Hardwood floor installation is not a job for the layman. It is quite complex and requires professional expertise. To get started, you will need to obtain a plan or blueprint for your floor. While you may think this task is simple enough to do yourself, you would be surprised at the complexity of a hardwood floor installation. If you are not an experienced handyman or a carpenter, you will want to hire a professional. You should be sure to check references and ask about experience before hiring a contractor.
Your new hardwood floor must go over the existing flooring with a vapor barrier. This is a very important step that can be overlooked. Some flooring is just not waterproof and will mold and attract termites that are destructive to the structure of your home. By following this procedure you will ensure the life of your floor. See here to get more info about hardwood flooring.
Once you have the vapor barrier applied to the floor, the next step is to lay the hardwood boards. Make sure you leave enough space between each board for someone to walk easily across the floor. A standard size board is 16" wide and long. The subfloor will also come in at different sizes and you will want to choose boards that best fit and compliment the subfloor. You may also choose to install a layer of plywood under the boards to give extra stability and to further aid in the installation.
The hardwood floor installation process will usually begin with an inspection. You will want to look for any evidence of insect damage or rot and correct the problem before it gets worse. You can correct problems before they become too problematic so you save money in the long run. You should also make sure that there are no nails or other sharp items protruding from the flooring that could damage the subfloor.
You will then secure each board to its corresponding subfloor until all of the floor has been installed. Be sure to check the floor over regularly for imperfections to ensure you aren't placing too many boards too close together. This could cause them to expand and contract when the temperature changes, causing the entire floor to become unstable. You can prevent this by carefully laying out the distance between the individual boards.
After the hardwood floor installation is complete, you should regularly inspect the flooring. For specific areas of the flooring, you may need to add a protective coat of wax or varnish. This will help protect the floor and will keep it looking its best. If you have children or pets, you should consider sealing the floors so they are safe from moisture and are unlikely to become damaged. Hardwood floors are a great investment in your home and you'll be able to enjoy the added value and beauty it provides for years to come. Check out this site nationalfloorsdirect.com for more details.
Read also this related article: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hardwood-floor-damage_n_5120821
