The installation process of wood flooring has been well documented - be it through manufacturer's guides provided with the flooring, or DIY booklets.
With this in mind, here is something a little different; instead of a typical installation guide, the following lists a selection of tips to improve the installation process:
Floors should be laid with strength in mind - When installing wood flooring, many will be most concerned about the eventual finish, which while of considerable importance, it's somewhat pointless if the floor isn't strong enough. Therefore when laying wood flooring is vital to lay it perpendicular to the joist. Doing this will ensure the floor is at its optimum strength – in the long-term preventing it from warping.
A level surface is best – The subfloor really should be level before you even think about installing any type of wood flooring. Uneven subflooring and gaps will ultimately cause the boards to squeak – which in the long run isn't all that appealing and will prove incredibly irritating. It may cost slightly more, but it will ensure that the floor is easier to install too.
Never go in blind with your stain – A stain is exactly that. Once applied there is no going back and the unpredictability that wood stain products possess can results in you being left with a tone that you're unhappy with. The best thing to do is to test it beforehand on a smaller sample piece of wood – this will give you a good idea of how it's going to look.
Protect your floor, reap the benefits – It is important to note that a stain will only provide the wood with a tone, not a protective finish. Adding an extra layer of a protective product such as polyurethane will ensure that floor lasts over a greater period of time.
The latest flooring news, courtesy of Floors Online.
Date : 05/09/2011
Category: Flooring Industry News