Tips for Installing Hardwood Flooring

Installing hardwood flooring can be a rewarding project that adds beauty and value to your home. Here are some tips to keep in mind when installing hardwood floors:

• Begin from the straightest, longest wall: When possible, start the installation from the straightest, longest wall in the room. It is recommended to install the flooring perpendicular to the floor joists.
• Ensure you have enough flooring: Make sure you have the right amount of flooring for your space. Most manufacturers recommend a standard cutting/ordering allowance of 5 percent, and an additional 10 percent if installed on a diagonal surface. Hardwood is sold in full case quantities, so round up when ordering.
• Acclimate the flooring: Allow the hardwood to acclimate in the room where it will be installed for at least five days prior to installation. The recommended temperature of the room should be between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity levels of 30 to 55 percent.
• Install on or above grade: Hardwood floors should be installed on or above grade, meaning they should not be installed in basements or directly on concrete.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions: Always follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of the hardwood flooring you are installing.
• Leave expansion gap: Leave a 1/2-inch expansion gap around the perimeter of the room to allow for natural expansion and contraction of the wood.
• Install perpendicular to floor joists: Install the hardwood floors perpendicular to the floor joists, parallel to the longest wall in the room.
• Join boards over a floor joist: Whenever possible, join the ends of the boards over a floor joist to ensure stability and avoid joints that form an “H” shape. Keep joints that line up at least two rows apart.
• Use a pry bar for tight fitting: Use a pry bar and a few extra scraps of flooring to firmly seat the hardwood plank as you nail it down.
• Allow for expansion and contraction: Remember to leave a 3/8-inch gap at the end wall for expansion and contraction space.

Remember, these tips are general guidelines, and it’s important to consult the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your hardwood flooring. Proper installation is crucial for the longevity and performance of your hardwood floors.