End Plank Installing A Hardwood Floor

Before you get started plan how to install your hardwood floors.

End plank installing a hardwood floor.

Attach second plank to butt end of first plank by overlapping exposed locking edge of first plank with the second plank edge. The end of the last board should be cut to leave a 3 4 inch gap between it and the wall. Use 1 2 inch spacers to assist in maintaining the 1 2 inch expansion gap between the first row of flooring planks and the wall. Pick one that is straight.

Engineered plank flooring should be installed perpendicular to the joists or on a diagonal for any single layer subfloor. When installing solid wide plank floors over a plywood subfloor the best method is to apply adhesive to the floorboards blind nail the length of the boards with a pneumatic nailer and face nail when you reach the end of a board. Align the edge of the board with the chalk line and drill pilot holes down through the hardwood plank and into the sub floor and joist. For wide plank installation many installers will apply waterless urethane adhesive applied in a snake like pattern on the back of each wide plank as it is installed fig 5 this will bond the planks directly to the sub floor and minimize any squeaks or movement in the future as well as limit the risk of cupping or buckling.

Roll out a floor underlayment to provide moisture protection and reduce noise under the floor. The installation method recommended is not a full glue down installation but only a bead of glue across the width of the board. Begin by selecting a long board to start the first row. Use a utility knife to cut the underlayment so it fits around objects such as hearths or closets.

One of the most popular choicers for diyers click lock flooring installation is easy only requiring nails for the first row of boards. Follow your guideline as you lay subsequent boards abutting planks or strips end to end drilling pilot holes and securing the flooring with face driven nails. Entails using adhesive in addition to nails even if you re installing a solid wide plank floor. Use a hammer or a pneumatic face nailer to secure the first board.

See nwfa installation guidelines for exceptions to this rule. This is done by introducing glue to the nailing process. Nail down installation of wide plank solid and wide plank engineered flooring requires additional bonding to the subfloor to prevent movement and squeaks. Engineered plank installation engineered plank wood floors can be installed successfully on above or below grade level.

Face nail each board at the point of every joist and set the nail with a nail set.