How to Install Hardwood Flooring with Nails

Introduction:

There are two basic methods for installing hardwood flooring; the nail down method and the glue down method. Nailing down hardwood floors has become the most popular way to install hardwood floors. The nail down method is straight forward where most DIY homeowners can install their own hardwood floors. It isn't difficult and after the first couple of rows are down you will be quite profficient.   

The nail down method for installing hardwood flooring can be accomplished by anyone who can swing a hammer, measure accurately and is a little persistent, patient, and willing to try challenging tasks.  The most critical part of the task is to constantly clean up to insure no dirt, sawdust or other debris gets caught in between the grooves or under the boards. The actual nailing is done by a pneumatic nail gun using special nails that come with the gun.

Hardwood floor installation tips:

The pneumatic hardwood nailing tool can’t reach near obstacles or walls because there isn’t enough space to swing the striking mallet. These places will have to be nailed using a hammer or small nail gun. 

Each board should fit perfectly tight together to avoid gaps between them. At the end of each row of boards the last board will have to be cut to fit. In addition any fixtures in the room will also have to be cut around. 

All of the furniture and obstacles that can be removed from the room should be removed before starting to install hardwood flooring. For those fixtures built into the floor of the room the hardwood will have to be fitted around them.  All door sills, baseboards, doorway trim and carpets will have to be removed.  Use a felt floor liner to cover the subfloor to smooth out any bumps.

Laying the flooring:

1.    Begin by putting the first board in the corner of the room where you have decided to start the flooring. The grooves should be toward the wall and the tongues should be toward the room.

2.    Start adding boards end to end too make a row. The last board will need trimming to fit tightly. Use a circular saw to cut the board.  

3.    Use a drill to make pilot holes as necessary for hand nailing along the edge or the end of the board where the pneumatic nail tool will not fit.  

4.    Use the leftover piece that you cut off for the starting piece for the next row.  

5.    Continue installing the boards in the same way through the remaining rows. Use a rubber mallet as necessary to make the boards and rows tight.

6.    The last board is the hardest one to get into place. Carefully measure and cut the board to fit.

7.  Clean the floor and the job is complete.

Installing hardwood flooring with nails is the easiest method. The other method is to use the glue method which is a little messier and more difficult.

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How to Install Hardwood Flooring with Glue

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