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Hardwood Installation

The 4 Methods of Installation

More and more homeowners are joining the fashion movement toward hardwood flooring. While for some, this has more to do with family allergies than actual desire, most people love the feel and character that hardwood flooring gives to any room. For homeowners (and even DIYers) that are eager to trade out stained, matted carpeting for shining, beautiful hardwood boards, here’s our rundown on the various methods of installation.

1. Glue down

In this method, the chosen adhesive (usually urethane adhesive) is laid down thickly upon the surface of the floorboards using a trowel. These trowels have grooves in them that ensure the even spread of the adhesive across the subfloor surface. Following these, the hardwood flooring boards may be laid down. Achieving the right placement of boards rapidly and smoothly makes this option a job for the experienced. (Note: The only types of wood that are designed to be glued down are engineered floors and parquets.)

2. Nail down

Nailing is primarily used for thick hardwood floors with a width of ¾” or greater. It may also be used for thinner flooring of sturdy wood. Nail cleats of 2″ are used with a nail gun and mallet to attach to the subfloor. Boards will be placed against the subfloor and secured by the placement of the nail cleats and the gentle hammering of the wood down to securely attach them.

3. Staple Down

This method of securing hardwood flooring utilizes 1 ½ – 2 inch staples rather than the nailing cleats detailed in the method described above. A pneumatic gun is used to drive the staples through the hardwood into the subfloor. If the staple does not fully penetrate through the wood, a mallet will be used to ensure that the head of the staple is flush with the wood flooring.This method requires the skills of an experienced carpenter as use of a high powered staple gun can be dangerous.

4. Floating

This type of installation requires the use of hardwood boards that lock together, connecting to each other like puzzle pieces. This method does not require the use of nails, staples, or glue and can be done exceptionally quickly. As the pieces are secured to each other by tongue and groove method, they will lay or (float) over the subfloor and underlayment. In areas where moisture is a concern, such as basements, a floating floor will allow, and perhaps require, a moisture barrier to be placed over the subfloor prior to the installing of the interlocking wood boards. As the floating floor responds to changes in temperature and humidity levels, the boards will naturally expand toward the walls or contract away. This means that floating floors will not bow or buckle or develop gaps, a great benefit in areas such as the Pacific Northwest where moisture and temperature changes can present flooring difficulties. Have you been dreaming of hardwood floors but were concerned that you’d never be able to make it happen? Now is the time to seize your chance. There’s little to compare with the feel of genuine hardwood beneath your feet and the beauty and grace it can add to your home. Carpet-To-Go offers qualified services to install and maintain hardwood floors. We care about creating the home that you’ve always dreamed of. Contact us for further information regarding our quality services and exceptionally low prices.

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