Hardwood Installation

Subfloor preperation is the most important step in floor covering installation. The subfloor must be structurally sound, flat, and free of dirt, oily films, cracks and crevices.

Solid wood flooring can only be nailed or stapled. Engineered wood products may be stapled, glued, or installed using the floating floor technique.

Nailed:

This method is typically used with 3/4 inch solid wood. 2 inch nailing cleats are used with a wood flooring nailer and mallet to attach the flooring to the subfloor.

Stapled:

This method uses 1-1/2 to 2 inch staples to attach the flooring to the subfloor. A pneumatic gun is used to drive the staple into the wood flooring and subfloor.

Glued:

The recommended mastic or adhesive is spread with the recommened trowel size to adhere the wood flooring to the subfloor. Using a solvent free glue for engineered wood products also acts as a moisture barrier.

Floated:

With the floating floor method the flooring is not fastened to the subfloor. A thin pad is placed between the wood flooring and the subfloor. A recommended wood glue is applied between the tongue and groove of each plank to hold the planks together.