes in two main varieties: red oak and white oak. Red oak has a warm, reddish tone with a prominent grain pattern, while white oak is more neutral, with a light brown color and subtle grain. Oak is durable and versatile, making it suitable for almost any room and style, from traditional to contemporary.

Walnut Flooring

Walnut flooring features rich, dark brown tones with a smooth, straight grain. Its luxurious appearance makes it a favorite for formal spaces like dining rooms and home offices. Walnut pairs well with classic and elegant interior styles, adding a touch of sophistication.

Hickory Flooring

Hickory is known for its strength and distinctive appearance. It has a varied color palette, ranging from light to dark shades, and a dramatic grain pattern. This makes it a great choice for rustic and farmhouse-style homes, providing a rugged yet warm aesthetic.

Maple Flooring

Maple flooring offers a smooth, even texture with light, creamy hues. It’s a durable and cost-efficient option that’s perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms. Maple’s clean and subtle look complements modern and minimalist designs, creating a bright and airy feel.

Cherry Flooring

Cherry wood for the floor has a rich, reddish-brown color that deepens with age, giving it a unique, evolving beauty. It has a fine, straight grain that adds elegance to any room. Cherry is ideal for traditional and formal spaces, enhancing the warmth and character of your home.

Each type of wood for the floor brings its own unique charm and suitability to different interior styles. You need to take your time and pick the one you like more.

How to Pick the Correct Wood Floor Installation Type

There are several methods to consider. Each method has its advantages and is suitable for different types of hardwood and subfloor conditions.

Nail-Down

This traditional installation method involves nailing the planks directly to the subfloor. It’s commonly used for solid hardwood and provides a strong, stable floor. Ideal for wood subfloors, it requires precise nailing and is best for experienced DIYers or professionals.

Staple-Down

Similar to nail-down, this method uses staples instead of nails to secure the planks to the subfloor. It’s quicker and easier than nailing and provides a firm hold. Suitable for both types, it’s a good option for plywood subfloors.

Glue-Down

In this method, the adhesive is applied to the subfloor, and the planks are laid on top. It’s often used for installing engineered hardwood on concrete subfloors. Glue-down offers strong adhesion and soundproofing benefits.

Floating

Floating planks aren’t attached to the subfloor. Instead, they are connected to each other, often with a click-and-lock system. This method is popular for engineered and laminate flooring. It’s versatile, easy to install, and ideal for various subfloors, including those with minor imperfections.

Tools Needed for Hardwood Floor Installation

Having the right tools is absolutely essential for a smooth and successful hardwood floor installation.

Measuring and Layout Tools for Wood Flooring

• Tape Measure.
• Square.
• Chalk Line.

Cutting Tools for Wood Flooring

• Table Saw.
• Miter Saw.
• Jigsaw.
• Utility Knife.
• Oscillating tool.

Installation Tools for Wood Flooring

• Flooring Nailer or Stapler.
• Hammer and Nail Set.
• 16 Gauge Finish Nailer.
• Pneumatic Nailer.
• Compressor (for the 2 mentioned above tools).
• Mallet and Tapping Block.
• Pry Bar.
• Drill.
• Spacers.
• Wood Putty.

Preparation and Safety Tools

• Moisture Meter.
• Level.
• Underlayment.
• Protective Gear.

Preparation for Flooring Installation

Before diving into the hardwood floor installation process, proper preparation is crucial for a successful project. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to get you started.

First, measure the length and width of the room floor to calculate the total square footage. Remember to add an extra 10% to your total to account for cutting and waste. Accurate measurements ensure you purchase the right amount of materials and avoid delays.

Once you have your measurements, buy the planks, underlayment, and any other necessary materials. It’s always better to round up and have a little extra than to run short in the middle of the project.

Acclimating your planks is essential to prevent gaps and warping. This process involves letting the wood adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity.

Unpack the planks and lay them out in the room where they’ll be installed. Allow the future flooring to sit for at least 3-5 days, which helps the wood adjust to the environment. During this time, utilize a moisture meter to ensure the wood and subfloor have similar moisture content. The room should be around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is best at 30-50%.

A smooth, clean surface is key to a successful installation. Remove any existing flooring, carpet, vinyl, or tile. Clean the subfloor thoroughly to remove any debris, dust, or adhesive, as removing existing flooring can reveal past installation mistakes. Take a level to check for evenness, sanding down high spots and filling low spots with a leveling compound. Repair any damages, fixing squeaks by securing any loose board and filling any holes or cracks.

