Hardwood Flooring Installation
Complete guide to installing solid and engineered hardwood flooring, including subfloor preparation, acclimation, and finishing techniques.
Tools & Materials Needed
Essential Tools
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Table saw (for ripping boards)
- Jigsaw (for cutting around obstacles)
- Nail gun or flooring stapler
- Tapping block and pull bar
- Spacers (1/4" to 3/8")
- Chalk line and measuring tape
- Level and straight edge
- Hammer and pry bar
- Safety glasses and ear protection
Materials
- Hardwood flooring (add 10-15% for waste)
- Underlayment (if required)
- Vapor barrier (for concrete subfloors)
- Flooring nails or staples
- Wood glue (for end joints)
- Transition strips and molding
Step 1: Subfloor Preparation
Inspect Your Subfloor
Your subfloor must be:
- Level: No more than 3/16" variation over 10 feet
- Dry: Moisture content below 12% for plywood, 3% for concrete
- Clean: Free of debris, nails, and adhesive residue
- Stable: No squeaks or movement
Common Subfloor Types
Plywood/Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
Most common subfloor. Check for loose nails, replace damaged sections, and ensure minimum 5/8" thickness.
Concrete
Requires moisture testing and vapor barrier. Use moisture meter to test multiple areas.
Existing Hardwood
Can be sanded and refinished, or used as subfloor for new installation.
Preparation Steps
- Remove all furniture and existing flooring
- Check for squeaks and secure loose boards
- Fill gaps and holes with appropriate filler
- Sand high spots and level low areas
- Sweep and vacuum thoroughly
Step 2: Acclimation Process
Why Acclimation Matters
Hardwood needs time to adjust to your home's temperature and humidity before installation. This prevents:
- Excessive expansion or contraction after installation
- Gaps or buckling
- Cracking or splitting
Acclimation Steps
- Unpack the flooring and stack it in the installation room
- Allow 3-7 days for acclimation (check manufacturer's recommendations)
- Maintain normal room conditions (68-72°F, 35-55% humidity)
- Stack boards properly with spacers between layers for air circulation
- Test moisture content - boards should be within 2-4% of subfloor moisture
Pro Tip
Start acclimation process as soon as flooring arrives. This is one of the most critical steps for a successful installation.
Step 3: Installation Techniques
Planning Your Layout
- Determine the best starting wall (usually longest, straightest wall)
- Plan board direction (typically parallel to longest wall or main light source)
- Measure room and calculate starting point to avoid narrow strips
- Mark chalk lines for reference
Installation Steps
- Install underlayment if required (follow manufacturer instructions)
- Lay first row with groove side facing the wall
- Use spacers to maintain 1/4" to 3/8" expansion gap
- Face-nail first row since you can't use nail gun
- Continue installation using tongue-and-groove connections
- Stagger joints by at least 6 inches between rows
- Use tapping block to seat boards properly
- Check alignment every few rows
Cutting Techniques
End Cuts
Use miter saw for clean, square cuts. Measure twice, cut once.
Rip Cuts
Use table saw for lengthwise cuts. Always use push stick for safety.
Notches
Use jigsaw for cutting around door frames, vents, and other obstacles.
Step 4: Finishing and Cleanup
Final Installation Steps
- Install last row using pull bar to seat boards
- Remove spacers and check expansion gaps
- Install transition strips at doorways
- Install baseboards and quarter round to cover expansion gaps
- Clean thoroughly to remove sawdust and debris
Post-Installation Care
- Wait 24-48 hours before moving furniture back
- Use felt pads under furniture legs
- Maintain consistent humidity levels (35-55%)
- Avoid excessive moisture and direct sunlight
- Follow manufacturer's care instructions