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