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How to Install Solid Hardwood Flooring ( Prefinished)

 

Download How to Install Solid Hardwood Flooring Instructions HERE

 

Installing prefinished solid hardwood flooring can be a rewarding home improvement project, and doing it yourself can save you money. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you install prefinished solid hardwood flooring.

Materials and Tools Needed:

  • Prefinished solid hardwood flooring
  • Tape measure
  • Chalk line
  • Saw (miter saw, circular saw, or jigsaw)
  • Flooring nailer/stapler (for nail-down installation) or staple gun
  • Hammer
  • Wood glue (optional for edges)
  • Flooring spacers
  • Broom or vacuum cleaner
  • Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses, ear protection)
  • Underlayment (if required by the manufacturer)
  • Tapping block and pull bar
  • Drill (if needed for pilot holes)
  • Wood filler (for nail holes)
  • Finish or touch-up kit (if needed)

Step 1: Acclimate the Flooring

Before you start, it’s important to allow your prefinished hardwood flooring to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity.

  1. Bring the planks into the room where they will be installed.
  2. Lay them flat in the room for at least 48 hours (or as recommended by the manufacturer) to allow the wood to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels.

Step 2: Prepare the Subfloor

The subfloor must be clean, dry, and level before you begin installation.

  1. Check the subfloor for level: Use a long level or straightedge to check the subfloor. If there are any dips or high spots, correct them by sanding or filling in the low spots with a leveling compound.
  2. Clean the subfloor: Remove any dust, debris, nails, or staples. A broom or vacuum cleaner works well for this.
  3. Moisture barrier (if needed): If you're installing hardwood over a concrete subfloor, apply a moisture barrier or vapor retarder as recommended by the manufacturer.

Step 3: Plan the Layout

Proper planning is crucial to achieve a professional-looking floor.

  1. Find the room’s center: Measure the width and length of the room, and mark the center along both walls. Use a chalk line to snap a line from one wall to the other along the center.
  2. Dry lay the boards: Before you start nailing or stapling, lay a few rows of boards along the chalk line to determine how they will fit. Adjust the boards to ensure that the last row is wide enough to be aesthetically pleasing and that the pattern will run in the right direction (usually along the length of the room).
  3. Leave an expansion gap: You will need a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch gap between the flooring and the wall to allow for wood expansion.

Step 4: Begin the Installation

There are generally two types of installation methods: nail-down and staple-down. Most prefinished solid hardwood floors require a nail-down installation. Here’s how to proceed:

Nail-Down Installation (Most Common):

  1. Start with the first row: Place the first board along the chalk line, with the groove side facing the wall. Leave a 1/4-inch gap between the board and the wall using spacers.
  2. Nail the first board: Using a flooring nailer, nail the board in place through the tongue of the board, at a 45-degree angle. Be sure to keep the nails spaced about 6 to 8 inches apart.
  3. Add subsequent boards: As you continue to add rows, make sure the tongues of the boards fit into the grooves of the adjacent row. Use a tapping block to gently tap the boards into place.
  4. Check alignment: Periodically check the alignment of the boards to ensure they are straight and flush with one another. Use a chalk line if necessary to stay aligned.
  5. Continue nailing: Once the first few rows are in place, continue nailing or stapling the remaining boards. Work in sections, nailing or stapling every 6-8 inches along the tongue of each board.

Staple-Down Installation (Alternative Method):

  1. Place the first row: Similarly to the nail-down method, place the first board along the chalk line, leaving the proper expansion gap.
  2. Staple the board in place: Use a staple gun to staple the tongue of the board to the subfloor. Make sure to staple every 6-8 inches along the length of the board.
  3. Install the remaining boards: Continue laying the next rows of boards and staple them into place, using a tapping block to fit the edges together securely.

Step 5: Cutting the Boards

You will likely need to cut the last row or fit boards around obstacles like door frames or vents.

  1. Measure and mark: Measure the remaining space in the last row of boards, allowing for the expansion gap. Mark the boards to be cut.
  2. Cut the boards: Use a saw (circular saw or miter saw) to cut the boards to the correct length.
  3. Install the final row: Use a pull bar to snugly fit the last row into place, securing it to the row before it. If needed, you can glue the edges or use wood filler to fill in any small gaps or nail holes.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once all the boards are installed, it’s time to finish up.

  1. Install trim or molding: Once the flooring is installed, remove the spacers and install baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover the expansion gap between the floor and the wall. Nail or glue the trim into place.
  2. Fill nail holes: If necessary, fill any visible nail holes with wood filler that matches the color of the floor. Once dry, sand the filler smooth.
  3. Clean the floor: Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any dust or debris from the installation process.
  4. Inspect the floor: Take a final walk-through and check for any imperfections, such as gaps or loose boards, and make necessary adjustments.

Step 7: Allow the Floor to Settle

After installation, let the floor settle for at least 24-48 hours before moving furniture back in. This will allow the wood to adjust fully to the room's temperature and humidity.

Step 8: Enjoy Your New Floor!

Once everything is complete, enjoy your beautiful new prefinished hardwood floor!

Tips for Success:

  • Start with a clean and level subfloor: This is crucial for a smooth and durable installation.
  • Use proper safety equipment: Always wear gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection when cutting and nailing.
  • Check your work frequently: Align boards often to ensure a straight, level floor.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions: Always refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer, as different types of wood or finishes might require particular care during installation.

By following these steps, you should be able to install your prefinished solid hardwood flooring like a pro!