How To Properly Install Hardwood Floors

by: Andrew Caxton

Hardwood flooring is easy to install once you know how but it can take a lot of time and effort. Make sure that you know what you are doing before attempting to fit the flooring, if you don’t enlist the help of someone who does.

When thinking of a modern flooring theme for your home, hardwood floors may spring to mind. They are easy to clean, they make a house look homely and they go with a number of different interior decorating designs.

There are so many advantages to having a hardwood floor; the only thing you need to worry about is how to install it.

Installing Hardwood Floors

It is important to properly install your hardwood floor if you want it to look like it belongs. So many people make the mistake of not fitting the flooring properly and over time it can cause disastrous results. Poorly fitted flooring can devalue your home and it can look terrible too. So just how do you fit a hardwood floor properly?

Firstly you need to make sure that you have the right materials. The materials which you will more than likely need include:

* A Hammer
* A Tape Measure
* A Staple Gun
* A Pry Bar
* A Variable Speed Drill
* Vapor Barrier Paper
* Chalk Line

You also need to ensure that you purchase the right type of hardwood floor for your needs. For example, the thickness of the flooring can be a problem and if you are placing it over concrete then it is usually better to use 3/8 materials because they are thinner. Otherwise you can get away with using 3/4.

Another thing to consider with hardwood flooring is that although many do require you to sand them down afterwards, there are some which come pre-prepared. That means that your only job is to place the hardwood flooring down and then you have finished. If this appeals to you, you should look out for that option either online or in your local hardware store.

When ready to fit the flooring it is essential that you know what you are doing. If you are not convinced that you can do it properly then hire a professional or get somebody else you know to do it for you. It is vital that you get it right so ensure that you do know what you are doing beforehand! It takes a lot of effort to install a hardwood floor but the results afterwards are always worth it.

Overall hardwood floors can be hard to install which is why it is always better to try and get the pre-treated flooring if possible. It saves you so much time and effort and it still provides you with excellent results.