An Engineering hardwood flooring installation is a difficult task. They require special skills and knowledge and hence it’s best to get them installed by professional flooring companies. If you have decided to do it yourself, make sure you do it carefully. Below given is a short guide on how to carefully install hardwood flooring.
If the condition of the subfloor is poor, installing hardwood flooring on top of it won’t do any good. The subfloor must be relatively leveled. There are different ways in which you can level your subfloor. Usually, uneven subfloors occur when plywood or OSB isn’t tightly fitted. To achieve uniformity, you can choose to add another level of plywood on top of the subfloor, putting fillers at appropriate places.
You must be knowing that woods contract due to less moisture and expand due to increased moisture. This change in wood properties is called wood movement. Wood that isn’t properly anchored will cause gaps during winter due to contraction. Similarly, woods cause cupping during summers. Hence, you need to fully acclimate the wood to prevent this from happening.
Even if you have acclimated the wood properly, it would still expand and contract. Hence, make sure you leave about a space of
1/4″ around its perimeter.
- The first Row Must be Straight
Make sure the first row of hardwoods is straight. The other ones will be laid about the first one. If your first row of woods is not straight, there will be evident curves as you go on laying the floors one by one. Make sure you install hardwoods perpendicular to joists.
- Buy or Rent the Right Tools
If you are willing to do this task yourself, you must get hold of the appropriate tools required. For this installation process, you will need a miter saw, table saw, fastener, finish nailer, stapler, compressor, jamb saw, and a few other equipments.
These are a few of the important tips you must remember to lay an even, perfectly straight hardwood flooring. Though a reputed hardwood flooring company is best suited for this task, it’s also an enjoyable DIY project. Take all necessary precautions and enjoy as you lay a new flooring of your choice for your home!
