| If you are handy, hardwood flooring installation may be just the perfect task for you. Installing your own flooring will save you money, and let you do the work at your convenience. Here are a few tips on doing the job. |
Hardwood flooring installation is not easy, but it can be well worth the time and effort that you put into it. From increasing the value of your home to increasing your enjoyment of the home, hardwood flooring can give your home new life. Hardwood flooring is known for adding warmth and beauty to a home, which is why so many homeowners choose it for their remodeling and building floor choice.
Many people assume that they cannot install hardwood flooring themselves, but with the increase in technology and information, you can indeed install your hardwood flooring with just a little time and effort. What do you need to know before you begin installing your hardwood flooring?
Get the right tools.
The right tools for the job will make any job go smoother and more quickly. The tools you will need for your hardwood flooring installation are dependent upon the type of hardwood flooring that you have chosen, so you first need to know what type of flooring you have. If it is tongue and groove flooring, it can be set into place with a hammer (for click and lock flooring) or nailed down. Some types of hardwood flooring are secured with glue as well, so be sure you understand what type of flooring you have before you begin the installation process.
Lay the right foundation.
If you are installing your hardwood flooring over concrete floors, apply a moisture barrier before you begin installation. This moisture barrier will help to protect your floors from any moisture that can come through the concrete. If you are installing the hardwood flooring over existing flooring or a subfloor, make sure the area is perfectly level and free of dirt and debris to ensure the flooring that you install will remain secure.
Get it straight.
Getting the right start is essential with any project, but most especially with your hardwood flooring. You want the floors to be symmetrical, so you will want to choose a focal point of the room where you are going to begin. Snap your chalk line for straightness and begin laying out your flooring as directed. Taking the time to measure and get the boards straight will be more than worth it in the long run, so take that time now to make sure that you will be happy at the end of your project.
Choose the right fit.
Now you are ready to start laying down your hardwood flooring boards. By taking the time to make sure they snugly fit, you will have a much more pleasing floor to the eye and you will not run into problems during the installation process. Make sure the joints are staggered to give the flooring greater strength. When cutting the boards, cut them short enough to leave a little gap between the floor and the wall for expansion. Snugly fit boards may buckle during the natural course of and contraction.
By following these above tips, you are sure to find that your hardwood flooring installation is something that you can do yourself with a little time and effort. This can save you a lot of money over the price of having the flooring professionally installed and it can give you a tremendous amount of pride for a job well done.