- There are three main types of solid wood to choose from: strip, plank and parquet. Strip wood is comprised of thin, long planks. Plank wood is usually wider, and parquet is made up of geometrical patterns held together with adhesives.
Apart from solid wood, engineered wood flooring or laminate are also good options. Engineered wood is composed of a laminate veneer adhered to wood; laminate contains no real wood.
Solid wood requires more upkeep, but it retains its value better than engineered or laminate as it can be re-sanded and refinished. - Determining the right method for installing wood flooring depends on the type of wood you've chosen.
The nail-down method requires nails to fasten the wood to the subfloor; this is often used for thin flooring. The staple-down method is simpler, using staples instead of nails. The glue-down method is used for engineered woods and parquets. This method can be very messy.
The simplest method is floating installation. Floating wood floors are not attached to the subfloor; the boards simply snap together or are applied with adhesive. These are useful as they can be installed over practically any surface. For do-it-yourselfers, the floating method is the easiest option. - To install wood floors with the floating method, all you need is wood glue, spacers, a tapping block (a small scrap of wood), a chalk line and a ruler.
First, make sure the subfloor is clean and level. Determine which direction you want to lay the wood by considering how the light enters the room, or where the entryways and exits lie. Lay the first piece down, and run a bead of glue along the edge of the wood. Try not to use too much, and wipe away any excess with a rag. Then simply snap the second piece along the side.
Lay all the wood planks into place, measuring the layout carefully with your ruler, spacer and chalk line. Glue them together along the edges or tongues, and tap them gently together with the tapping block. There should be no space between the joints. If any edges are still visible, gently wiggle the pieces apart and check for dirt or glue that may be preventing them from fitting flush.
As you complete the floor, remember to leave a half-inch around the edges. This allows the wood to expand and contract with changes in temperature. Trim and base molding will cover the gaps and provide a decorative edging to your new floor.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -