Guide to Installing Hardwood Floors

Installing hardwood floors can transform your space and add warmth, beauty, and value to your home. Tackling this project yourself requires careful planning, attention to detail, and the right tools and knowledge.

This guide will walk you through how to install hardwood floors, from selecting the right materials to adding the finishing touches. Whether you’re a do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiast or simply want to understand the process better, you’ll find valuable insights to help you achieve professional-looking results.

Hardwood Flooring Options

Before starting the installation process, research the different types of hardwood flooring and which species might be best for your home. This will help you make an informed decision that balances aesthetics, durability, and the cost of your hardwood flooring project.

Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Hardwood

Solid hardwood flooring is cut from a single piece of wood and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime. It’s a good choice for areas with stable humidity levels and above-grade installations, which are installations at any level of the house that’s 18 or more inches above the ground’s surface.

Engineered hardwood consists of a top layer of hardwood veneer bonded to multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard. This construction makes it more stable and resistant to moisture, so it’s good for installation in basements or over concrete subfloors.

Pre-finished hardwood flooring, on the other hand, comes with a factory-applied finish that eliminates the need for on-site finishing.

Wood floors are some of the most environmentally friendly flooring options on the market. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, wood floors can last for several generations, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Popular Wood Species for Flooring

Your choice of wood species can significantly impact your floor’s look and performance. Oak remains a popular choice due to its durability and classic appearance. Walnut offers a rich, dark color that can add sophistication to any room. Hickory is known for its hardness and distinctive grain patterns, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas. Maple and cherry are sought after for their smooth grain and warm tones. Consider factors such as hardness, color, and grain pattern when selecting the species that best fits your style and needs. Additionally, the type of wood cuts—such as plain-sawn, quarter-sawn, or rift-sawn—affect the appearance and stability of the flooring, so choose the cut that complements your desired aesthetic and performance requirements.

Learn More: How to Choose Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood Flooring Installation Tools and Materials

Gather the right tools and materials before you begin for a smoother process and professional-looking results.

Hand Tools

Essential hand tools for hardwood floor installation include the following:

These tools will help you measure, mark, and manipulate the flooring boards during installation.

Power Tools

Power tools can significantly speed up the installation process and improve accuracy. Key power tools include the following:

A table saw or circular saw for cutting boards to length
A jigsaw for cutting around obstacles
A drill for pre-drilling nail holes
A pneumatic flooring nailer (optional but recommended)

Flooring Materials

In addition to the hardwood flooring itself, you’ll need the following flooring materials:

Underlayment (if required)
Flooring nails or staples
Wood putty for filling nail holes
Moisture meter and moisture barrier (if installing over concrete)

Check that you have enough flooring material by calculating the square footage of your room and adding 10% for waste and cuts. To find ways to repurpose leftover wood flooring scraps, check out our guide on 10 Uses for Wood Flooring Scraps.

Preparing Your Space for Hardwood Flooring Installation

Preparation involves removing existing flooring and ensuring the subfloor is clean, dry, and level.

Removing Existing Flooring

Start by removing any existing flooring materials, including carpet, vinyl, or tile. Use a pry bar to carefully remove baseboards, being careful not to damage them if you plan to reuse them. Vacuum the subfloor thoroughly to remove all debris. If you encounter old flooring materials that may contain asbestos, consult with a professional before proceeding. If you’re working with hardwood floors that need refinishing, strip the old finish using a chemical stripper or sanding to prepare the surface for a new coat.

Assessing and Preparing the Subfloor

Inspect the subfloor for any signs of damage, moisture, or unevenness. Repair any damaged areas and ensure the subfloor is completely dry before proceeding. Use a long level to check for high or low spots, and sand down high spots or fill low areas with a leveling compound as needed. If installing over concrete, you may need to apply a moisture barrier. If your home has wood subfloors, make sure they’re at least 3/4-inch thick plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) and that they’re securely fastened to the floor joists.

Acclimating Your Hardwood Flooring

Acclimation is a key but often overlooked step in the hardwood floor installation process. Proper acclimation helps prevent issues such as gaps, buckling, or cupping after installation.

Why Acclimation Is Crucial

Hardwood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. Acclimating the flooring allows it to adjust to the conditions in your home, minimizing movement after installation. This step is especially important if there’s a significant difference between where your flooring was stored and the environment in your home.

How To Properly Acclimate Hardwood

To acclimate your hardwood flooring, complete the following steps:

Place the hardwood planks in the room where they’ll be installed.
Remove any plastic packaging and stack the boards with spacers between them to allow air circulation.
Let the flooring sit for three to seven days, maintaining normal living conditions in the room.
Use a moisture meter to check that the flooring’s moisture content has stabilized and is within 2% of the subfloor’s moisture content.

During this time, you can lay out boards from different boxes to mix shades and lengths, ensuring a more natural look when installed.

Planning Your Flooring Layout

Careful layout planning helps you achieve a professional-looking hardwood floor. This step involves measuring your room and deciding on the direction of the floorboards.

Measuring Your Room

Start by measuring the length and width of your room to calculate the total square footage. Add 10% to this figure to account for waste and cuts. If your room has any alcoves or closets, measure these separately and add them to your total. This calculation will help ensure you have enough flooring material to complete the job.

Determining Board Direction

The direction in which you lay your hardwood boards can significantly impact the look of your room. Generally, hardwood floors are installed perpendicular to the floor joists for structural stability. However, you can consider laying the boards parallel to the longest wall to create an illusion of a larger space. In square rooms, consider the direction of natural light. Laying boards parallel to the light can help minimize the appearance of gaps between boards.

