Tammy Quinn McKillip is a writer living in New York City. Since graduating from Columbia University in 1999, she has written extensively about pets, parenting, theatre, design, health and environmentalism. She is the publisher and editor of Macaroni Kid--an events newsletter and website for parents on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
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Flooring IdeasSUPPLIES
- Moisture barrier underlayment, cut and taped to size
- Lever
- Hammer
- Hacksaw
- Flooring adhesive
- Fan
- Wooden blocks
- Wooden spacers
- Tape measure
- Flush-cut dovetail saw
- Vacuum and broom
Overview
These days, it's easier than ever to install your own hardwood flooring. No matter what shape your current flooring is in, you can add warmth and value to your home by covering it with a floating hardwood floor. As long as the surface underneath is relatively level and stable, you can float a new hardwood floor over your existing flooring in a day.
Step 1
Trim the casings around the doors to the measured height of your hardwood and underlayment. Use a flush-cut dovetail saw for this. You can use a piece of the actual flooring placed on top of the underlayment material, but turn it over first so that you do not risk scratching the surface.
Step 2
Sweep and vacuum the floor area first, then roll out the underlayment and trim the edges to fit the shape of the floor. Use tape to attach the seams, and make sure that the entire floor area is covered and level.
Step 3
Tap wooden spacers into the corner and against the wall edge, then lay the first wood plank over the underlayment, placing the grooved end against the corner spacer. Be sure the tongue is facing out away from the wall. Continue to lay the pieces tongue in groove.
Step 4
Measure the area from the spacer to the last piece installed, and cut your last piece of wood using a hacksaw. Press the piece into place. If you are using glue, spread it evenly over the edge of the wood plank, and wipe any excess with a wet towel after laying.
Step 5
Use a pry bar to lever the joint at the end of the floor plank and the spacer together. Press firmly on the plank. Remove excess glue.
Step 6
Stagger the floor joints by starting each new course with the plank left over from the previous cut.
Step 7
Tap a wooden block up against each new plank after gluing and placing into the line. This will help to bind the seams together.
Step 8
Measure the last plank width using a spacer against the wall, and notch the wood if needed to fit the doorway.
Step 9
Remove the spacer, and use a pry bar to pull the plank snugly against the previously laid piece of flooring. You may need to tap it with a hammer to get a good fit.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Lay the underlayment perpendicular to the direction of the flooring to be installed. The thicker the underlayment, the better insulated and more even your flooring will be.
- WARNING : Wait several hours before installing moldings along the edge of the flooring.
Resources
