Hardwood floors can convert an average house into a stylish masterpiece. However, you need expert installers to ensure the hardwood sits tightly on the subfloor. Apart from the correct installation, you also need to consider periodic maintenance of this type of floor to increase its longevity. It will keep the hardwood shiny for extended periods.
Installing hardwood floors
Hardwood floors are expensive. You shouldn’t try to install it alone. Instead, call specialists for hardwood floor installation MN. The professionals have a variety of machines and tools that help during installation. There are two methods to install hardwood floors:
• Glue-down method
• Nailing-down method
The nailing-down method is the most popular as it keeps the hardwood in place for years. With glue, you never know when the adhesive wears down.
Installation process
Professionals usually use the following tools and materials during hardwood floor installation MN:
• Tape measure
• Pry bar
• Ear protection
• Hammer
• Nail set
• Staple gun
• Chalk line
• Chop saw
• Table saw
• Variable speed drill
• Drill bits
• Modular porch system kit
• Pneumatic flooring package
• Hardwood
• Wood putty
• Vapor barrier paper
Step 1 – Measuring the room
The installation team will first measure the room(s) where you want to install hardwood floors. This helps to cut the hardwood planks accordingly. The experts will use a measuring tape to calculate the length and width of the room. They will multiply the length and breadth to get the total square footage. Usually, installers always order at least ten to fifteen percent extra hardwood planks if they make cutting mistakes or have irregular boards.
Step 2 – Selecting the boards
The client always chooses the type of hardwood he/she wants. Different varieties will have different costs and longevity. Once they decide the type of hardwood, the installers will select the best planks from their collection. Ideally, it is best to choose an entire sheet that will cover the desired square footage. The professionals can then cut the sheet into planks to provide an even distribution of hardwood with the least possible wastage.
It is essential to select the right boards. That will ensure quick installation. The installers will not have to engineer the planks and finish them before installing them. The smoother the board, the better it is for installation.
Step 3 – Checking for squeaky floors
Checking the subfloor is a must before every hardwood floor installation MN. Professionals use at least ¾-inch plywood subfloor to make an even base. They will make sure there are no squeaky areas left. This helps to nail down those areas with the subfloor so that they won’t create a problem for the hardwood planks in the future. The installers will also clean any shoe-molding and clean the installation area thoroughly before proceeding.
Step 4 – Starting the installation
Professionals always start installing from the longest unobstructed wall. It is a rule of thumb to go from the longest to the shortest part of the room. This allows experts to cut the planks accordingly. It reduces wastage probabilities and also makes the planks look even. The installer will draw a chalk line and measure 3/8-inch from the baseboard. This space will allow the hardwood to breathe. It will have enough room to expand in hot and humid weather. On the other hand, it will also shrink and contract during winters.
Step 5 – Placing the planks
It is always best to start placing the boards from the longest end. Experts will select a straight plank that will align the edge of the chalk line. Alignment is very crucial in hardwood floor installation MN. That is why professional help is necessary in this case. Even the slightest misalignment can make the floor look misbalanced. The professionals align the first plank according to the chalked line. They will drill pilot holes through the planks into the subfloor and joist.
The next stage of this step is to face-nail each plank. They will nail down through these holes using nail-sets. It is essential to face-nail the entire row. It helps to keep the plank stable while installing other boards. Moreover, pneumatic nails can’t reach the joist. Therefore, the installer will have to face-nail the first row. Most importantly, they always follow a perpendicular rule between the joists and first boards. It gives a solid anchor look.
Step 6 – Hand-nailing the rolls
The installer will follow the above step for the first few planks. After that, he/she will drill pilot holes into each board’s tongue. They will also hand-nail the rolls using a pneumatic gun to keep the planks tight on the subfloor. This step ensures that the planks sit tightly without budging a millimeter.
Step 7 – Stapling the boards
This is the penultimate step before completing the entire installation process. Stapling the boards means you are putting the last nail in the coffin. It seals all open ends of the planks and makes the floor ready for use. The experts use pneumatic guns to staple hardwood. You will notice the professionals placing the gun’s lip right at the edge of the board and striking a firm blow. The mallet comes down, and so does the staple. It goes right into the plank’s tongue, sealing it tightly.
Some of the ends may look irregular. The experts will fill those gaps with chips later. Before that, they will staple every possible end to make the floor ready.
Step 8 – Cutting the baseboard
There will be extra baseboards left after finishing the installation process. It is better to leave approximately ten to twelve inches gap. The installers will use parts of hardwood to fill these gaps. They will again nail down and staple these parts to make them sit tightly.
There is no alternative to hiring professionals when it comes to installing hardwood floors. Make sure you select a durable hardwood material. Also, don’t install them in your kitchen and bathrooms. Hardwood floors last longer in rooms that don’t remain wet or humid for long periods.