Moisture barriers or underlayment are essential, especially for installations over concrete. These layers protect against moisture, preventing water from seeping up from the subfloor. They also provide cushioning, adding a layer of comfort underfoot, and reduce noise, minimizing sound transmission.

How to Install Hardwood Flooring – Nail-down and Staple-down Methods

Nail-down installation is a classic way to lay solid hardwood flooring, and it’s known for its durability and traditional look. Here we’ll walk you through each step of the nail-down method, giving you all the tips and tricks you need for a successful project. We’ll also include handy tips for those of you using the staple-down method, highlighting the slight differences and adjustments for each step.

Step 1: Installing the First Few Rows

Begin along the longest wall, leaving a 3/4 inch expansion gap between the wall and the flooring. Lay the first row with the tongue facing the wall and make sure it’s perfectly straight. Pre-drill holes at 1-inch intervals along the tongues to prevent splitting, and then face-nail them down through the pre-drilled holes. For staple-down, utilize a pneumatic stapler to drive staples through the tongue same as you would do with a nail, at a 45-degree angle, spacing them every 6 to 8 inches and within 1 to 2 inches of each end of the board. For optimal strength and stability, install hardwood floors perpendicular to the floor joists.

Use spacers to maintain the expansion gap consistently along the walls.

Step 2: Continue Laying Rows

Lay the second row, ensuring the ends of each board are staggered by at least 6 inches from the previous row. Take a nailer to drive nails through the tongues at a 45-degree angle, placing nails every 6 to 8 inches along the board. Ensure each next board is tightly fitted against the previous one by tapping it gently with a mallet and tapping block. For staple-down, follow the same process using the stapler instead of the nailer.

Check the alignment of each row of your flooring regularly.

Step 3: Handle Obstacles

Cut each board to fit around any obstacles like vents, doorways, or columns. Using a jigsaw for intricate cuts, ensuring a precise fit. An oscillating tool is used to cut the bottom of door jambs to allow the hardwood to slide underneath, creating a seamless look. Measure twice and cut once to avoid errors. The process is identical for the staple-down method.

Make templates for complex cuts to ensure accuracy.

The result should be like this:

Step 4: Finish with Face Nailing

As you approach the last few rows, space will become limited, making it difficult to operate a flooring nailer. Apply liquid nail glue to secure the boards in place. For the last two rows, finish nails will be applied on top of the planks to ensure a secure fit. Drill only for subfloor screws to avoid squeaking.

Fill any nail holes with wood putty that matches your flooring color to achieve a seamless finish.

Step 5: Install the Final Row of Your Flooring

Measure and cut the final row of boards to fit snugly, maintaining the 3/4 inch expansion gap. Face-nail these if necessary, pre-drilling and countersinking the nails. Fill the holes with matching wood putty for a seamless finish. For staple-down, face-staple if required and fill nail holes accordingly.

Utilize a pull bar to snug the final board into place without damaging the walls.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Install baseboards and trim to cover the expansion gaps around the room. Ensure the trim is secured to the wall and not the floor to allow for natural expansion and contraction of the wood. Clean the floor thoroughly. Consider applying a finish or sealer if the wood is unfinished.

And that’s it! You can enjoy your new flooring!

Installing hardwood flooring is a challenging process where any mistakes can lead to serious damage over time. If you’re unsure about your ability to install the flooring correctly, it’s best to go for professional hardwood floor installation services. Big Bro Hardwood offers expert wood floor installation services to ensure your flooring is installed perfectly.

Glue-Down Method

This method is effective and budget-friendly, especially for concrete surfaces.

Before starting, gather these tools:

• Adhesive
• Trowel for spreading the adhesive
• Measuring tape
• Chalk line or laser level
• Utility knife
• Rubber mallet
• Spacers
• Carpenter’s square
• Cleaner and rags for any adhesive spills
• Table saw (for cutting boards)
• Threshold or transition strips

Now you can get started!

