In order to install a hardwood floor, you will need to know how to lay it properly. You will have to follow certain rules that will ensure that the floor looks its best. Whether you choose to install a glued-down hardwood floor or use a nail-down method, the following information will provide you with some useful tips and tricks.
Glue-down method
When installing hardwood flooring, the Glue-down method is recommended. This method uses adhesive to adhere hardwood to the subfloor or moisture barrier. Typically, this method is best for engineered hardwood products. Make sure the subfloor is flat and dry before applying the adhesive. Once the adhesive has dried, you can begin installing the wood.
There are two basic types of hardwood flooring: solid and engineered. Solid hardwood flooring is nailed down to a wooden subfloor. Engineered hardwood flooring is glued or stapled down. The Glue-down method is most popular for residential construction and high-rise dwellings. When installing a Glue-down, a trowel is used to spread adhesive on the subfloor. After that, the professional places each board into the adhesive until each row is covered with adhesive.
Although the Glue-down method is the most labor-intensive and expensive, it is the most stable type of installation. The elasticity of the glue allows the floor to expand and contract naturally depending on the climate. In addition, a good-quality glue also provides moisture and sound insulation.
Before gluing the first row of wood, use spacers to maintain a 7-10 mm expansion gap around the perimeters of the room. Then, start laying the planks from the groove end toward the tongue. Make sure to use a trowel with the recommended adhesive for hardwood flooring. Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle to the floor and use sweeping motions to spread the glue.
A solid and sound subfloor is essential when installing hardwood flooring. You’ll also need a flexible flooring adhesive that allows the flooring to expand and contract. You’ll need to make sure to have a good-quality subfloor for the Glue-down method. The Glue-down method is best suited for homes with a concrete or wooden subfloor. Proper subfloor preparation is the most important part of a Glue-down installation.
The Glue-down method is a good choice for high-traffic areas. Floating hardwood floors, on the other hand, are designed for residential use and are a more do-it-yourself project. Choose between the two methods based on your flooring requirements and your comfort level in installing hardwood flooring.
Prefinished or unfinished hardwood flooring
If you’re planning to install new hardwood flooring in your home, you need to decide whether to choose prefinished or unfinished hardwood. Prefinished hardwood comes with a protective layer of polyurethane, while unfinished wood is raw and requires polishing and sanding. Both types of floors come with a natural wood grain, but the former has smoother edges and will hide scratches. Unfinished hardwood can be a better choice for homes that already have hardwood in their existing floors.
Prefinished hardwood floors are easier to install than unfinished ones. Prefinished floors dry quicker, and they don’t require sanding and finishing. Moreover, they’re ready to use immediately after installation. Prefinished hardwood flooring also comes with greater uniformity of staining and coloring.
Unfinished hardwood flooring is the most costly option, and requires manual sanding and staining. In addition, unfinished hardwood may require manual refinishing, which can result in unwanted results. Once installed, it’s important to let the wood cure before placing furniture on it.
Prefinished or unfinished hardwood flooring is available in several wood species, including oak and maple. The former is easier to install, but requires more time. Prefinished hardwood flooring is a popular choice among most homeowners. It has long been the standard for wood floors. Its ease of installation makes it an attractive choice for homeowners.
Whether to go for prefinished or unfinished hardwood flooring is ultimately a matter of preference. There are pros and cons to each, so make sure you weigh your options carefully. Prefinished hardwood flooring is more convenient, cost-effective, and durable. It adds value to any home and looks great!
Prefinished hardwood flooring is easier to clean than unfinished hardwood floors. It does not require sanding, which means less dust and dirt in the house. However, prefinished flooring is slightly more expensive than unfinished. Prefinished flooring also saves on labor costs. Compared to unfinished flooring, prefinished flooring is better for the environment.
As wood is a natural product, colors and shades of stain may differ from board to board. To get a better idea of how your chosen wood will look in your home, you can view several samples and photography. You can even try experimenting with different stains and colors to find the right match.
Prefinished wood floors come with a finish and three to nine coats of sealant. These floors save time and energy as you don’t have to sand and finish the wood yourself. They also have a wide range of color and texture options. However, you’ll have to decide which style you prefer based on your personal preferences.
Prefinished hardwood flooring can be installed easily. If you hire a professional to do the job, you can have it installed without hassles. Although most people hire professionals for installation, there are also some DIY enthusiasts who install prefinished hardwood floors themselves. However, it is always better to hire someone who knows what they’re doing. In either case, you’ll need to schedule one installation session.