How to Float Square Edge Flooring

Square edge flooring creates a flat appearance on the surface because the edges are not beveled.

Wood flooring is manufactured in a variety of finishes, wood types and colors. Additionally, wood flooring is manufactured with two different types of edges, beveled and square. Wood flooring with both types of edges can be installed as a floating floor. Square edge wood flooring is best installed on a very level subfloor. When square edge wood flooring is not installed on a level subfloor the flooring tends to reflect the uneven floor beneath.

Things You'll Need

• Square edge engineered wood flooring
• Foam underlayment
• Dovetail saw
• Vacuum
• Duct tape
• ¼-inch spacers
• Glue (consult flooring manufacturer directions)
• Miter saw
• Hammer
• Tapping block
• Table saw
• Baseboard or trim

Instructions

1. Trim the door jamb and casings to the height of the new flooring. Place a plank of wood flooring on top of a piece of foam underlayment. Use these as a template to trim the door jambs and casings. Cut away the door jambs and casings with a dovetail saw.

2. Vacuum the subfloor in preparation for the floating floor.

3. Roll out the foam underlayment so that it covers the entire floor. Do not overlap the edges of the underlayment. Seal the seams of the underlayment with duct tape.

4. Locate the longest wall in the room. Place ¼-inch spacers along the wall. Lay the first row of planks next to the spacers. Fit together the tongue and groove of the planks. Cut the end plank in the row to the correct size with a miter saw. Do not cut any of the middle planks in the row as that will cut off the tongue and groove needed to connect other planks in the row. Apply a small amount of glue to the groove on the end plank. Set the plank into place and push it down. Wipe away any excess glue from planks with a damp cloth.

5. Install the rest of the planks on the floor. Fit the planks into the rows, cutting the last plank in each row with the miter saw. Stagger the joints so they don't match with surrounding rows. Apply glue along the groove in each plank. Tap the next wood plank into place with a hammer and tapping block. Remove the excess glue from the top of the square edge joints as you go with a damp cloth.

6. Install the last row of planks. Measure the space between the wall and the installed flooring. Subtract ¼ inch from that measurement and transfer the resulting measurement to the last row of planks. Mark the planks with a pencil and cut them to size with on a table saw. Apply a bead of glue in the groove and slide the planks into place.

Tips & Warnings

• Install trim or baseboard above the floating floor to cover the gaps next to the walls.

References

• This Old House: How to Install a Floating Floor
• Build Direct: Hardwood Flooring-Width and Edges