When choosing to install hardwood floors, there are many considerations and factors that are involved. There are a few basic installation methods that can be used. To help you come to a decision regarding hardwood installation, we at Flooring Solutions of Oklahoma would like to discuss the type of installation methods and a few tips.
What is the Best Installation Method for Hardwood Floors?
Depending on your subfloor, budget, and lifestyle factors the type of installation your hardwood floors need. For example, the hardwood flooring can be nailed down, and the engineered flooring can be secured with glue. Below are different types of installation methods.
Glue Down: A glue-down method can be used with engineered flooring. Generally, the wooden floor is clicked together and glued down completely.
Click-Lock: This method is beneficial for engineered wood flooring. To avoid moisture, the click-lock method involves locking the panels together. When the sub-floor comprises cement, floor with radiant heat, or tile floors, the click-lock method can be used.
Nail-Down: For solid wood flooring, many homeowners choose a nail-down method. Wooden subfloors are required for this method. You need to remove the existing floor and create a subfloor if you do not possess a subfloor made of wood. This method can potentially incur a massive cost for making the subfloor and creating the flooring.
Prepare House for Hardwood Flooring
Once you have the method of installation decided, you will need to prep the space. You need to prepare the space for the wooden flooring, depending on the subfloor and the type of hardwood. Below are the steps that may be required for preparing the hardwood.
1) In the room where you are installing hardwood floors, you need to clear the area out and remove the baseboards.
2) Make certain the subfloor is smooth and level. The low spots must be filled, and the raised spots require sanding.
3) You need to mark the walls to show the floor joists’ location.
4) Cover the flooring with moisture inhibitors.
5) Strip flooring can be run perpendicular to the joists to enhance structure strength.
6) For the first row of installation, a string can be used for measuring and snapping the line.
7) To create the proper guideline for your floor, nail guns can be used to drive the nails and stretch the line of the mason.
8) Configure the hardwood you need based on the shape of the room and square footage.
9) You have required to layout the boards for the installation.
10) Finish the entire process by closing the end joints.
Hardwood Floor Installation Tips
Some general tips you need to follow while installing hardwood floors are listed below.
– Install your flooring perpendicular to the joists at the longest possible wall.
– Make sure you have the right amount of flooring.
– On or above the grade, install the floor.
– Before 4-5 days of the flooring procedure, let your hardwood acclimate.
– Not stacking the hardwood directly on the concrete helps.
– You can use knee pads and gloves before the hardwood installation, as safety is required.
Hardwood Floor Installation & More in Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, Lawton, Edmond & Oklahoma City, OK
Installing hardwood floors can be a rather involved process, requiring focus, patience, and hard labor. If installing the hardwood floor is out of your wheelhouse, it is better to leave the project to trusted professional. Call Flooring Solutions of Oklahoma to ensure your hardwood flooring is installed right.
