DIY Flooring Installation Guide : A Step By Step Breakdown

Installing hardwood floors got a lot easier with modern technology making easy to use parts that a non-professional can use as well. Look at the steps below for your own DIY flooring installation in Denver or call a professional for the job in case you prefer not to do the labor.

Step 1: Measure the floor

Measure the entire length and width of the room then calculating for square footage and order accordingly. Keep in mind when ordering to increase the order by 15-20 percent since some boards may not be usable and some need to be cut to fit in.

Step 2: Check subfloor

The subfloor is the surface on which the boards will be installed so it is important to inspect it and make sure it is not uneven or squeaky. If it is then fixed accordingly by screwing drywall directly into the floor. Remove all shoe molding and clean the floor diligently

Step 3: Put roller barrier paper on top

Lay the paper on top of the subfloor and keep an overlap of at least 4 inches and staple down to the floor. Tar paper or felt can also be used. Mark on the paper where the joists will be installed.

Step 4: Commence installation

Start the installation at the lengthiest unobstructed wall. Remove the shoe molding, and snap a chalk line 3/8 inches out from the baseboard, this will allow for expansion of the board in the hot, humid weather and contraction in the colder, drier weather thereby keeping the wood safe and away from damage.

Step 5: Lay the boards

Select a longboard to start with the first row. Pick out a straight board, align its edge with the chalk line and drill pilot holes down through the plank board and into the sub-floor and jolt it firmly. Nail down each board at the point of every jolt and set the nails along the boards with a nail set. Nail down the entire first row of boards and remember to keep the board lengths random so as to form a better molding with the subfloor. It is important to nail down the first row properly because the pneumatic nail can't get down there. It will hit the wall and the resulting force would end up pushing the wood against the baseboard, which would then lose its expansion and contraction space.

It is important to lay the first boards perpendicular to the joists which are below it. This is a necessity since you want a sturdy solid anchor. Look at the subfloor to see which way the nails and seams were put in previously. Try to go underneath the crawl space to see how they run.

Step 6: Hand nailed rolls

After the first few rows have been installed properly, drill pilot holes in the tongue of each board and hand nail the rolls until there is enough space for the nail gun to operate.

Step 7: Staple Boards

With the help of the pneumatic nail gun, place it over the edge of the board and strike firmly with a mallet, driving the staple into the tongue of the hardwood board. When installing, remember it is not critical to make cuts to the exact measurement. One can always do it later after it has been installed and use a circular saw to cut across for a precise finish.

Step 8: Cut baseboard

When cutting baseboards, select a piece that fits and leave 10 to 12 inches more and cut it. Use the other piece for the beginning of the next row. You don't always need to get it in there tightly and throw out the end piece. That will save some time and avoid wastage.

Step 9: Fill the gaps

One end has a tongue and the other end has a groove, this is called end matching. Make sure to always cut the wall end of the wood so that you do not cut off the groove that slips into the tongue. If that happens, it would result in a big gap. Find a piece of any board available and place it along the hole and flip it.  When you or the professional make the mark for this flooring installation in Denver, put it up against the baseboard and then mark it at the end of that tongue. That will leave a 3/8 inch gap for expansion and contraction.

Step 10: Installing last board

If the gap is too narrow for the last board, take the measurement and cut the last board accordingly to fit it into place.

Step 11: Fill Holes

Replace all the shoe molding and putty over all the nail holes. Be sure the wood putty matches the floor. Fill the hole and wipe off what is extra.