411homerepair.com

The Do’ and Don’ts of Fitting Hardwood Floors

by Guest Post on Sep 23, 2011

Hardwood flooring is an expensive material and if you are installing it for the first time then here are a few pointers worth reading. If in doubt then call on a professional to do the job for you – remember, mistakes can often be more expensive to put right than the installation would have cost you in the first place.

Do:

1. Make sure the area you are looking at covering is in an appropriate condition for the job. It needs to be level and dry and the temperature in the room should be consistent.

2. Ensure that all the other trades have completed their work if the hardwood flooring installation is part of a larger project. Plastering, plumbing, electrics, etc need to be finished before you lay the floor.

3. Leave your flooring materials to acclimatize within the room for 3 to 7 days before fitting to make problems at a later date less likely. Leave in the cartons but remove any plastic outer layers to allow the material to breathe.

4. Start from a measured center line in the room or from the longest straight wall available. Work logically across the floor and avoid joints meeting by varying the lengths of boards as you go.

Don’t:

1. Attempt to lay engineered wood flooring unless you are confident that your joinery skills are up to the job. It could lead to a lot of wasted time and frustration as well as a disappointing result.

2. Forget to leave an expansion gap for the floor to naturally expand and contract into overtime. Failure to do so could result in warped boards and an uneven floor.

3. Discard the manufacturer’s instructions. You may think you know best but a quick read won’t do any harm before you get started.

4. Be tempted to move furniture back into the room until your varnish is fully set. Again, read the instructions and if anything allows a little longer than recommended to ensure the best possible result.

Latest Articles

How Much Does It Cost To Take A Bath​?

Plumbers know that a bath may seem like a relaxing luxury, but the real cost extends far beyond your water bill. The average soak uses 35 to 50...

on Apr 8, 2025

10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget

A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...

on Mar 25, 2025

Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas

Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...

on Mar 7, 2025

Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...

on Feb 18, 2025

Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan

When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...

on Jan 12, 2025

Sponsored Articles

Actions

More DIY Articles

Beginners Guide to Welding Like a Pro

No matter where you turn in life, something around you has probably been welded. It can be a lucrative career and one that you can study for or...

Tools / Woodworking

How Decking Improves Your Garden

There are many straightforward, cost-effective ways to improve and update the dynamism and look of your garden. From a quick, simple mow, to...

Garden / Landscaping / Patio

Wallpaper Repair - Repasting, Blisters, Tears, Spots

Damaged wallpaper can be repaired. It's ideal if you have extra wallpaper that matches the pattern for repairs. Repasting, removing clusters,...

Painting / Wallpaper

Removing Rust/Iron Stains on Bathroom Fixtures

Rust stains come from iron in the water supply, which can only be permanently removed through the installation of an iron filter. Iron stains can...

Kitchen / Bathrooms

To Go Artificial, or to Not Go Artificial

Sometimes known as the negative space when it comes to gardening, the lawn is one of the most crucial aspects to your garden and home space,...

Garden / Landscaping / Patio

Contact Us | Submit Article | 411homerepair © 2025