Things You'll Need:
- Hardwood flooring
- Circular saw
- Mallet
- 3-inch wood chunk
-
Step 1
Measure the area you are planning to lay the hardwood on and double-check those measurements against the amount of hardwood flooring that you've purchased.
-
Step 2
Sweep or vacuum the sub-floor so that you have a completely clean working space.
-
Step 3
Make a chalk line where the first row of hardwood flooring will be to guide you and keep your installation straight. It is imperative that the first row be straight, as it will dictate the integrity of the rest of the floor.
-
Step 4
Working from the topmost corner of the room, place spacers 1/2 inch from the wall, which will allow for the floor expansion. Lay the first piece in place, and then snap the second piece onto the end of the first piece. Continue until you have the first row done.
-
Step 5
Continuing at the opposite end that you began the first row on, begin the second row.
-
Step 6
Using your mallet and a 3 inch piece of wood so as not to damage the flooring, place the 3 inch piece on the edge of the lip and use it to tap the plank into the lip of the first row.
-
Step 7
Continue down the second row, interlocking and tapping to secure. When you get to the end of the row, use the circular saw to cut to fit and begin on the third row.
-
Step 8
Finish the room. You do not need to nail or glue down any pieces.
-
Step 9
Place spacers when you get to the far end of the room to allow for expansion against the walls. Glue the piece only if the space between the second last row and the last row is 1 inch or less.
-
Step 10
Remove spacers and install any baseboard or trim.
