Installing wood floors is easier than you think.  It really is. Whether you are looking to install wood floors in a personal home or an investment property.  The first time I completed a wood floor project I had the wrong tools, zero knowledge and did not bother to research online how to do it. I purchased the materials and went to work with the tools I already owned.Not the recommended strategy.  In terms of technical skill, installing wood floors is easy. With a little research and prep you will be able to do it.

Tools Needed

The first floor I put down I used nail gun, a sawzaw and a circular saw. These will get the job done, however it will be messy. And if you are like me, you may get close to cutting a finger off once or twice. The tools I recommend are:

Other sites may recommend a few other tools, but these are the basic tools I used.  When it comes to saws, I highly recommend using the right tools for the job. The goal is to finish the project with the same amount of fingers started with.

To avoid spending too much on tools that will only be used once, check out stores such as Home Depot or Lowe’s. These stores have large rental tool departments with everything that is needed.

Biggest Challenge

The biggest challenge faced is keeping the planks running in a “straight” line. Avoid getting “crooked” by not starting straight or allowing gaps. This is where a tape measure and chalk box comes into play. The second way this happens is by allowing gaps between the boards as they lay side by side to each other. The rubber mallet will be needed to keep the boards tight.

Few tips

Copied below are eight video’s that will explain the process much better than I can. Before jumping straight to those, here are 3 tips I have learned the hard way.

Tip 1: Use the rubber mallet. It is tempting to pick up that regular hammer and go at it.  It will tear up the floor.

Tip 2: Take time with the cuts. Follow the old adage, “measure twice – cut once”.  When cutting around door frames and such mark the side with a pencil the side that needs to be cut. It is surprising how quickly one can forget which end is supposed to be cut.

Tip 3: Leave a little space at the walls. Wood expands and contracts depending on the various temperatures. If installed too tight they may pop out or up on you. Not so much space your trim will not cover the gap, just enough.

Now for the specifics

The following video’s have a lot of detail and take you step by step through the process.

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