1. Measure and mark the room with a chalk line or laser level. This will guide your first row. Make sure to leave a 3/4-inch expansion gap between the material and the walls. It’s better to apply a moisture barrier.
2. Spread the adhesive evenly with a trowel, holding it at a 45-degree angle. Work in small sections, covering just a few rows at a time to prevent the wood glue from drying out too quickly (it sets in 60 minutes).
3. Place the first boards along the marked line. Use spacers between the material and the walls for expansion. Tap each board with a rubber mallet to secure it. Cut the last board of the row to fit, leaving a 3/4-inch expansion gap.
4. For the second row, fit the groove of each next board onto the tongue of the previous one. Gently tap it into place with a rubber mallet. Ensure each row is flush and snug. This method works well for both solid and engineered materials. Continue this process, row by row.
5. Measure the space for the final row and subtract 3/4-inch for the expansion gap. Trim the width of the pieces using a table saw, and place them carefully to complete the installation.
6. Once all boards are in place, install baseboards and shoe molding to cover the expansion gap. Add threshold or transition strips where the edges are exposed.
7. Allow the adhesive to set, typically for 24 hours. Avoid walking on the surface during this time. Clean any excess adhesive with a suitable cleaner and rag.

After that, you can enjoy your new flooring.

Floating Method

This method is quick, easy, and doesn’t require any adhesive, making it a great option for DIY projects.

What you will need:

• Underlayment
• Measuring tape
• Chalk line or laser level
• Utility knife or saw for cutting planks
• Rubber mallet
• Spacers
• Pull bar
• Tapping block
• Carpenter’s square
• Transition strips
• Baseboards and shoe molding

Let’s go through the process:

• If your product requires underlayment, roll it out across the surface. The underlayment acts as a moisture barrier and adds a bit of cushioning. Make sure the edges of the underlayment are butted up against each other without overlapping. Trim any excess with a utility knife.
• Measure the room and mark the starting point using a chalk line or laser level. Begin laying the planks along the longest house wall. Insert 1/2-inch spacers between the material and the wall to maintain an expansion gap.
• Position the first plank along your marked line with the groove edge facing away from the wall. Use the spacers to maintain the 1/2-inch gap between the plank and the wall. If necessary, drill small holes in the plank at intervals of 4 to 6 inches, staying about 1/2 to 1 inch from the edge that meets the wall. Secure the plank by driving nails into these holes and ensuring they are countersunk.
• Place the next board by aligning it with the first, positioning the tongue into the groove. Ensure the edges are straight and tight. If needed, trim the last plank in the row to fit, leaving a 3/4-inch gap at the wall for expansion.
• Start the second row by cutting a piece of plank so that the joints are staggered by at least 6 inches from those in the first row. Hold the plank at an angle and insert the tongue into the groove of the first row, then press down to lock it in place. Apply steady pressure to ensure a secure fit, and use a tapping block to eliminate any gaps without damaging the edges.
• Continue laying the boards for the remaining rows, making sure each new piece is snugly connected to the previous one. Use the pull bar to help fit the last plank in each row if the space is tight.
• For the last row, measure the space and cut the boards to fit, keeping the 3/4-inch expansion gap. Carefully snap these pieces into place to complete the installation.
• After removing the spacers, install baseboard and shoe molding to cover the expansion gap around the room’s perimeter. Also, add transition strips where the material meets other surfaces, such as doorways.
• After completing the installation, clean up any debris. Walk around the room to ensure all planks are securely locked and there are no gaps or uneven sections.

Maintenance of Wood Flooring After Installation

Proper maintenance starts right after installation and is crucial for keeping your hardwood floor in top condition. By taking care of your flooring from the get-go, you’ll ensure it stays beautiful and lasts for many years.

After installation, you may also want to stain your floors. Picking the right color can be challenging, so be sure to read our guide on how to choose the perfect stain color for helpful tips.

Staining

Want a fresh new color for your hardwood flooring? Let us transform them with expert staining!

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Maintenance isn’t just about keeping your wood floors clean; it’s about preserving the wood’s natural beauty and protecting your investment. Regular care helps prevent scratches, dents, and other damage that can occur from everyday use. Plus, maintaining your wood floors can prevent bigger issues like warping or gaps, which can be costly to fix.

