HOW TO INSTALL HARDWOOD

Choosing the Installation Method When installing hardwood, consider one of the following methods: glue-down, click-down, or nail-down. Engineered hardwood typically uses the glue-down method, while click-down is common for engineered wood, and nail-down is preferred for solid hardwood due to its durability.

Pre-Installation Considerations

Allow hardwood to acclimate in the installation room for five days.
Ensure you have enough flooring, typically with a 5 percent cutting allowance.
Prioritize safety with work gloves and knee pads.

Preparing the Space

Remove baseboards and ensure a smooth subfloor.
Mark floor joists on walls.
Lay down underlayment.
Use the longest straight wall as a guide and create a guideline with a string.
Arrange boards in the desired installation order.

Glue-Down Method

Apply adhesive with a trowel for a few rows at a time.
Start laying the first row at the designated starting line.
Fit the groove of the second row into the tongue of the first row and tap gently.
Use spacers to maintain expansion gaps.
Install baseboards and shoe molding to cover gaps.

Nail-Down Method

Align the first board along the wall, tongue inward.
Drill pilot holes every 6 inches along the face of the board.
Counter-sink the holes and nail down the board.
Progress across the room, power-nailing boards through the tongues.
Cut and fit final pieces.
Fill holes with wood filler.
Install baseboard and shoe molding.

Click-Lock Method (Floating Installation)

Use spacers for the first row against the wall.
Place spacers against walls and fit board ends against them.
Drill pilot holes and drive flooring nails, countersinking them.
Lock the second plank onto the first by inserting the tongue into the groove.
Maintain pressure while locking edge joints.
Install baseboard and shoe molding to cover expansion gaps.