How to Lay Pine Flooring
Pine flooring is commonly chosen for its rustic appearance and ability to develop a rich, honeyed patina over time. Small gaps between floorboards and exposed nail heads are common hallmarks of installed pine floorboards. Pine flooring with regularly spaced, small knotholes is prized for its organic pattern and preferred over more uniform pieces for aesthetic reasons. Pine flooring is typically also much wider than other plank flooring products, making it easier for a beginner to install. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Pry bar
- Hand saw
- Stud finder
- Rosin paper
- 5/16-inch staples
- Staple gun
- Chalk line
- 15-gauge nail gun finish nails
- Nail gun
- Hammer
- Finishing nails
Instructions
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1
Remove any baseboards using a pry bar and label the back of each piece for easy identification. Undercut jambs by using a hand saw to remove enough of the existing jamb to allow the new flooring to slide underneath.
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2
Mark the location of each joist with a pencil on the wall directly above the subfloor, using a stud finder as necessary. Also check the overall condition of the subfloor, reattaching the plywood to the joists as necessary to prevent squeaks.
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3
Staple a layer of rosin paper over the subfloor using 5/16-inch staples spaced every 6 to 8 inches over the entire area of the paper. Overlap rows of rosin paper by at least 4 inches.
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4
Snap a chalk line across the rosin paper to indicate the location of each joist. Also snap a single line that is parallel to the wall, and the width of the first board you intend to install. This will ensure that the rows remain straight.
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5
Attach the first board to the subfloor using 15-gauge finish nails from a nail gun. Make sure the board ends at the center of a joist; you should cut the board as necessary. Nail through the board and into every joist the board crosses.
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6
Continue attaching boards to the joists in rows until the subfloor is completely covered. Be sure to stagger the boards so each piece does not end in the same location as the boards in the adjacent rows.
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Reattach the removed baseboards with a hammer and finishing nails. Install door thresholds as necessary with the nail gun to conceal any changes in material or flooring height between different rooms.
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Tips & Warnings
Pine flooring is significantly softer than other wood types. Lay tools on a towel or other thick cloth to prevent accidentally marring the floor as you work.
When installing pine flooring always allow for a 1/8-inch gap between the wall and the perimeter of the room. This will allow the flooring to expand as necessary; baseboards will hide the gap.
Large gaps will occur between boards if the humidity level between the pine and the room is disparate. Store flooring in the house for at least 10 days prior to installation to allow the humidity level of the boards to acclimate to the new environment.
