| Wondering if you can install wood floor | | | | use the staple method, you will need to rent |
| planks yourself? If you've got some carpentry | | | | or purchase a pneumatic stapler, air hose and |
| know how and tool skills, the answer is yes! | | | | compressor, as well as the proper size staple |
| Installing hardwood floors is easier than | | | | for the wood flooring that you will be |
| ever with manufactured, ready to install, | | | | installing. |
| wood floor planks. | | | | |
| | | | If you opt for gluing the wood flooring, you |
| First things first: let's go over a list of | | | | will need to purchase some type of adhesive |
| tools and materials that you'll need. There | | | | suitable for the application, as well as a |
| are a few different methods that can be used | | | | V-notch and masking tape. For the nailing |
| to install wood floor planks, each of which | | | | method, it is recommended that you use some |
| require specific tools. First we'll cover the | | | | type of nail gun to speed things along. The |
| general tools you'll need regardless of the | | | | specifics on adhesives and nail or staple |
| technique utilized. | | | | sizes should be clarified according to the |
| | | | manufacturer. |
| - Hammer | | | | |
| | | | Sub-Floor and Project Site Preparation |
| - Finishing nails | | | | |
| | | | Though sub-floor preparation varies from |
| - Power drill | | | | material to material, the main idea is to |
| | | | make sure that this underlying area is sound |
| - Tape measure | | | | and even. Now some particulars about specific |
| | | | sub-floor materials: |
| - Center punch | | | | |
| | | | - Concrete- should be level and smooth with a |
| - Jig saw or band saw for circular cuts | | | | 6 mil polyethylene film between the ground |
| | | | and slab of concrete. Be sure to test |
| - Table saw or chop saw | | | | moisture levels with a moisture meter. Don't |
| | | | use any type of sealant on top of the |
| - Combination style saw blade | | | | concrete. |
| | | | |
| - Chalk line | | | | - Plywood- makes a suitable sub-floor as long |
| | | | as it is at least 5/8" thick. Tongue and |
| - Broom | | | | groove, exterior grade plywood that is |
| | | | screwed or nailed every 6 inches along seams, |
| - Tapping block | | | | joist and field areas will do nicely. |
| | | | |
| - Last board puller | | | | - Tile- If all tiles are in place, simply |
| | | | clean to remove all wax build up. If there |
| There are three main methods for affixing the | | | | are many loose tiles, build an underlay of |
| wood floor planks to the sub-surface. One can | | | | plywood or other substance directly on top of |
| use staples, glue or nails. If you plan to | | | | the tiles. |