How to install hardwood floorings

Although it’s really easy and simple to install different types of flooring but at times the job can become difficult depending on certain flooring types and the kind of floor where installation is to be done.

Tools Required
1. Hardwood planks
2. Transition and mouldings
3. Boards
4. Wood putty
5. Pneumatic nailer
6. Hammer
7. Complete nail set
8. Drill
9. Circular saw
10. Table saw
11. Pry bar
12. Spacers
13. Pencil
14. Tape Measure
15. Dead Blow Hammer
16. Nylon tapping Block
17. Utility Knife
18. Finish Nails
19. Safety Glasses

Installation Instructions
1. Collect the hardwood pieces and check them for board widths.
2. Measure the exact area of the room and make sure that the hardwood and board are bought in accordance.
3. To offset any mistakes, allow for around 10-15% extra wood boards than what is required. The wood should be able to accommodate the humidity level and climate of the room.
4. Make sure that the ground on which the flooring has to be installed is clean and smooth. If there is any kind of irregularity, level the flooring and then layer it with plywood.
5. Roll out strips of vapor barrier paper at a 4″ overlap and staple them securely to the floor.
6. Start your installation from the longest wall of the room and using the longest board.
7. Drill holes at the end of each board to set a connection for series of woods along the length of the room.
8. Then, in succeeding rows, hammer hard to interlock the edges of all the boards. Then accurately nail them t down to have a tighter fit and avoid any kind of gaps and space in between the installed boards.
9. The boards can also be interlocked using the pneumatic nail gun. Place it over the edge and strike firmly. Then the staple is driven into the tongue of the hardwood plank.
10. Fill the gaps, if any, and then firmly place the hardwood using a pry bar and a few extra flooring scraps.
11. For any kind of gaps, wood putty or plastic wood can also be used to fill in spaces in between the flooring.
12. In the end, clean, seal and buffer the wood flooring to give a perfect finish.

Things To Watch Out For
1. Always clean the hardwood flooring before applying the floor finish because dirt and dust can damage the final outcome of the finishing process. Every corner and even the gaps across the floor should be checked before installation.
2. There should be adequate ventilation to avoid any kind of accident like allergies, potential explosion owing to fumes or dust inhalation.
3. Vacate the location after installation for at least a week to give it the desired finish.
4. Always use safety equipments like gloves, dust-mask, knee-pad, and safety glasses.

Quick Tips
1. Out of the two types – finished and pre-finished hardwood flooring – the pre-finished flooring is a better alternative as it leads to faster installation.
2. The quality and finish of the final flooring greatly depends on the type of sub-flooring and the accuracy level of fixing the boards.
3. The first board is really important as it forms the base for the entire flooring. Any kind of imperfection in the first placement would eventually create more flaws.
4. Installation can be done using nail, pneumatic glue, or floating form, but if the existing flooring is of made of ceramic then floating form is the best option.
5. It is always good to buy extra material to cover up for the wastage as there might be flaws and errors.
6. Tightly nail the boards and leave no space for gaps.
7. Noise can be cut down using a piece of paper.
8. Allow the wood to become accustomed to the dryness/humidity for better installation and fitting.
9. There are many colors and shades of flooring available. Hence, choose the one that blends well with the color and shade of the interior of your room.

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