How To Lay Out A Floating Wood Floor

I like to start by finding the longest straight run in the room or work off the center of the room if it s relatively square.

How to lay out a floating wood floor.

Hardwood flooring installation doesn t have to be a difficult task. Working my way off that point i lay out some pieces or measure the width of my finish boards to determine where they ll line up. While personal preference is a factor the direction in which you run hardwood flooring boards is governed by visual and structural guidelines. Next you want to determine the layout of the flooring in the space.

Set the transition on the subfloor. Some wood flooring comes with several lengths in the same package to help you stagger the seams. Align the first board with the layout line with the tongue facing into the room. Although this may seem to offer less stability it actually doesn t given the floor is properly installed.

Place the next piece end to end. Floating floors are not attached to the subfloor with glue or nails. Laminate planks that are designed to float have a locking system similar to the tongues and grooves on hardwood boards. This old house general contractor tom silva shares tips and techniques for installing a floating floor.

Overlap the flooring on either side but leave a 5 16 inch gap against the floating floor. The correct direction for laying hardwood floors. Drill three pilot holes along its center to keep the transition molding from splitting then fasten it to the subfloor not the flooring with 4d finish nails. Installing laminate flooring is a snap literally.

Lay out the first piece of square edge flooring with the groove side against the wall so it fits snugly against the spacer. See below for a shopping list and tools subscribe. It can be installed over any other tightly bonded flooring making it ideal for retrofits. Now measure the walls for shoe molding.

Learn how to install hardwood flooring with this step by step guide that explores the four install methods. Why do you need spacers around the walls. Lay out your wood planks by size. Hardwood flooring installation doesn t have to be a difficult task.