How To Install Wood Flooring

Predrill nail holes 1 4 inch from the narrow side of the plank at 1 2 inch from the wall.

How to install wood flooring.

Before you get started installing any hardwood or laminate flooring you ll first want to measure the room you re going to be installing the flooring into and then checking the flooring you re going to install to see what the square footage coverage is per box. Option 1 face nail using finish nails then angle nail the first few rows of boards you install. Place spacers inside the expansion gap the space between the wall and floor that allows the wood to expand from heat and humidity. Hardwood flooring installation is a big project but you can install solid hardwood floors yourself to save money with this step by step video.

For your first row you ll want the straightest planks arranged with the tongue side facing the center of the room. Begin with the first row pre drilling holes. Start the installation at the longest unobstructed wall. Remove the shoe molding and snap a chalk line 3 8 out from the baseboard this allows for expansion in the hot humid weather and contraction in the colder drier weather of the hardwood flooring.

Next using your hammer insert a nail 1 inch from the wall and about every 4 inches along the board. As you move to the second and third rows use your staple gun. Here s how to install flooring using the staple down method. This will keep your very first rows straight where wall prevents the use of the floor nail gun.

Option 2 face nail using electric brand nail gun or finish nail gun the first few rows of boards you install.