How To Lay Wood Plank Flooring

Laying Wood Plank Flooring: A Comprehensive Guide

Installing wood plank flooring can significantly enhance the beauty and value of your home. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or tackling your first flooring project, this guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions and essential tips to ensure a successful installation.

1. Planning and Preparation

Before embarking on the installation, it's crucial to meticulously plan your project. Measure the area where the flooring will be laid, and calculate the quantity of materials you'll need. Additionally, ensure the subfloor is level, dry, and free of debris or imperfections. If necessary, install an underlayment to provide a smooth and stable base for the planks.

2. Acclimating the Planks

Prior to installation, allow the wood planks to acclimate to your home's temperature and humidity for at least 72 hours. This ensures the planks don't buckle or shrink once they're laid. Stack the planks in a well-ventilated area with consistent conditions.

3. Starting Row and Layout

Before laying the first row, decide which direction the planks will run. Begin by installing a spacer along the wall to maintain a consistent gap between the planks and the wall. Position the first plank snugly against the spacer, ensuring the tongue side faces out.

4. Joining the Planks

To connect the planks, angle the tongue of the next plank into the groove of the installed plank. Tap the plank gently into place using a tapping block and hammer. Continue this process until you reach the end of the row.

5. Cutting and Fitting Planks

For the last plank in each row, measure and cut it to fit the remaining space. Use a miter saw for precise cuts. When cutting around protruding objects, such as pipes, trace the obstacle onto the plank and cut carefully to fit.

6. Staggering Joints

As you progress through the installation, stagger the joints between the planks in subsequent rows. This reduces the likelihood of the joints aligning and creating weak spots in the flooring. Aim for a minimum offset of 6 inches between joints.

7. Installing the Remainder

Once you've completed most of the flooring, you may encounter areas where full-sized planks cannot be used. In these cases, cut smaller pieces to fit. Be sure to leave a small gap at the ends of the planks to allow for expansion.

8. Trim and Moldings

After the planks are installed, install baseboards, quarter round, or other moldings to conceal the gaps around the perimeter and create a finished look. Cut the moldings to length and nail or glue them in place.