How to Install Hardwood Floors When Changing Directions

Hardwood flooring adds value to yor home.

Many homeowners choose to install their own hardwood floors, and then encounter problems when something out of the ordinary develops. Changing the direction of a hardwood floor is a typical example of this dilemma: you want the floor to turn into another room or hallway, but aren't sure how to go about changing the direction. You'll be relieved to learn you're not the first person to have this hitch, and it's not a tough problem to remedy.

Things You'll Need

• Chalk line

Instructions

1. 

   Hardwood flooring can be tricky to turn.

   Install the hardwood flooring as you would during a standard installation, ending the last row of flooring at the point where you wish the direction to change.

2. Run a chalk line perpendicular to the finished area, using a square to ensure the line is straight and snapping the chalk to mark the floor along the wall that is to the right of the finished area. Take care to maintain the required expansion space between the chalk line and the wall as you did when installing the first row of the first section.

3. Begin your second direction with the first plank of the first row against the chalk line at the right wall, with the grooved end piece of the plank inserted snugly into the final row of the first section and the tongue edge facing out into the unfinished area of the room.

4. Secure the first board into place as you did the first portion of the installation, typically with a flooring nailer.

5. Continue laying the first perpendicular row until the end of the row meets the far wall, taking care to keep the planks on the chalk line and tight to the last plank. Keep in mind that the gap between the wood and the wall will be covered by quarter round molding during the finishing phase of the flooring install.

6. Finish the installation row by row as per a standard installation. Your hardwood floor has now changed directions smoothly and professionally.

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow the flooring manufacturer's guidelines when installing hardwood floors.

• Always wear hand and eye protection when working with hardwood flooring.

References

• Wood Floor Installation Guide

Resources

• Find any Floor