The Ultimate Guide to Installing Hardwood Floors Like a Pro

Have you decided to change the floor of your house to a hardwood floor but are confused as to how best to accomplish the same? Look no further! In this ultimate guide, we will walk you through everything you would wish to know to install hardwood floors like a pro. From deciding on the type of wood to use, to preparing the subfloor and actually installing the floor planks – we leave no stone unturned. By the end of this guide, you will be optimistic and ready for what may seem like an exhausting do-it-yourself project.

Select the Right Wood:

Understanding wood types needed to finish with hardwood floors is the first stage you will encounter. Take note of their endurance attributes, their tint, and wood grain patterns when determining your options. Oak wood has proved to be the most favorite due to how tough and perfectly it works to be a characteristic wood. On the other hand, maple wood can be used in rooms where a light wood tone is desired. Brazilian cherry and mahogany are exotic and attractive wood types. After finalizing the wood of your choice, it would be wise to give it some time to adapt to the rest of your house before the laying of the wood to shelf.

Prepare Your Subfloor:

It is crucial to prepare the subfloor before placing the hardwood planks. Ensure that this surface is clean, even and dry before commencing the installation process. If the installation site has moisture levels that may be harmful to the wooden floors then one should use a moisture barrier or an underlayment. Ensure that there is no existing flooring material as well as any floor squeaks or uneven conditions in the subfloor. The preparatory actions taken in regard to the subfloor will assist greatly in ensuring that there is proper and durable installation of the hardwood floors.

Install Your Hardwood Floors:

This is the most exciting step; let us do the installation of the hardwood floors! Begin with a starter row against one wall remaining enough room for the expansion around the room edges. Ensure that there are spacers used between every plank to observe the space required until the complete installation of the last one. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines, each plank, which should be installed either, by nailing or gluing is accurately inserted into the subfloor; care should also be observed to avoid damaging the wooden surface. To ensure that every single plank is firmly seated down into the tongue and groove, a tapping block is used combined with a rubber mallet.

Last Steps: Finishing Touches On Your Hardwood Floor

After accomplishing the installation of all your hardwood floor planks, it’s time to apply the finish on the hardwood floor to provide more protection and also enhance beauty. The choice of the finish may be either oil or water – based depending on personal preference and need. Oil-based finishes add a rich brownish tone and are best when it comes to resistance from scrapes and general damage, unlike water-based finishes which are glaze free, quick drying and smell less during the physical application stage. The finish should be done in thin layers and the number of coats should be as indicated by the finish manufacturer, allowing complete drying of the finish after each coat.

Thirty steps: Maintain your hardwood floors properly

Well done – you have successfully laid down the hardwood couples just like a professional installer would have done! Now that the hardwood floors are in place, it is imperative to be keen on maintaining them so that they look good for more years. It is advisable to regularly sweep/ vacuum any debris that sticks on the surfaces and even damp wood floor cleaning mop when it is necessary. Ensure that your floors are not overly exposed to water and place furniture pads on heavy objects to avoid them causing scratches on the floor or dents. Provided that the maintenance tips are done on the screen, then these hardwood floors will be able to add beauty as well as value to the home.

At first glance, installing hardwood floors appears a very challenging undertaking. However, with proper understanding and preparation, every layman can make them look as if a professional did the job. By reading this ultimate guide from wood selection to the wooden floor maintenance after the installation, you will certainly achieve beautiful hardwood flooring in your house for many years in the foreseeable future. Therefore, it is time to prepare yourself properly to make impressive hardwood floors in your house, roll up the sleeves, and put some hardware into action!

For more information visit How to Install Hardwood Flooring on Concrete? | Robar Flooring