Installing Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors are not always easy to install but you can do it yourself and save some money if you have the skills required. When installed correctly, hardwood floors will stay in good shape for generations even in rooms with a lot of humidity like bathrooms. If you get some expert advice and do some research you should be able to install hardwood floors in your home on your own.
The most important thing to remember about hardwood floors is that they should not be exposed to moisture. Moisture will cause the hardwood to buckle and warp as it expands and contracts. However, you can still use hardwood in areas where there is a lot of moisture as long as you do the maintenance required to keep the flooring in good shape.
One thing you can do is put a layer of asphalt felt underneath the hardwood floors when you install them to prevent moisture from causing warping and rotting in the hardwood. The best way to do this is to apply 15 pounds of asphalt felt on the sub-floor so that it overlaps to give the most protection. Attach the felt with a staple gun.
At the walls be sure to leave a small space between the felt and the wall so that there is room for a baseboard or base shoe to fit in. When laying out the flooring be sure to lay out at least 3 rows at a time to see how they are going to fit before you start nailing. All wood flooring is not going to be the exact same size so you need to make sure the pieces you choose fit together well. Use a flooring nailer to secure the boards as you go.
Using a reducer will help when installing wood flooring on a surface that is not completely even. It is important to store the wood flooring safely before you are ready to install it in your home. It needs to be stored inside the house to avoid warping and cracking. Keep it in a dry, clean area. If the wood flooring has to be stored on the exterior of your home make sure it is securely covered with a tarp that is waterproof to prevent damage. You do not want your wood flooring to war or bend before you even get it in your home. If you are bringing the wood flooring home from the store in a truck do not use an open truck in bad weather.