Flooring Installation and Subfloors

Whether you are considering installing your own flooring or hiring a professional to do the work for you, there are a number of things to consider. For one, you will need to know what to look for in a quality floor. This is especially true for engineered wood planks and other hard surface flooring. In addition, you’ll need to be sure you have the proper tools to do the job. Finally, you’ll need to consider the subfloors.

Engineered wood planks

Depending on the thickness of the planks, engineered wood planks can range from low profile as one-quarter inch to thick as three-quarters of an inch, or the traditional thickness of solid-wood flooring.

Some homeowners may prefer to install engineered wood planks themselves. This is a good option if you are on a budget. However, you should take care when installing the flooring. The materials used for installation can be very fragile.

When you are planning on installing engineered wood planks, make sure you know the length and width of each board. Also, be sure to buy the right flooring stapler for the job.

For hardwood flooring, you should use a nailer or stapler with an 18-gauge or a 1-inch gauge. If the floor is wider than 3 inches, you should use a 20-gauge or a 1.1-inch stapler. If the floor is less than 3 inches wide, you can use a notch tool and a brad to secure the first starter row.

Hard surface flooring

Whether you’re upgrading your existing floor or installing a new one, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. In fact, many homeowners opt for hard surface flooring over carpet for a number of reasons. For instance, this type of flooring is more durable and offers a durable finish that can last for decades.

Unlike soft surfaces such as carpeting, hard surface flooring is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture. This makes it a viable choice in wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

For this reason, it is important to ensure that your subfloor is up to par. This may require the use of surface densifiers, surface hardeners, or other special preparation techniques. It’s also a good idea to consider the quality of your grout. The right type of grout can make or break your floor’s performance.

There are four main types of hard surface flooring to consider. They include solid hardwood, engineered wood, floating wood, and luxury vinyl tile. Each type has its own set of strengths and weaknesses.

Subfloors

During flooring installation, subfloors play an important role. They provide the foundation for the finished floor. They must be level, free from moisture, and properly installed. Poorly structured subfloors can lead to movement in the system and separation of flooring.

There are many types of subfloors to choose from. Some are basic and inexpensive, while others offer more features at a higher price.

Plywood is the most common material used for subfloors. It is usually made from cross layers of birch or pine. It can be fastened with nails, screws, or glue. However, it is not the most durable material available.

Oriented Strand Board is a similar wood subfloor material. It is also made from a combination of chunks of wood that have been pressed together. It functions like plywood but is a bit more resistant to moisture.

Concrete is another popular subfloor material. This type of subfloor is most commonly found in basements and first floors of homes without a basement. These subfloors will expand and contract after installation. This means that the panels may have to be trimmed as necessary