Timber flooring has been quite popular over the years, especially when it comes to the home. With its durable construction, versatile style, and its timeless quality, it’s no surprise that most homeowners prefer the installation of timber flooring in their homes. But if you’re not too familiar with the process of timber flooring installation, you may be wanting to do your research before the project starts. This way, you not only are aware of what’s going on when your contractor begins work, but you can also ensure that your home is prepared for a successful installation.
Method
As with any timber flooring installation, the subfloor and underlay need to be level and prepared in order for the boards to lay properly. This is also the time where you decide how you want your hardwood to be laid out. A good rule of thumb is that laying out your boards along the room provides the illusion of an elongated area, while laying out the boards across the room provides a wider feel.
The floorboards should then be set down on the floor and arranged how you would like it to be installed in order to provide a good visual representation of how your floor will look afterwards – it also gives you or your contractor a good way to estimate how many boards are needed to fill the room, and whether or not some boards need trimming to fully cover the entire floor.
To begin, the first board should be installed with the groove facing the wall. Use the tongue of the second board to lock into place, and repeat until the end of the first row, being careful to ensure there is a 15mm gap to allow for wood expansion, which can happen with moisture contact and changes in humidity.
Timeframe
The timeframe of timber flooring installation varies depending on the type of timber flooring you use – whether it’s solid timber, or engineered floorboards – as well as the size of the room you are wanting to install flooring in. It may take a few days to a couple of weeks before you are able to use the room, and it’s important to wait the appropriate amount of time to minimise the chances of uneven installation.
Do’s and Don’ts of Timber Flooring Installation
What do you need to do when getting flooring installed? First timber flooring tips, ensure that all furniture is put away from the room, and that you do not put it back until the installation has finished and the boards have been tested to be correctly installed. When working on flooring, make use of the right protective gear, such as gloves, face masks, and even knee pads, as you or your contractor will be working on the ground for this project. Avoid walking with shoes or heels on your freshly installed floors to prevent the chances of uneven flooring, and try to minimise foot traffic for a couple of days. If you must walk in the room, use soft socks to reduce the impact of your feet on the flooring.