How to make your own hardwood floors, hardwood floors are beautiful, can stay long, and are not hard to put in. You don’t need special tools; you can change your old floor to an excellent one daily. Before putting in hardwood floors, let’s review some basic things. Have you ever walked into a room with lovely hardwood floors and thought, ‘I wish I could have floors like these’? Well, guess what? You totally can! This complete guide will show you how to make your own hardwood floors. You don’t have to be a super-skilled carpenter; you are just a little patient, committed, and creative. Let’s get started!
Tips for Installing Hardwood Flooring:
- Suitable Surface: Put hardwood floors on plywood at least ¾-inch thick above the ground level. Avoid basements and never place them directly on concrete.
- Follow Instructions: Always do what the instructions from the manufacturer say.
- Measure the Space: Determine how much flooring you need by multiplying the length and width of the room. Then, add 10% extra for mistakes or damaged pieces.
- Direction Matters: Lay the hardwood in a way that goes across the floor supports and parallel to the longest wall. Leave a gap of ¾-inch around the edges.
- Mind the Seams: Where possible, connect the ends of the boards over a floor support. Don’t make seams that form an ‘H’ shape. Keep seams that line up at least two rows apart.
- Plan the Last Row: Before you start, figure out how wide the last row will be. If it’s less than an inch, make the first row half as wide.
Steps for How to Make Your Own Hardwood Floors
Are you excited to give your space a fresh look with new hardwood floors? Just follow these simple steps for installing wood flooring.
Acclimate the Flooring
- Leave the flooring in the room for three to five days before installing it.
- During this time, spread out the boards from different boxes on the floor.
- Mix them up so they have different shades and lengths. Usually, boards in one box look the same.
- Arrange them in the order you’ll install them.
- Check for any pieces that are broken or bent. Please don’t throw them away; they might be helpful later.
- Once the boards are used to the room, pick the straightest ones for the first two rows.
Prepare Your Subfloor
- Take out the old flooring and make sure there’s nothing left behind.
- Get rid of the strips holding the carpet and the baseboards.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to clean up the area.
If the old flooring might have asbestos, it’s better to ask a professional for advice.
Install the Boards
Preparing for Installation:
- Let the flooring sit in the room for a few days to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity.
- Lay outboards from different boxes to mix up shades and lengths.
- Check for any damaged pieces; keep them for later if needed.
Nailing the First and Last Rows:
- Nail the first and last rows through the face of the board.
- If unsure, you can use screws for these rows for easier removal later.
- For all other rows, nail through the tongue.
Laying the First Board:
- Place the first board with the groove facing the wall.
- Use ¾-inch spacers along the length and at the end for an expansion gap.
- Nail through pre-drilled holes.
Adding the Next Boards:
- Use a tapping block and mallet to fit the next board in place.
- Nail it down and countersink the nails.
Trimming the Last Board:
- Cut the last board to fit, ensuring a ¾-inch expansion gap.
Blind Nailing the First Rows:
- Angle-nail along the tongue edge at every floor joist.
Starting the Second Row:
- To install the first row of boards, insert the tongue of the board into the groove of the previous row and push it firmly into place. Tap together with a tapping block.
- Stagger joints by at least 6 inches.
Continuing Installation:
- Keep staggering joints and maintaining expansion gaps.
- Mix boards from different boxes.
Using a Floor Nailer (if possible):
- Position it to drive nails through the tongue.
- Adjust air pressure if needed to countersink the nails.
Handling Obstacles:
- Use a jigsaw to fit boards around vents or jogs, like a fireplace hearth.
Face-Nailing the Last Rows:
- Face-nail the last two rows along the tongue side.
- Drill pilot holes to prevent splitting.
Final Adjustments:
- Trim boards to fit in the last row, keeping a ¾-inch gap.
- Use a pull bar to click panels together and then face-nail.
Finishing Touches:
- Cut excess underlayment and sand and stain if necessary.
- Fill nail holes with matching wood putty.
- Replace baseboards and shoe molding to cover the expansion gap.
Adding Thresholds:
- Install thresholds for a complete finish.
Tools & Materials:
- Flooring and underlayment
- Mallet
- Nail setter
- Drill & bits
- Pry bar
- Claw hammer
- Tape measure
- Long level
- Moisture meter
- ¾-inch spacers
- Tapping block
- Chalk reel
- Table saw
- Jigsaw
- Using a pneumatic or flooring nailer, with nails and staples to fit, is optional.
Adding the Final Details and Tidying Up: The Grand Finale
Now that you’ve laid down your beautiful hardwood floors, it’s time for the finishing touches. This is where the magic happens, turning an excellent job into a fantastic one.
Installing Baseboards:
Baseboards are like the frame of a painting, giving a clean and finished look to your floors. They cover the gap between the walls and the flooring, creating a seamless transition.
Transition Pieces:
These are used where your hardwood floors meet a different type of flooring, like carpet or tile. They ensure a smooth and visually appealing transition between the two surfaces.
Final Sweep:
Before you can truly admire your handiwork, giving the floors a thorough sweep is essential. This will remove any loose dirt, debris, or sawdust that may have accumulated during installation.
Mopping for a Flawless Finish:
After the sweep, it’s time to mop. Utilize a gentle hardwood floor cleaner and a clean, damp mop to remove any remaining dust or marks. This step will leave your floors looking fresh and polished.
Inspect for Any Imperfections:
Take a moment to walk around the room and carefully inspect your work. Look for any visible imperfections, like small gaps or misplaced boards. If you find any, now’s the time to make any necessary adjustments.
Admire Your Handiwork:
Stand back and take in the beauty of your newly installed hardwood floors. Notice how they transform the entire room, adding warmth, elegance, and a touch of nature.
Remember, the little details can make the most significant difference. Paying attention to these final steps will ensure that your hardwood floors look stunning and stand the test of time. Enjoy your newly transformed space!
FAQs
How long does it take to make hardwood floors?
The process typically takes about 2-3 days, depending on the size of the area and your level of experience.
Can I install hardwood floors over existing flooring?
Yes, you can install hardwood floors over some existing flooring, but ensuring the subfloor is in good condition is essential.
What’s the best way to clean and maintain hardwood floors?
Maintaining hardwood floors looking their best requires regular sweeping and infrequent mopping with a hardwood floor cleaner.
Can I install hardwood floors in a bathroom or kitchen?
While possible, it’s generally not recommended due to the potential for moisture damage. Consider engineered hardwood for these areas.
How often should I refinish my hardwood floors?
Refinishing hardwood floors every 3-5 years or when you notice signs of wear like scratches or dullness is recommended.
Conclusion
You’ve done a great job! Your new hardwood floors look good. Let’s do the last part – adding those final special touches. First, put on the baseboards. They’re like a nice frame for your floors, making them look neat. Then, use unique pieces where your new feet meet different kinds of beds, making the change from one to the other smooth. Before anything else:
- Clean the floors to remove any leftover dirt or bits.
- Use a special cleaner for hardwood floors to make them look shiny and fresh.
- Take a moment to look closely at your work and fix anything that doesn’t look just right.
- Step back and look at how everything has changed.
Your hardwood floors make the whole room feel cozy and fancy, creating a special place to enjoy for a long time. Great job!