There are many ways in which you can install hardwood flooring, and the method you choose will depend on the type of flooring you are installing. Solid hardwood typically comes in the form of parquet flooring, strips, or planks. Laminate wood flooring on the other hand typically requires other methods for installation.
Regardless of whether your choose laminate or hardwood for your flooring needs you should be able to easily locate directions and instructions on the package. Laminate floors are relatively easy to install according to the instructions. Solid hardwood floors, on the other hand, need the opportunity to become acclimated to the humidity before being installed so the flooring must be removed from the package before it is installed. Laminate flooring should remain in the packaging until you are ready to install.
With some careful planning, your flooring installation endeavors should be successful. Make sure to pay attention to the details since it's the little things that can make all the difference. The floor surface that you are installing hardwood or laminate on must be carefully cleaned to remove any dirt or dust. At a minimum the foundation should be swept and vacuumed.
You should also be certain that you have measured and correctly recorded the amount of flooring you will need. A good rule of thumb is to measure three times to be sure (it is always better to err on the side of caution). You can generally bring your measurements into the store and let the staff figure the exact flooring materials that will be required. This is particularly handy if you aren't all that good with numbers.
Glueless laminate flooring is typically very easy to install, which makes it a popular choice. This type of flooring doesn't require glue or nails and has a kind of tongue and groove design which allows the pieces to pop into place.
Before installation your new flooring, check out how the light enters the room. The planks should be installed towards your hallway lighting and should always be installed lengthwise.
Laminate flooring instructions provide all the information you'll need including how to lay the first plank against the wall and how spacers should be placed if they are required. For hardwood installation, always start in a corner using a full plank at the start of the first row. A spacer should also be used to keep a half inch gap between the plank and the wall.
With all of these things to remember, the most important is to follow the instructions provided with the flooring materials you purchase. Each type of flooring will have different requirements and each manufacturer may have slightly different advice. The instructions they provide are meant to make your installation the easiest it can be.
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