Installing Floating Hardwood Floors - Page Two

Keeping The Installation Aligned

Once the glue is applied, align the boards by hand engaging as much as possible before a tapping block is used. Some products will be easier than others. At all times keep an eye Aligning starter rows by hand on the spacers being used as they can fall out of place. It's important with floating floors to keep a consistent expansion area around the perimeter. A good rule of thumb to use would be the same expansion area as the thickness of the product. In this case we're using 3/8"

Go Easy & Careful Tapping

In the next step a tapping block is used to engage the tongue and groove for a snug fit. Frankly we've found a good two foot 1" x 4" does the trick. Be extremely careful not to allow the block being used to hit the finished edges. Weight should be applied downward on the block, then the board tapped into place. Always double check to see if the boards have engaged or left any gaps, wipe with damp rags often.

To insure a good mix of color during the installation, open product from at least three boxes and use at random. Not doing so can create light and dark colored areas throughout the installation as hardwood flooring is a natural product and with two boards are alike.

Moving along, to engage our boards it's best to slide into place as best possible, then tap Tapping glued boards together into place going from right to left. Once again keep an eye on boards already placed as they have a tendency to loosen up as others are tapped into place. Inspect the end joints often as they are more likely to separate than side joints. Adjust accordingly with a pull bar seen on the next page.

Measure, Cut & Fit

Once we near the opposite starting wall it's necessary to cut and fit the last piece. Rather than using a tape measure, turn the piece to be cut opposite where the tongue and

tongue will face each other. Place a mark approximately 3/8" away from our installed piece to allow for our 3/8" expansion area after the piece is installed.

Some products will be easier to install and others can often be difficult. It seems the thinner the material the easier the install, as we noticed in the case of the Bruce 3/8" Coastal Woodlands. Mentioned numerous times on our site, product fit or ease of installation will depend on the milling quality set forth by the manufacturer.

Damage Prevention Tips

Always keep an eye on hand tools. There's nothing worse than stepping on them and having dear wifey come home and see the damage. You'll be sleeping on the couch for a few days guys! Keep tools out of the way or place them nearby on a scrap piece of carpet for example, with the fluffy side down

Go To: Tool Tips
Back To: Floating Floors Introduction

Related Pages:

• Locking Hardwood Floors