How To Lay Wood Flooring On Floorboards

How to Lay Wood Flooring on Floorboards

Installing wood flooring over existing floorboards is a practical and affordable way to upgrade the aesthetic and functionality of your home. Here are the essential steps to ensure a successful and long-lasting installation:

Prepare the Subfloor

Ensure the floorboards are level, secure, and free of any damage or imperfections. Sand down any rough spots or gaps, and if necessary, use a leveler to smooth the surface. It's essential to address any unevenness to prevent creaking or buckling of the new flooring.

Install an Underlayment

An underlayment provides a protective layer between the floorboards and the wood flooring, reducing noise and providing additional insulation. Choose an underlayment suitable for wood flooring on floorboards and install it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Acclimate the Wood Flooring

Allow the wood flooring to acclimate to the room's temperature and humidity for several days before installation. This step ensures the flooring will expand or contract naturally as the environment changes, reducing the risk of buckling or gaps.

Plan the Layout

Plan the layout of the flooring carefully to minimize waste and ensure a visually appealing pattern. Determine the starting point and the direction of the flooring, considering the room's shape and natural light. Use a chalk line or a laser level to guide the installation.

Install the First Row

Start with the longest, straightest planks and lay them along the planned starting point. Ensure the planks are tightly fitted together using a tapping block and a hammer. Leave a 1/2-inch expansion gap at the perimeter of the room to allow for movement.

Continue Laying the Flooring

Continue laying the flooring row by row, staggering the joints for added strength. Use a spacer to maintain uniform gaps between the planks. As you progress, ensure the flooring is level and straight. Trim the planks to fit around obstacles such as doorways or alcoves.

Secure the Flooring

Once the flooring is laid, secure it using nails or cleats. Follow the manufacturer's recommended spacing and use the appropriate type of nails or cleats for the flooring and subfloor. Counterbore the nails slightly below the surface to avoid damage to the wood.

Finish the Installation

Complete the installation by filling any nail holes or gaps with wood filler and sanding the surface smooth. Apply the desired finish, such as stain, polyurethane, or oil, depending on the type of wood flooring used. Allow the finish to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions.