Hardwood flooring is milled in strips with an alternating tongue and groove system. The ends are matched, as well as the edges, and the pieces can go together only one way. Hardwood flooring is nailed or stapled, one piece at a time, with a power nailer that draws the pieces together. Oak, maple and cherry hardwood flooring are installed in the same manner.

Prepare Subflooring

Remove the base and shoe molding; this allows a margin of error for making the hardwood flooring flush to the wall. Level the subfloor; make certain that it is solid and of a material that will accept flooring nails or staples. Plywood or 1 x 3 wood strips spaced at 12 inches on center are a standard subfloor for hardwood installations. Place rolled 30-lb. roofing felt over the subfloor as a cushion and soundproofing material; this will help stop squeaks.

Starting Hardwood Flooring Installation

Examine the hardwood flooring pieces so color and grain variances can be laid out in a random fashion for visual appeal. Lay out the pattern with a control line at the middle of the room to ensure square installation of the hardwood floor. Measuring from the control line, snap a chalk line for the first strip of flooring, which is called the starter piece. If installing prefinished flooring, take care not to scratch or mar the wood during installation. Start at one wall and face-nail the starter piece with the groove against the wall. Place the next piece tight to the starter piece with the groove over the tongue. Use a rubber hammer to tap pieces into place so you don't mar or chip the flooring. Using a flooring nailer, drive a staple or nail into that piece every 12 inches. This draws the joint between the pieces tight and nails the piece to the subfloor.

Completing Hardwood Flooring Installation

Stagger the end joints of the hardwood floor strips from run to run. Never align the end joints in succession. Repeat the process of placing a piece of flooring groove over the tongue, tapping it into place and nailing. End cut the hardwood floor pieces to match the wall ends, using the piece you cut off the end for the starter at the other end. This saves on wasted material. Out-of-square walls may require rip cuts to install finish and starter pieces. Floor registers must be cut to size and configuration.

Finishing Hardwood Flooring Installation

When installation of the hardwood flooring is completed, sand and finish. Replace all base and shoe molding.

Source:

HammerZone: Installing a Hardwood Floor

Building Solutions: Home Projects

WoodFloorsOnline: How to Install Wood Flooring