How To Put Down Hardwood Floors

Installing hardwood floors can give your home an elegant and luxurious look. Putting down hardwood floors is not a difficult task and can be done by even a novice DIYer. Here are the steps you need to take to put down hardwood floors in your home.

Step 1: Prepare the Subfloor

The first step in installing hardwood floors is to make sure the subfloor is level and secure. Start by removing any existing flooring such as carpet, tile, or vinyl. Fill any cracks or holes with a concrete patch and make sure the surface is smooth and level. You may need to use a leveling compound to make sure the floor is perfectly level.

Step 2: Measure and Cut the Hardwood Planks

Once the subfloor is ready, you can begin measuring and cutting the hardwood planks. Measure the room and mark out where the planks will go. Make sure to leave a small gap between the planks and the wall to allow for expansion. Cut the planks to the desired length and width with a saw.

Step 3: Install the Underlayment

Before putting down the hardwood planks, you need to install an underlayment. This will help to protect the hardwood planks from moisture and provide additional sound insulation. The most common type of underlayment is a foam pad, which should be laid down in strips and taped together with a vapor barrier.

Step 4: Glue or Nail the Planks

Once the underlayment is in place, you can begin laying down the hardwood planks. You can choose to glue or nail the planks, depending on your preference. To glue the planks, use a construction adhesive to attach the planks to the subfloor. If you are nailing the planks, use a pneumatic nail gun to attach the planks to the subfloor.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once the hardwood planks are in place, you can make the finishing touches. Use a floor sander to sand down any rough spots and edges. Vacuum up the dust and apply a coat of sealant to protect the hardwood. Finally, install any trim pieces around the edges of the room.

Conclusion

Installing hardwood floors can be a rewarding DIY project that adds a luxurious look to your home. By following the steps outlined above, you can put down hardwood floors with ease. With a little bit of patience and preparation, you can have beautiful hardwood floors in no time.