QA

How To Install Real Hardwood Floors

Can I install my own hardwood floors?

Because of these types of advancements, it is easier than ever to install a hardwood floor yourself. Obviously, hiring a professional to install your floors will take a lot less time than doing it on your own. When installing your own floors, you only have to pay the cost of materials and tools or tool rental.

How hard is it to install real hardwood floors?

Solid hardwood flooring is the most difficult of all to install. It’s usually attached with a special flooring nailer then sanded with a drum type floor sander and finished.

How do you put down real hardwood floors?

What is the best installation method for hardwood floors?

Installation Methods Nail Down – Nails are used to fasten the wood to the subfloor. Staple Down – Staples are used instead of nails to attach the floor to the subfloor. Glue Down – Engineered wood floors and parquets can be glued down. Floating – This is the fastest and easiest method of installation.

How much does it cost to install 1000 square feet of hardwood floors?

On average, wood flooring costs between $3 and $7 per square foot for materials and $3 to $5 per square foot for labor. An estimate for installation of 1000 square feet of hardwood flooring runs between $6,000 and $12,000.

Is hardwood flooring worth the money?

Wood flooring has a return on investment of 70% to 80%, according to Realtor.com, and it can boost a home’s sale price by as much as 2.5%. That’s a pretty good return on investment as far as home improvements go.

Do hardwood floors need to run perpendicular floor joists?

Wood floors should always be laid perpendicular to floor joists—across rather that in between them. This will make the floors structurally sound and will help prevent the planks from separating, sagging or buckling. So, there is no right or wrong way to lay your wood flooring.

How much does it cost to have hardwood floors installed?

Cost to Install Hardwood Flooring Depending on the wood species typically it will cost you $6000 to $22000 to have hardwood flooring installed in 1000 square feet home. Most projects on this size cost around $8000-$1000. If your subflooring needs treatment before installation, also add about 10%-20% to the total cost.

Do you nail the tongue or groove?

For tongue-and-groove flooring, drive a nail at a 45-degree angle through the tongue, then conceal it by engaging the groove of the next board. Be sure to countersink the nail — drive it slightly below the surface of the wood — to prevent interference in the joint.

What goes under hardwood flooring?

Simply put, underlayment is a layer of material between your subfloor and your floor. While some flooring comes with the underlayment attached, others will require you to install a separate underlayment. Most of the time, underlayment consists of rubber, cork, foam, or felt.

Can you install a new hardwood floor over an old one?

With all that said, although you can add New Wood Flooring over the old one, the answer is YES. New Hardwood Flooring Over Old Hardwood Flooring: 3/4 “thick or thicker Solid or Engineered hardwood flooring must be built over old wood flooring boards (at an angle of 90 degrees).

Where is the best place to install solid hardwood flooring?

Unfinished and factory-finished solid strip and solid plank flooring should be installed perpendicular to the joists or on a diagonal for any single layer subfloor. (Exception: Over diagonal, solid subfloor boards, install perpendicular to joists or subfloor direction.).

How much does it cost to put hardwood floors in a 1500 square foot house?

Expect to pay between $4,500 and $30,000 for 1,500 square feet of solid wood flooring. The species of wood you choose for your home can be a big determinant of the installation costs.

How long before you can walk on hardwood floors?

We recommend waiting 6 hours before walking on your new floors in socks. After 24 hours you can walk through with shoes on. Allow 48 hours before setting furniture and returning pets.

How much does it cost to install hardwood floors in a 12×12 room?

The national average cost to install hardwood flooring is $6 to $12 per square foot for both labor and material fees. For higher-end wood and larger spaces, like if you’re redoing your entire first floor in hardwood, you may pay more—possibly between $13 and $25 per square foot.

How much does it cost to install 2000 square feet of hardwood floors?

Most professionals charge per square foot — so installing hardwood flooring in a small, 500-square-foot living room will cost significantly less than replacing carpeting throughout a 2,000-square-foot home.Hardwood flooring prices: Total square footage Wood flooring cost per square foot (installed) 2,000 $8,000-$20,000.

Do real hardwood floors increase home value?

Hardwood floors are one of the best flooring options for homeowners looking to increase the resale value of their home, with hardwood typically yielding around a 75% return on investment.

What color hardwood floor is best for resale?

Dark stained hardwood flooring is by far the best selection when it comes to overall popularity and resale value. Some of the best darks stains for wood are espresso, dark walnut, and antique brown. These darker colors often give way to more color combinations since they do not lean towards a yellow or orange tint.

Which direction should hardwood floors be laid in a hallway?

Whenever you are placing wood flooring in a hallway or any long and narrow area, it should run in the direction away from the doorway.

How do you nail down the first row of hardwood floors?

Nail Down the First Row of Flooring Position your first board so its edge is up against the chalk line. Then, use a nail gun to secure it in place. Continue laying and nailing boards parallel to the starting line until your first row is finished. We recommend using 2-inch flooring cleats or 2-inch staples.