One way to change up the interior of your home is install wood
flooring. It’s a classic look that you can accomplish all on your own by
following a few easy steps.
Start by figuring out what kind of wood you want to install. Make
note of the board widths so you can measure properly.
Next, measure the room or the area where you’ll be installing
the wood. Measure the width and length of the room, and multiply those numbers
to get the square footage. When you purchase the wood, allow 10-15 percent for
errors.
Check your current floor to see if it squeaks. You’ll need at
least a ¾” plywood subfloor. If there is a squeak, screw a long drywall screw
into the subfloor and joist where you hear the noise.
Next, get rid of the shoe-molding in the room, clean and sweep
the floor.
Then, roll out strips of vapor barrier paper (with some overlap)
and staple it to the subfloor. Make marks on the paper where the joists are
located.
Next is the installation. It’s good to begin at the longest
unobstructed wall. Pick a long, straight wood board to begin the first row.
Line the board up about 3/8’ away from the wall (you can make a chalk line if
this helps) to allow for expansion.
Drill holes through the wood and into the subfloor and joists.
You want the first boards to be perpendicular to the joists underneath to
provide a solid anchor.
Nail each board at the point of every joist and set the nail
with a nail-set. Complete the entire first row, remembering to pick random
board lengths.
After you install a few rows, hand nail the rolls. Then, using a
nail gun and a mallet, drive the staple into the tongue of the wood.
When you get to the baseboards, you might have to cut the end so
it fits. Make sure you pay attention to the way the pieces fit together (they
are like puzzle pieces) so you don’t cut off the wrong side.
Once you’re nearing the last board, make sure to measure
correctly and cut it length-wise if you have to. Finally, replace the shoe
molding and putty any nail holes that have been face-nailed.
