Installing Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors can be secured using various installation methods such as floating, glue-down, nail-down, and staple-down. The ¾ inch solid floors can be nailed down. Adapters are used for thin flooring. The hardwood flooring can be stapled down over wood subfloor. The staple-down method is simpler than nail-down.

Before securing hardwood floors, read the installation instructions provided by manufacturer for the right tools and methods. In glue down installation, the hardwood floor is glued onto the subfloor or cured and dry concrete slabs. Staple-down and nail-down methods are best for solid wood plank floors and solid wood strip floors. Parquet and engineered wood floors can be secured with glue.

Floating is a quick and easy method of floor installation, in which hardwood floors float over different sub floors. The floor is not tied to the subfloor. A slim pad is inserted between subfloor and wood floor. The pad cuts noise level, and protects from moisture. Only groove and tongue of planks are glued together. Floating is used to install longstrip floors.

The flooring should be acclimated in the room where it will be installed. If you are installing during the damp season, keep the wood indoors for minimum of three days. In summers, flooring can be stored in a garage.

Hardwood floors can be installed using four different methods, such as glue-down, nail-down, staple-down and floating. You are advised to read installation instruction carefully.