Embarking on a hardwood flooring project can transform the look and feel of your home, adding both beauty and value. However, this value, or return on your investment (ROI), is significantly enhanced when you do-it-yourself (DIY).
While it may be tempting to call a contractor to install your hardwood flooring, remember that the real benefit of Doing-It Yourself (DIY) is the money you save by not hiring a contractor and the pride you get in a project well done.
While doing-it -yourself may seem like a daunting task, with the right guidance and tools, any DIY homeowner can achieve professional results. SureReno, your trusted source for home renovation knowledge, is here to provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your hardwood flooring project is a success.
Table of Contents
Planning and Preparation
Measure and Calculate
Before you begin, measure your space accurately and then enter those dimensions into the SureReno app to calculate the amount of hardwood flooring you will need. The app will help you account for waste and cuts, ensuring you purchase the right amount of material.
Select Your Hardwood Flooring
SureReno can assist in selecting the perfect hardwood flooring for your project, considering factors such as wood species, finish, and plank width, outlined in our article: 15 Tips for Selecting the Right Hardwood Flooring for Your Home. The SureReno app also provides accurate localized budget calculations to help you stay within your financial plan.
Gather Your Tools and Materials
SureReno makes this quick and easy by providing a custom SureList with all the tools and materials required for your specific hardwood flooring project, including accurate quantities and a list of all the tools you may require. Simply remove the items you do not need or already have.
Remove Old Flooring
If you’re replacing old flooring, remove it and clean the subfloor thoroughly. Check for any nails or staples and remove them. The SureReno app offers guidance on how to remove various types of old flooring efficiently.
Preparing the Subfloor
Prepare the Subfloor
Ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Repair any squeaky or uneven areas by adding floor screws along seams and over joists. If the seams of the sub-floor are still not level, even after adding screws, use a belt sander to make level.
Check the manufacture specifications for your flooring product on the acceptable tolerances for uneven areas .For significant areas that are uneven, check out our guide for How To Level An Uneven Subfloor In 10 Easy Steps.
If your flooring project going in a new house or addition which was exposed to the outdoor elements, we recommend that before beginning your hardwood floor installation to check the moisture levels of your subfloor by using a Moisture Meter.
Acclimate the Hardwood
Allow the hardwood flooring to acclimate in the room where it will be installed for at least 48 hours. This helps prevent expansion or contraction after installation. Open the boxes and spread them out to allow air access to the hardwood flooring.
For more information on the impact of not properly acclimating your flooring check this article from our friends from Moisture Meter Experts.
Layout Planning
Plan the layout of your flooring, considering factors like the direction of the planks and the starting point. Place additional attention to the most visible areas of the room, which are usually the doors and/or openings in the room.
If the room has doors or openings in which your hardwood planks are running perpendicular to the opening, consider installing a piece of hardwood in the door or opening, groove facing into the room.
This allows the ‘tongue’ of the pieces being installed to be secured without using nails. This is also a good time to consider how your new hardwood flooring is transitioning into existing flooring.
Install Underlayment (If needed)
Some hardwood flooring installations may require an underlayment for added cushioning or soundproofing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for underlayment installation.
We also recommend reading our guide on How To Choose Underlayment For Hardwood Floors.
Laying the Hardwood Flooring
Start with a Straight Line
When laying your first row remember to leave an expansion gap between the wall and the planks but do not trust that the wall is straight. Instead, measure out and mark the equivalent of one board width plus 1⁄2” at each end of the room. Next, use the chalk line to create a straight line between your two marks. This will be your guide for the first row of boards.
Lay the First Row
Place the first row of boards along the chalk line with the tongue side facing the wall. Use spacers to maintain the expansion gap. Begin in the corner of the room and lay the first row of planks, ensuring they are snugly fit together. Double check that your first row follows the chalk line as you fasten the boards down. The floor nailer will not work on the first row or two due to the proximity to the wall.
These boards should be pre-drilled and fastened using finishing nails going through the tongue at a 45-degree angle. Use a nail punch to ensure the finishing nails are not stick out. Once you are far enough from the wall, use the pneumatic flooring nailer to fire angel nails or cleats through the tongue of each plank at regular intervals, typically every 6-8 inches.
Continue Installing the Flooring
Continue adding rows of hardwood planks in the same way, working your way across the room, board by board. Stagger the end joints by at least 6 inches to create a more natural look. Use a mallet and tapping block to ensure the boards fit tightly together. When you reach the end of each row, measure and cut the boards to fit. Use a miter saw for straight cuts and a jigsaw or table saw for intricate cuts around obstacles.
SureReno Helpful Hints
To prevent the hardwood from cracking, use a 1/16” wood bit to pre-drill the wood before hammering in the finishing nails. Use a nail punch to drive the nail in without damaging the wood surface. Where visible, use wood filler to fill the remaining holes. Gently sand once dry.
If you can not find wood filler that matches your hardwood colour, collect the sawdust from your cuts and mix with a transparent glue and use that instead of wood filler.
Fit the Last Row
The last row of boards may need to be cut lengthwise, using a table saw or skill, to fit. Use a pry bar to snugly fit the last row against the spacers, ensuring a tight fit. You will again need to use finishing nails and a nail punch for the last few rows.
Finally, be sure to remove the spacers and cover the expansion gap with baseboard or quarter-round molding.
Finishing Touches
Install Trim and Molding
Remove the spacers and install baseboards or quarter round trim to cover the expansion gaps. Nail the trim to the wall, not the floor, to allow for floor movement.
- For more details, check out our article on Finishing Touches For Your New Wood Flooring
Clean and Inspect
Thoroughly clean the floor to remove any dust and debris. Inspect the installation for any gaps or loose boards and address them accordingly.
Maintenance
As always, we recommend carefully reviewing the instructions from the manufacturer. For more detailed care information read our suggestions on Hardwood Floor Care and Maintenance to keep your hardwood flooring looking at its best.
Conclusion - Enjoy Your New Hardwood Floor
Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed your hardwood floor. Use the SureReno app for maintenance tips to keep your floor looking beautiful for years to come.
By following these steps and utilizing the SureReno app, you can confidently complete your hardwood flooring project, knowing you have a reliable source of knowledge and tools at your fingertips. Transform your space with beautiful hardwood floors and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.
Once again, remember to take lots of pictures of your finished project to share with your family and friends. For more detailed guides and tips on home renovation projects, visit SureReno’s extensive library of articles and resources.
Share this article:
