Is it Very Easy to Install Wood Flooring Yourself?

Is it Very Easy to Install Wood Flooring Yourself?

Well, there are several ways to answer the question but not an exact one.

The ease or difficulty in installing wood flooring by yourself will be determined first, by your skill level as a DIY-er - accuracy in measurement, precision in laying things out, skills in cutting as well as familiarity with tools. The second and perhaps more important thing is the type of wood flooring to be installed as this will determine the tools needed and the manner of installation itself. Wait, because the list does not end with these two. Other equally important factors to consider is the type of subfloor you have, the area of the room, the features it has - doors, trims that might need to be removed, vents and stairs as well as transition to other flooring materials.

Don’t lose hope, wood flooring installation is something you can do yourself however, you just have to learn from the pros and how DIY enthusiasts do it. Following these simple and practical steps below will also really help you in completing the job with some degree of ease.

Know Your Wood Flooring

Keep in mind that wood flooring is a fairly generic term because there are several types of wood or wood-based flooring products available. Each type requires special care and attention for installation. At the same time these different flooring products that you can easily install by yourself offer you variety.

For example, a number of wood flooring planks now come with their different versions of click-lock technology like the typical tongue and groove. Further some laminate flooring materials also have adhesives and pre-attached underpads making them good to go without having to trouble with preparing the subfloor. These underpads offer a great deal too - protection from moisture, noise reduction and board or plank stability among other things.

Great Beginnings

To give your do-it-yourself project not just ease but more importantly, stability, be sure to have a great foundation. By this I mean having a clean subfloor that is in good condition - free from any forms of damage or any signs of decay.

In under no circumstance should you attempt to install wood flooring on a surface that has not been cleaned or leveled, as it will definitely affect the outcome of the project.

Since we are installing wood flooring, it is a must that we have some sort of subfloor preparation. This is especially true if you are installing the wood flooring over a concrete subfloor. A wooden subfloor is an advantage since it will be easier to glue or nail wood on wood. Concrete on the other hand will require a more detailed treatment like adding a vapor barrier and underlay for laminate flooring or something we call floating floors. However, a sheet of plywood is required for solid or engineered hardwood or any other wood-based flooring that needs a nailed-down installation.

Finally, when putting plywood on the subfloor whether it’s wood or concrete, we advise that the plywood be screwed to the subfloor’s surface for better security and stability.

Tools in Tow

Be sure to see watch any videos recommended by the manufacturers, DIY enthusiasts and pros. While these hardwood flooring DIY videos might not give you everything you need to know, they come with practical advice and useful tips that can help you when you install your own wood flooring.



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This exercise will also get you familiarized with the different tools that you will be needing to execute your very own wood flooring installation project. Buy, borrow or rent all the tools and materials to make your installation easy and correct. Also, ensure that you know how to use them properly to avoid any mishap or wasted time and materials.

First Row Right

After you have carefully chosen the best wood flooring material for your DIY flooring installation, read the manufacturer’s instructions, watched videos from pros, gathered all the tools you need and let the wood flooring get acclimated to its new environment, you are now ready to install your wood flooring.



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If you are installing wood flooring in an area that has not been used or occupied yet, then that is really great. Otherwise, be sure to remove all furniture and equipment in the room that will cause delay or obstruct the project. Also remove doors, baseboards and wall trims.

Regardless of the type of wood flooring you plan to install always remember to begin on the side of the longest wall. Find the straightest and longest boards or planks in your stack and use them. Lay down the first row from one end of the room to the other. Secure with adhesive if its laminate flooring or with nails if its engineered or solid hardwood flooring. Be sure to lay the tongue facing the wall with the recommended allowance for expansion. Use spacers to make the allowance level and be sure to put the nails as far to the side of the wall as possible so that the baseboards can conveniently cover them.



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Follow with the succeeding rows, securely locking it with the tongues and grooves. If you intend to keep your wood flooring for a long time, reinforcing the lock with adhesive might be a good Idea. Also remember to lay out the planks in a way that it will stagger - the ends in one row should be different from the next. Cut and trim each piece of wood flooring as needed.

After you’ve installed the last piece on the last row, if you’re using solid hardwood flooring, it might need to be finished for protection. Be sure to check if your hardwood has been prefinished.



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It ain’t no walk in the park but if you have a sense of adventure, a knack for following instructions and great instincts, installing wood floors by yourself isn't so hard as you thought it would be.

You might also like to read:
Budget Friendly Flooring Ideas
Differences Between Solid and Engineered Hardwood Flooring

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