Installing wood flooring need not be a daunting prospect; however, a degree of care is required. For example taking the time to thoroughly prepare the subfloor is an absolute must. The subfloor is in effect the foundation of your new wood flooring, to avoid problems such as squeaking, loose planks and movement the creation of a stable base is imperative. The 3 prerequisites for a good subfloor are that it should always be clean, flat and dry. When installing stick down wood flooring it is important to have cleaned the area thoroughly to allow a clear surface for adhesion. A flat surface will clear up the movement issues associated with floors such as oak flooring. Another key feature of a subfloor for wood flooring is that it should be appropriate for this type of flooring. It is prudent to check with your supplier before purchase to ensure the correct flooring solution. Floor Save has a huge selection of floors including engineered flooring, laminate flooring and solid wood flooring. The team is always more than happy to discuss your individual flooring needs.
Ensuring that the subfloor is dry is part of a larger issue when installing your wood flooring. Moisture is the undisputed number one cause of wooden flooring problems. As wood is a natural material it reacts to the climate, temperature in particularly. The addition of moisture exaggerates these changes and can lead to issues such as shrinking boards and warped solid wood flooring. There are some rules to follow that will reduce the risk to your new floor. Firstly, waiting until the building is water tight is a key step. Take note to store your boards in a dry and warm place prior to installation. Using an appropriate damp proof membrane for the subfloor will help prevent long term problems. Check the exterior of the property for potential causes of damp, such as broken drain pipes and blocked drains. Engineered wood flooring is designed to be more resistant to moisture than the traditional solid wood flooring. If you have any reservations about moisture then it may be the best option for you.
Take your time to plan the layout of your wood flooring; this will pay dividends for the future. When laying top quality planks such as oak flooring, you want the finished product to be the best that is can be. All builders will know that no room in a building is exactly square and as such planning ahead can reduce the requirement of partial boards. These are the small planks of wood, often near doors when a regular plank would not fit, with correct planning these spaces can be spread across the room. Another faux pas with wood flooring is to start laying the floor from the edge of the room. As wood expands in one direction it is best to start in the centre of the room and work the direction of the wood in a way that the expansion travels evenly across the floor.
