Benefits of laying a wooden floor
Wooden floors are a classic and timeless addition to any home. If you’re looking to add elegance to your space, laying a wooden floor is one of the best ways to do so. But that’s not all, wooden floors also come with several benefits. Here are a few of the many benefits of laying a wooden floor.
- Versatility - There are so many types of wood to choose from, all with different colors, grains, and textures. A wooden floor is a unique way to add character and personality to your space.
- Durability - A properly maintained hardwood floor can last for decades. Plus, wood is moisture-resistant, so it’s great for spaces that are often wet.
- Easy to Clean - Unlike other types of flooring, a wooden floor is easy to be cleaned and maintained. You can just sweep it or mop it, and it will look like new!
- Cost Effective - While it may seem that laying a wooden floor is expensive if done correctly, it’s more cost-effective than other types of flooring.
Choosing the right wood
When choosing the right type of wood for your floor, you’ll want to consider several factors. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your wood.
- Colour - The color of the wood needs to match the rest of the décor in your home. If you want your space to feel warm and inviting, a darker wood would be a good option. If you want a brighter look, lighter wood would be better.
- Texture - The wood grain and texture will determine the finish you’ll need to choose for your floor. If you want a smooth, glossy finish, you’ll want to select wood with a straight grain. If you want a rustic look, you’ll want to select wood with wild grain.
- Type - There are a variety of types of wood to choose from. While each type has its unique characteristics, some are better for certain applications than others. You’ll want to make sure the type of wood you select is the best option for your floor.
Preparing the subfloor
Before you start laying the floor, make sure you’ve properly prepared the subfloor. The subfloor is the surface that your wooden floor will be installed over. It’s important to lay a good subfloor because it will affect the levelness and longevity of your wooden floor. Here’s what you need to do to prepare the subfloor.
- First, remove any existing flooring with a hammer and pry bar. If you need help removing your old flooring, you can hire a professional to do it for you.
- Next, you’ll need to determine the levelness of your subfloor. If the subfloor is too uneven, you may want to have it ripped and leveled. If you aren’t comfortable tearing up your subfloor, you can hire a professional to do it for you.
- Once your subfloor is level, you’ll need to add a layer of underlayment. Underlayment is an added layer between your subfloor and the wooden flooring. This is to prevent sound from traveling between the two surfaces and to provide insulation. There are many types of underlayment, but cork and synthetic underlayment are the most common and recommended.
Laying the wood
Before you start laying the floor, you’ll want to consider a few things. Here are a few tips on laying your floor the right way.
- Start with the hardest woods - Start with the hardest wood first, like walnut or oak. These woods are dense and hard, so they’re easier to install. They’re also easier on the tools, so you won’t have to replace your tools as often.
- Install boards in the direction of the long grain - Install the boards in the direction of the long grain, not the shorter grain. This will create a straighter, more consistent floor.
- Use the right glue - Make sure you’re using the right glue for the type of wood you’re using.
Finishing the floor
After you’ve laid all the boards, you’ll need to sand and finish them. Here’s what you need to know when finishing the boards.
- First, use a random-orbit sander to remove the top layer of the wood. You’ll want to remove this top layer so the finish will properly adhere to the wood. You may need to sand some boards more than once to remove the entire top layer. - Next, use a sanding sponge to even out the boards. Make sure all the boards are level, or you’ll have an uneven floor.
- You’ll also want to use a tack rag to remove any excess glue from the boards.
- For the finishing coat, you’ll have a few options. You can choose a penetrating sealer, a stain, or a combination of the two.
DIY wood flooring kits
If you’re interested in a more modern, trendy type of flooring, you can also install a wood flooring kit. You’ve probably seen these types of flooring at many retail stores, but you might not know what they are or how they work. Here’s what you need to know about wood flooring kits.
- Flooring kits are prefabricated wood floor that comes in a variety of styles and types. They’re installed in the same way as a standard wooden floor, but they don’t require as much planning. When laying a wooden floor, you’ll need to account for everything in your space, including doorways and walls. With a flooring kit, you’ll need to measure only the space you’re working on.
- There are a variety of different types of flooring kits. You’ll want to make sure you’re selecting the right type for your space.
Tools and materials needed
Before you begin installing your new wooden floor, you’ll want to make sure you have all the tools and materials needed. Here’s what you need to complete the installation of your new wood floor.
- Nail gun - You’ll need a nail gun to install the boards. You can choose between a pneumatic nail gun, which uses compressed air, or a manual nail gun, which uses your strength to drive the nails.
- Pry bar - You’ll need a pry bar to remove your old flooring and install the subfloor.
- Level - To make sure your subfloor is level, you’ll need a level.
- Brad nailer - A brad nailer is a tool that shoots smaller nails into your subfloor. You can use this tool instead of a pry bar.
- Materials - You’ll need materials to finish your new floor, including finishing.
