Everything You Need to Know About Hardwood: The Complete Guide

Installation Steps:

 Installing hardwood floors involves several steps, from preparation to finishing.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Preparation

– Measure the Area: Measure the room to determine the amount of flooring needed. Add 10% to account for waste and cutting.

– Acclimate the Hardwood: Leave the hardwood flooring in the room where it will be installed for at least 48 hours to acclimate to the room’s humidity and temperature.

– Check Subfloor: Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. It should be free of any debris, and any nails or screws should be secured tightly.

– Remove Old Flooring: Remove any existing flooring material (carpet, laminate, etc.) and ensure the subfloor is suitable for hardwood installation.

2. Gather Tools and Materials

– Hardwood flooring

– Underlayment (if needed)

– Nails or staples (for nail-down installation) or adhesive (for glue-down installation)

– Tape measure

– Chalk line

– Saw (circular or table saw)

– Pry bar

– Hammer or nail gun

– Rubber mallet

– Spacers

– Safety gear (goggles, knee pads, gloves)

3. Prepare the Subfloor

– Clean and Level: Ensure the subfloor is clean and level. Use a level to check for any uneven spots and sand them down or fill them with a leveling compound.

– Install Underlayment: If required, install an underlayment. This helps with soundproofing and provides a moisture barrier.

4. Layout Planning

– Determine Layout: Decide on the direction to lay the flooring. Typically, hardwood is installed perpendicular to the floor joists and runs parallel to the longest wall in the room.

– Chalk Line: Use a chalk line to mark a starting line, which is usually the width of a board plus the expansion gap away from the wall.

5. Installing the Hardwood

– First Row: Lay the first row along the chalk line with the tongue side facing the wall. Use spacers between the wall and the planks to maintain an expansion gap (typically 1/2 inch).

– Nailing or Gluing: Depending on your method, either nail down the boards with a nail gun or apply adhesive to the subfloor and press the boards into place. For nail-down installations, nail into the tongue at a 45-degree angle.

– Subsequent Rows: Continue laying the boards, ensuring the ends are staggered to create a more natural look. Use a rubber mallet to tap the boards snugly together.

– Cut Boards as Needed: Measure and cut boards as needed to fit around corners, vents, or other obstacles. Use a pry bar to fit the last row snugly, maintaining the expansion gap.

6. Finishing Touches

– Remove Spacers: Once the flooring is installed, remove the spacers.

– Install Trim: Install baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover the expansion gaps.

– Clean Up: Clean the floor with a vacuum or broom to remove any debris or dust from the installation process.

– Inspect: Check the entire floor for any loose boards or gaps and fix them as needed.

7. Allow the Floor to Settle

– Wait Time: If you used glue, allow the floor to set for at least 24 hours before walking on it.

8. Maintenance

– Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to keep the floor free of dirt and grit that can scratch the surface.

– Avoid Water: Avoid using excessive water when cleaning hardwood floors. Use a damp mop with a hardwood floor cleaner instead.

Maintenance

Both solid hardwood and engineered timber flooring require regular cleaning and maintenance to preserve their beauty and longevity.

Cleaning should involve sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt and debris, and damp mopping with a hardwood floor cleaner.

It’s crucial to avoid excessive moisture, as water can damage the wood.

Additionally, high heels and heavy furniture can leave scratches, so using protective pads and taking preventive measures is advisable.

Refinish or Resurfacing Hardwood Floors

Unfinished planks offer greater customization but require sanding, staining, and sealing, adding significantly to the installation cost.

Hardwood floor refinishing can bring back the original beauty and elegance of your home’s flooring, making them look as good as new.

Begin by clearing the room of all furniture and giving the floor a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt and debris.

Next, sand the entire surface using a drum sander, starting with coarse-grit sandpaper and gradually moving to finer grits for a smooth finish.

Once sanding is complete, vacuum and wipe the floor to remove any dust. If you wish to change the color of your floor, apply a wood stain and allow it to dry completely.

The final step is to apply a high-quality polyurethane finish in thin, even coats, letting each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next.

Restaining Hardwood Floors

This careful process will not only restore the floor’s natural beauty but also protect it for years to come, adding warmth and value to your home.

Restaining a hardwood floor is a fantastic way to refresh and update the look of your space, giving it a new lease on life.

Start by moving all furniture out of the room and thoroughly cleaning the floor to remove any dirt and debris.

Sand the surface using a drum sander, beginning with coarse-grit sandpaper and progressing to finer grits to achieve a smooth, even base.

After sanding, vacuum and wipe down the floor to eliminate any dust.

Apply a wood conditioner to ensure an even stain application, especially if working with softer woods.

Once the conditioner is dry, apply the stain of your choice using a brush or cloth, working in small sections and wiping off any excess to maintain an even color.

Allow the stain to dry completely, then finish with a high-quality polyurethane sealant to protect the new finish.