Installing Your Own Hardwood Floor? Don't Skip These Steps
Installing hardwood floors is not easy, which is why many homeowners choose to have a professional do it for them. However, if you are handy and love a good DIY project, it is not impossible for you to install your own hardwood floors. You'll just want to make sure you don't skip the following steps as you do so.
Level the subfloor first.
Sometimes people figure that a hardwood floor will just cover their subfloor, so there is no point in fixing the subfloor first. But if your subfloor is not level, then your hardwood floor won't be level, either. Take the time to assess your subfloor, and if you find that it is not level, take the time to build it up. There are self-leveling products that you can pour over the subfloor to fill in its low areas and level it out. Or, you can attach some thinner boards to the parts of the subfloor that are lower or sunken (These should be inexpensive boards; they'll be hidden by your hardwood).
Let the wood acclimate.
Wood is a porous material. When the air around it is moist, the wood absorbs some moisture. When the air around it is dry, the wood will give off some moisture. You need to let your hardwood sit in your home and acclimate for a few days before you start installing it. Otherwise, it may bow or warp after being installed, leading to a buckling or non-level floor.
Sand it down.
Often, the boards you obtain to install as flooring will be pre-sanded and relatively smooth. But you will still want to sand them again once your floor is installed. This will remove any rough edges left from screwing the boards down, and it will stop the ends of the boards from giving off splinters. Use a coarser sandpaper, and follow it up with some finer sandpaper. Vacuum up any dust left from sanding before you apply the finish.
Let it rest after finishing.
After you apply the finish, check the label to see how long it needs to cure before you walk on it or set furniture on it. Err on the side of caution to prevent damage to the floor. For instance, if the can says to let the finish rest for 2 - 4 days, let it rest for 4 days.
With these tips, you'll do a better job of installing your own hardwood floor. Contact a hardwood flooring installation company near you to learn more.
