Category: Flooring

Learn How to Install Hardwood Flooring

From a beginner’s perspective, flooring Chandler is something that you would leave to experts. There are several challenges that you might not be able to handle on your own. However, there are ways for you to handle hardwood flooring without having to struggle with exorbitant contractor fees. You only need to know the basic techniques for installing different types of floors.

Installation Areas

It’s possible to install a hardwood floor either on grade or above grade, but only for unique subfloors indicated below:

Hardwood Flooring

You can install hardwood floors on radiantly heated units only if you have explicit manufacturer approval and recommendation. Hardwood flooring can be done over vinyl, bamboo, stone, and tiles. Before you install the hardwood floor, however, you must check the integrity of your current floor.

While hardwood flooring looks very good, it is not a good choice for moisture-prone areas, unless you have hardwood floors that are uniquely designed for this.

Concrete Subfloors

Having considered the unique features of flooring Chandler AZ, you have to take extra precaution with concrete. In case you are installing the floor over concrete, the subfloor must have been in place for no less than 30 days. Other than that, make sure you conduct the necessary moisture tests before your subfloor is considered ready for installation.

Wood Subfloors

In the case of wooden subfloors, you will either be using OSB boards or plywood. These are two of the most commonly used options. Two things matter in this scenario. One, the subfloor should be solid and stable, devoid of any movement whatsoever. Two, the subfloor must pass structural integrity tests.

Materials Needed

For hardwood flooring installation, there are certain tools and materials that you will need to make this process a smooth and flawless one.

– Crowbar
– Chalk line
– Broom
– Rubber mallet
– Utility towels and knife
– Tapping block
– Hammer
– Spacers
– Jigsaw
– Electric saw

These are the main things that you will need. However, depending on the type of hardwood you are installing, you might need other specialty tools, materials, and equipment.

Installation Techniques

There are different ways of installing hardwood flooring:

– Glueless installation
– Glue down installation
– Floating engineered installation
– Nail down/Staple installation

Surface preparation is the most important step when installing hardwood floors. You must remove any existing floors. Inspect the moisture levels to make sure that there’s no more than 4% moisture content between the hardwood floor and subfloor.

You must also do a calcium chloride and alkalinity test in case you are working on concrete subfloors. The subfloor must not have bumps and should be level. Any high spots should be graded down before you proceed.

For the best results, the hardwood floor you are installing should have similar features with the subfloor and area where you are installing it.

Make sure you adhere to manufacture’s guidelines throughout the installation process. If there’s any door mold or casings, remove them before you proceed. Even the door should be removed.