The installation of flooring
Installing a hardwood floor can be a difficult and sometimes complicated task, but if you feel comfortable trying it out personally, you can save a lot of money. Properly installed hardwoods can last for generations, even in damp conditions, such as in a bathroom. With a little advice and a step-by-step guide, as well as a lot of time, the installation of hardwood flooring can be done without expensive professional services.
Moisture is the number one enemy of hardwood floors. Moisture can eventually lead to deformation and cracking of the surface as it expands and contracts. This does not mean, however, that hardwood flooring can not be used in more humid conditions. Hardwood floors simply require some maintenance to function well in these conditions. Installing hardwood with asphalt felt should provide a high degree of protection against rot and deformation of hardwood. Take a 15-pound asphalt felt and place it on the sub-floor in overlapping sections. The felt must be glued with a stapler.
Leave a small space, about half an inch, between the asphalt felt and the wall. A sole or pad will be placed in these smaller spaces between the floor and the wall. The first three planks of the flooring must be hand-laid. The lengths of the panels are usually random, so it is recommended to establish parts of the flooring before nailing. When the first boards are put in place, the rest can be adjusted with a floor nailer. This will facilitate the precise placement of the flooring.
When the new floor creates an uneven surface, you can use a reducer to create a uniform meeting point. When preparing to install a hardwood floor, be sure to store it safely. If you store the wood in the open where it can get wet, you will get uneven flooring that will not match. If the floor is to be stored outdoors, be sure to cover it with a waterproof tarpaulin. This will reduce potential moisture damage, which can distort and bend expensive wood floors very quickly. Do not carry wood floors in an open bed as weather conditions could cause rain or high humidity.