Dos And Don'ts Of DIY Wooden Flooring Installation

Choosing the floor you’d like in your house is tough enough as it is, never mind thinking about installation. If you’ve decided to install your wooden flooring yourself there are a number of Dos and Don’ts that you should keep in mind to save you from any additional frustration and unnecessary spending.

Dos And Don’ts of Wooden Flooring Installation

Firstly, it’s important to know where you can install wooden flooring. It may sound obvious, but this step should not be overlooked. Check with the manufacturer to find out which places this type of floor should not be installed. It may include places like saunas, bathrooms, verandas, etc.

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Secondly, wooden planks are sensitive to humidity, so they shouldn’t be installed immediately after they’re bought home. Remove the plastic packaging and let them acclimate for at least 48 hours.

Follow The Instructions

Even if you’re a “do it yourself” type of person, it’s always best to treat the instructions as a necessity rather than a supplement. Your flooring is the foundation of your house, so it really needs to be installed properly. Make sure you read the instructions and familiarize yourself with the easiest and most accurate process for installation. If you’d like to get a visual idea, there are many installation videos online that will walk you through the process.

Installation Dos

• Do make sure the installation area is clean and completely prepared. Remove any dirt or mold. If concrete was laid make sure it is dry before you commence.

• The first plank should be installed parallel to the longest wall and towards the groove of the wall.

• The tongue and groove of each plank should be matched precisely to make sure there are no gaps. Each new row should be offset around six inches to avoid weakening of the floor.

• If nails are involved, remember to ensure the correct nailing gaps, this way floor will have natural movement.

• The last plank will most likely have to be trimmed to fit.

Installation Don’t

• Don’t glue wooden joints together.

• Don’t install wooden flooring over heating without consulting the manufacturer. You might have just assumed that all kind of wood would work with underfloor heating however that is not the case. Be sure to consult the manufacturer about the type of wooden flooring that would go best with these heating systems.

Longevity

Once your wood flooring is installed there are also some Dos and Don’ts for maintenance that will help keep it looking just as beautiful as it did on the first day of installation. Be sure to keep it clean by mopping with a suitable floor cleaner and never use any harsh chemicals that might damage the surface of your flooring. If you use a vacuum cleaner make sure it doesn’t scratch the floor. You should also put pads or carpets under furniture to avoid scratching the surface.

Final Suggestions

If you are confused about types of flooring and their installation, contact Source Wood Flooring. Their experts are happy to answer your inquiries and come up with the best possible solutions.

By: Diane Forster

Watch this video for DIY Wooden Flooring Installation Tips: