How To Install Harwood Flooring

Installing hardwood flooring is simple.  Actually it's an easy task. Many people choose to hire professionals to do the job when they could save a lot of money by doing it themselves, following the instructions provided by manufacturers. 

After deciding to install your hardwood flooring, be aware of the difference between engineered hardwood flooring and laminate hardwood flooring.  Laminate flooring is the least expensive because it is made of a high density fiber (HDF). The top layer is a photographic layer replicating wood. On the other hand, solid hardwood is more expensive because it is compressed solid wood engineered and specifically cut to be installed on floors. You should also realize that hardwood flooring comes in different finishes, species, and construction types. These different products can be glued, nailed down, or they can just float over a sub floor.

Laminate hardwood flooring is the most common hardwood flooring used today. It is durable and simple to install. The floor boards are snapped together like a puzzle and placed over the sub floor. Sometimes a padding is installed beneath the flooring for extra insulation or noise control, but this is optional. The boards are designed with a tongue-and-groove system that allows them to easily slide together. Each board is attached to the next repeatedly until the floor is finished. This is the floating installation method, the easiest and fastest way to install hardwood floors.

Hardwood floor installation is easy and can be done successfully by almost anyone by following these simple steps.

•  First, measure the space to be covered.                                                                                    
•  Choose the product that you will be installing, considering the method of installation  required or desired for that particular product (float, glue, nails). 
• Decide upon the padding that will used (optional)
Make sure that the floor is level before beginning the installation process. Roll out the padding and cut it to cover the entire area that is to be covered. 
• Choose a starting point and began to lay out the boards according to your desired look and pick a starting point.                                                                                                                                            
•  Try to pick a starting point and a style that will require the least amount of board alteration for the area. Remember, if you chose to pad the floors, the door/s will need to be adjusted according to the thickness of the padding and the flooring.                                                                                               
• Place a board close to the wall and began to snap them together tightly, allowing them to float evenly over the padding. Cut end boards with a small saw when necessary.

To install hardwood floors using the glue or nail method, simply follow steps 4 and 5. Remember to use the adhesive and nails required for your selected product. Glue or nail the boards down after laying them out as you go.                                               

Finally, for the final touch, using any of the installation methods (float, glue, nail), ---all products and special trimming can be purchased to make the installation look more professionally done. A good selection of hardwood, title, carpet, and stone flooring can be found at your local Home Depot or other similar stores in your area.