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Tongue & Groove Installation Process

There are 5 basic steps to installing hardwood floors:

1.  Subfloor Preparation – Subfloor preparation is very important as you want to make sure that there is no structural movement, surface is flat, clean and that there   is no squeaking.


2.  Floor Layout – The direction the hardwood is laid down is based on some factors or preferences.  Sometimes the hardwood can be laid best in the direction you typically walk through a room to make the room look longer and larger.  Many times it is laid down parallel to the direction of light through windows, to minimize the reflection woods beveled edges.  Once the direction is determined, a chalk line ¼-inch away from the wall will be snapped for your straight starting line. A gap is left all the way around the room to give the hardwood room to expand with variation in room temperature.

3.  Moisture Barrier – Before installation of the hardwood, a moisture barrier is placed over the entire subfloor to eliminate any moisture getting in contact with your hardwood causing it to bend or bow.

4.  Hardwood Install – The first row is installed along the chalk line.  The remaining rows are laid down making sure to stagger board edges by approximately a foot. Each board shall be tapped in tight with a rubber mallet and stapled or nailed in. This step will continue until we've reached the other side of the room. 

5.  Shoe Molding – Last, the shoe molding is installed along the wall to cover up the ¼-inch gap that was left for wood expansion.  Also, all doorway thresholds shall be installed at this time.

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Hardwood Flooring:

Overview: Hardwood Floors

Types of Hardwood

Installation Process

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