To install hardwood, first you need a bare floor, then you install the lined paper barrier, then you nail in the hardwood strips, sand it down, and then add a finish such as poly.
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Hardwood floor installation can be done by a non-professional, but it requires careful planning, the right tools, and a good understanding of the installation process. Here are some considerations and steps to help you determine if you can tackle the project on your own: Skill Level: Do you have experience with DIY projects and basic carpentry skills? Installing hardwood floors can be challenging, so having some prior experience with home improvement projects is beneficial. Research: Start by researching the specific type of hardwood flooring you plan to install. Different types of hardwood (e.g., solid, engineered) may have different installation methods. Gather Materials and Tools: Make a list of all the materials and tools you'll need for the installation, including hardwood flooring, underlayment, adhesive, nails or staples (depending on the installation method), saws, a moisture meter, and safety gear. Subfloor Inspection: Inspect the condition of your subfloor. It should be clean, dry, level, and structurally sound. Any issues with the subfloor may need to be addressed before installation. Acclimation: Allow the hardwood flooring to acclimate to the humidity and temperature of the room where it will be installed. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for acclimation time. Layout Planning: Plan the layout of the flooring to ensure a balanced and aesthetically pleasing installation. Start your installation from a straight wall or reference line. Installation Method: Determine the installation method based on the type of hardwood and subfloor. There are several methods, including nail-down, staple-down, glue-down, and floating. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your chosen method. Cutting and Fitting: Measure and cut the flooring to fit around obstacles and along walls. Use a saw appropriate for cutting hardwood. Installation: Begin installing the hardwood according to your chosen method. Pay attention to spacing, staggering the boards, and maintaining a straight row. Use the appropriate fasteners and follow spacing guidelines. Finishing Touches: Install baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover expansion gaps around the perimeter. Fill nail or staple holes with wood filler, and sand the floor to create a smooth, even surface. Finishing: Finish the hardwood with the desired stain and finish (e.g., polyurethane). Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for application and drying times. Maintenance: Understand how to properly care for and maintain your hardwood floors to keep them looking their best. Safety: Always follow safety precautions, such as wearing safety goggles and hearing protection when using power tools. If you're uncertain about any step in the process, it may be wise to consult with a professional or take a DIY flooring installation class to gain the necessary skills and knowledge. While DIY hardwood floor installation is possible, it's essential to ensure the job is done correctly to avoid costly mistakes and potential damage to your flooring.
Nope, you need to take out the old one, i believe. Edit - No, I disagree with this. This depends on the situation. If you have a hardwood floor installed on top of plywood, it is generally better to remove the hardwood and replace it. But, if there is no subfloor (and this is sometimes the case in the older homes in our area), then sometimes it is actually fine to install on top of the hardwood. The hardwood (or often pine if it's older) then becomes the subfloor and then you can nail on top of that. It is important, though, that the hardwood is installed perpendicular (or diagonal to that) for better installation. Oh, and it's important to look at heights and make sure there is enough clearance for the wood and that doors can be opened (or shaved).
Laminate floor cannot be refinished. It will have to be replaced. Hardwood flooring can be refinished.
An engineered hardwood floor can be floated or glued-down directly to the floor.Someone has changed the original question, or added it to this question, for what reason I have no clue.Question; Can you put underfloor heating under hardwood floorsYes, thousands of homes have radiant heat that runs in between the floor joist of a home.This is done underneath the floor and sub floor and if you where in the basement, when you look up between the floor joist, you would see the heat lines. This is accomplishedwith the use of a boiler. The lines do not throw off massive heat that would cause the hardwood floor to warp or buckle.
Yes, it must be a glue down wood or a floating wood floor.