Hardwood Floor Installation Methods

Even though hardwood floor installation isn't too difficult of a job, the right tools and experience helps a lot. We can install your hardwood floor virtually hassle-free but if you prefer to do it yourself then below see a list of different types of methods for hardwood flooring installation.

Before reading further you might want to check two of our previous articles. They will give you a better overall idea of the hardwood flooring installation:

• Hardwood Flooring: Benefits and Common Types
• Refinishing Your Hardwood Floor Yourself

How to Install Your Hardwood Floor

In most cases, we highly recommend using a pre-finished flooring material. The main reason is that with a pre-finished flooring material you won’t have to sand and finish the floor after the installation.

While this saves you time, buying a pre-finished hardwood flooring generally means a higher quality finish. Usually a pre-finished hardwood flooring is sanded 3 to 4 times. Also, it is coated around 8 times with an aluminum oxide surface finish which is baked. This makes for a much more durable product.

Installation Methods

Depending on the site there are several ways of installing your hardwood floor.

And it is very important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing your hardwood floor. Not doing so could cause serious mistakes and void your warranty.

1. Nail-down Installation Method

   The nail-down method is commonly used when installing ¾" thick solid hardwood flooring. The flooring is attached to the sub-floor by using two in an inch nailing cleats. You will need a wood flooring nailer and a mallet.

2. Staple-down Installation Method

   The staple-down method is similar to the nail-down installation method but the nails are replaced with staples. The staples are driven into the tongue of the wood planks and through to the sub floor underneath using a pneumatic staple gun. This method is much easier for do-it-yourself installers. When purchasing your hardwood floor make sure to ask the recommended staple size for your installation.

3. Glue-down Installation Method

   The glue-down method means that you glue the actual hardwood planks to the sub-floor. Using a trowel and the recommended adhesive for your hardwood floor the glue is spread onto the sub-floor upon which the wood is set into place. This method works equally well on a wood sub floors or fully cured concrete slabs.

4. Glueless Installation Method

   Most manufacturers offer engineered hardwood flooring products with a special glueless locking system. These types of engineered hardwood flooring are very versatile and can be installed on a variety of sub floors.

5. Floating Installation Method

   The floating installation method does not require to fasten the flooring planks to the sub floor. Firstly, a thin pad is inserted between the flooring planks and the sub-floor. Then glue is applied to the tongue and groove of the flooring planks which hold the floor together.

   The padding gives the floating floor a number of advantages - it protects against moisture build up, it is easier on your feet, and it significantly reduces the transfer of noise.

   The floating installation method is a very practical way to install your flooring. But be sure to check with your manufacturer whether your flooring product is suitable for floating installation.

We Can Help

To ensure a professionally installed hardwood floor we recommend that you contact us. We can at least come and do a free hardwood floor installation estimate for you. Then you can decide.

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