Laying Hardwood Floors On Subfloor

Add about 10 to that number to account for any possible mistakes and warped boards.

Laying hardwood floors on subfloor.

The method of installation you choose will depend on a whole host of factors but will be one of these. Determine how much flooring and materials will be needed. Install hardwood floors perpendicular to the floor joists parallel to the longest wall leaving a inch expansion gap around the perimeter. The flooring can be laid parallel to floor joists but you may need to add a 1 2 inch layer of plywood diagonally or perpendicularly to the joists or install a brace between the joists.

You can leave linoleum or sheet vinyl in place if it s difficult to remove or if removal would damage the sub floor. Replace any nails with screws since nails that popped up will loosen again. If you have a vinyl floor you may be able to install your flooring directly on top of it. Do this by multiplying the room s length by its width.

Pound nails into the subfloor with a hammer and set screws slightly below the surface of the subfloor with a screwdriver. Ensure the subfloor is flat to the recommended tolerances for the flooring you are installing. Make sure to remove stray nails or staples. Use a pry bar to pull up hardwood floors one section at a time or unfasten carpet or laminate and roll it up from one end.

9 16 or thicker floating engineered wood floors can simply be installed directly on plank subfloor the hardwood flooring must be installed crossing the subfloor boards at a 90 degree angle. Before starting calculate the width the last row will be. Multiply length times width of the room. Add more wood screws if needed to secure them.

Join the ends of the boards over a floor joist where possible avoiding joints that form an h. Once your ply is neatly in place you ll have a great surface on which to install your new floor. Hardwood floors are durable beautiful and a great diy project. Like all wooden flooring products it s a good idea to acclimatise your plywood before laying it.

Clean it well with a wet dry vacuum. The key to a beautiful long lasting hardwood or laminate floor is a well prepared subfloor. Remove any carpet or other flooring. Glue down nail or staple down or floating.

If the subfloor is plywood or particle board start by screwing down any loose boards or plywood sheets. Learn how to install solid hardwood flooring with a few simple tools. Remove any obstacles from the floor.