• Regular Cleaning. Vacuum or sweep your flooring regularly to remove dirt and debris that can cause scratches. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to avoid damaging the wood. For deeper cleaning, prepare a damp mop with a floor cleaner, but be sure not to soak the floor as excess water can cause damage.
• Protecting Your Floor. Place doormats at entryways to reduce the amount of dirt and moisture tracked onto your flooring. Felt pads under furniture legs will help prevent scratches and avoid dragging heavy items across the floor. Keep your pet’s nails trimmed to minimize scratches from claws.
• Managing Spills. Wipe up spills immediately with a soft, dry cloth. For sticky or stubborn spills, use a damp cloth followed by a dry one to ensure no moisture is left behind.
• Controlling Humidity. Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity, so it’s important to maintain a consistent indoor environment (usually around 30% to 50% is the optimal level). Prepare a humidifier in the winter to prevent the flooring from drying out and shrinking, and a dehumidifier in the summer if your home is prone to high humidity.
• Refinishing. Over time, your flooring may show signs of wear. Depending on the type, you can sand and refinish it to restore its original beauty. Solid planks can be refinished multiple times, while engineered has a limited number of refinishing opportunities due to its thinner top layer. You might consider using hardwood sanding and refinishing services.

• Seasonal Maintenance. Inspect your new floor seasonally for any signs of damage. Look for gaps, buckling, or cupping, and address these issues promptly to prevent further damage. Regularly check and replace the felt pads under furniture and consider rotating rugs and furniture to ensure even wear.

Repair

Life happens, and sometimes your beautiful hardwood floor takes a hit.  But before you consider replacing it entirely, Big Bro Hardwood can help you restore it precisely.

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Troubleshooting Wooden Floor Installation Issues

Sometimes, even with the best preparation, problems can pop up during or after you install hardwood floors. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.

1. Gaps Between Boards. Gaps in the flooring can appear if the wood isn’t acclimated properly or if the humidity levels fluctuate. To fix this, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. For larger gaps, you might need to fill them with wood filler that matches your flooring.
2. Cupping. It occurs when the edges of the boards are higher than the center, usually due to moisture issues. Check for water leaks or high humidity levels. Use a dehumidifier to balance the moisture levels and ensure proper ventilation.
3. Buckling. This is when the boards lift off the subfloor, often caused by excessive moisture. First, address any water sources or leaks. You may need to remove a few boards to allow the floor to settle back down and then reinstall them.
4. Squeaks. Squeaks can happen if the subfloor isn’t secure or if nails become loose. Try adding a few nails or screws to the squeaky area, ensuring they’re driven into the joists. You can also use a lubricant like powdered graphite between all the boards.
5. Scratches and Dents. Scratches and dents are inevitable, especially in high-traffic areas. Minor scratches can be fixed with a touch-up kit that matches your floor’s finish. For deeper dents, you might need to sand and refinish the affected area.
6. Uneven Boards. If boards are uneven, it might be due to an uneven subfloor. You may need to remove the planks and level the subfloor before reinstalling them. Ensure each board is properly aligned and secured.

Remember, problems can arise, but most issues can be fixed with a bit of patience and the right approach.

Sanding and Refinishing

Looking to revive your floors? We’ve got the expertise to sand and refinish them to perfection!

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Why Hardwood Flooring Installers Could Be a Good Option

Installing hardwood flooring is no easy task. It involves careful planning, precise measurements, and the ability to handle unexpected issues that may arise. If you’re not experienced, you might not know how to deal with specific problems like uneven subfloors, moisture levels, or intricate patterns. Plus, if you’re investing in expensive hardwood, it would be heartbreaking to spoil it due to inexperience.

This is where professional hardwood installers can make a significant difference. They have the expertise to handle all aspects of the installation, ensuring that everything is done correctly and efficiently. Complex patterns that can add unique beauty to your home are also much easier for a professional to execute.

We are Big Bro Hardwood – a family dedicated to bringing the beauty and warmth of pure nature into your home. We understand the intricacies of hardwood installation services and are here to help you every step of the way. Our team ensures that your flooring is installed perfectly, enhancing its longevity and maintaining its stunning appearance for years to come.

If you want to make sure your floor lasts long and looks beautiful, consider taking our professional help. With Big Bro Hardwood, you can rest easy knowing your floors are in expert hands, allowing you to enjoy the elegance and comfort of flooring without the stress and hassle of DIY installation.

Final Thoughts About Wood Flooring

Hardwood flooring makes a beautiful and timeless addition to any home, and it’s certainly worth the investment. We hope our guide has provided you with the information and confidence needed to start your installation project. If you want professional hardwood floor installation or any other assistance, feel free to call us at Big Bro Hardwood. We’re here to help you get your dream wood flooring!

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