Installing the First Row of Flooring

The first row of hardwood flooring sets the foundation for the entire installation. This step involves creating a straight starting line and securing the initial boards.

Setting Expansion Gaps

Before laying any boards, leave a three-quarter-inch expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. This gap allows the wood to expand and contract with changes in humidity without causing buckling or other damage. Use three-quarter-inch spacers along the starting wall to maintain this gap.

Securing the Initial Boards

Start by snapping a chalk line parallel to your starting wall, accounting for the 3/4-inch expansion gap. Place the first board along this line with the groove facing the wall. If the wall isn’t perfectly straight, you may need to scribe the first row to fit its contours. Secure this row by face-nailing through the board about one-half of an inch from the wall side. Use a nail set to countersink the nails slightly below the surface of the wood. Continue this process for the entire first row, ensuring each board is tightly fitted to the next.

Continuing the Hardwood Flooring Installation Process

Once you’ve successfully laid the first row, you can install the rest of the flooring. This process involves using specialized tools to secure the boards and ensure proper alignment throughout the installation.

Using a Flooring Nailer

For most of the installation, you’ll use a flooring nailer to secure the boards through the tongue. This tool drives nails or staples at the correct angle into the tongue of the board, allowing the next row to cover the fasteners. Position the nailer against the board, ensuring it’s snug against the tongue. Strike the plunger with a mallet to drive the fastener. Repeat this process every 6 to 8 inches along the length of each board and within 2–3 inches of the ends.

Staggering Board Joints

To create a strong and visually appealing floor, stagger the end joints of the boards. Aim for at least 6 inches of separation between joints in adjacent rows. This enhances the structural integrity of the floor and creates a more natural, random pattern. Avoid making an H-pattern or stair-step effect with the board joints, as this can weaken the floor and make it look unnatural.

Dealing With Obstacles and Special Cuts

During your installation, you’ll likely encounter obstacles such as vents, doorways, or irregularly shaped areas that require special attention. Here’s how to handle these challenges.

Working Around Vents and Doorways

When you reach a floor vent, measure and mark the opening on the hardwood board that will cover it. Use a jigsaw to cut out the marked area, allowing a small gap around the vent for expansion.

For doorways, you may need to undercut the door frame to allow the flooring to slide underneath for a seamless look. Use a piece of flooring as a guide to mark the correct height on the door frame, then cut with a handsaw or oscillating multi-tool.

Cutting Boards To Fit

You’ll often need to cut boards to fit the last piece in each row or when working around obstacles. Measure the space carefully, accounting for the expansion gap, and mark your cut line on the board. Always cut with the finished side up to minimize splintering when using a saw. For complex cuts around pipes or other fixtures, use a paper template to trace the shape onto the board before cutting with a jigsaw.

Installing the Final Rows of Flooring

As you approach the opposite wall, you’ll need to switch techniques to install the last few rows of flooring. You may need to use face nailing and specialized tools to ensure a tight fit in confined spaces.

Finishing With Face Nailing Techniques

When you no longer have room to use the flooring nailer, typically for the last two or three rows, you’ll need to revert to face nailing. Face nailing is a finishing technique that involves driving a nail through the face of the board into the material below.

Pre-drill holes at a 45-degree angle through the face of the board, which is about one-half an inch from the tongue side. Use a hammer or brad nailer to drive finish nails into these holes. Remember to countersink the nails slightly below the surface of the wood using a nail set.

Using a Pull Bar for Tight Spaces

For the last row, you may need to rip the boards lengthwise to fit the remaining space, accounting for the expansion gap. Use a pull bar to draw these final boards tightly against the previous row. Place the pull bar against the wall and hook it over the board’s edge. Tap the other end of the pull bar with a hammer to draw the board into place. Face nail this final row to secure it.

Finishing Touches for Hardwood Floor Installation

Once you’ve installed all the boards, a few final steps will wrap up your hardwood floor installation and give your floors a polished, professional appearance.

Filling Nail Holes

Use wood putty that matches the color of your flooring to fill any visible nail holes. Apply the putty with your finger or a putty knife, pressing it firmly into each hole. Wipe away any excess with a clean cloth. Once the putty has dried, you can lightly sand the filled areas if necessary to ensure a smooth surface.

Installing Baseboards and Trim

Replace the baseboards you removed earlier or install new ones to cover the expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. If the gap is too large for the baseboard to cover, you may need to install quarter-round molding as well. Nail these trim pieces to the wall, not the floor, to allow for natural movement of the hardwood. Finally, install any transition strips needed between the new hardwood and adjacent flooring materials.

Caring for Your New Hardwood Floor

Proper care and maintenance will help your newly installed hardwood floor retain its beauty and durability for years to come.

Initial Cleaning and Maintenance

Thoroughly clean your floor after installation to remove any dust or debris. Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum designed for hardwood floors. Avoid using water or liquid cleaners immediately after installation, as the wood needs time to settle. Instead, use a dry microfiber mop to pick up any remaining dust. Wait at least 24–48 hours before placing furniture on the new floor, and use felt pads under the legs to prevent scratches.

Long-Term Care Tips

To keep your hardwood floor looking its best, consider the following tips:

Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent scratches from dirt and debris.
Use a slightly damp mop for occasional deep cleaning, but avoid excessive water.
Clean up spills immediately to prevent water damage.
Use area rugs in high-traffic zones to reduce wear.
Maintain consistent indoor humidity levels (30%–50%) to prevent the wood from expanding or contracting.

Consider applying a new coat of finish every few years to protect the wood and refresh its appearance.

Troubleshooting Common Hardwood Installation Issues

Even with careful planning and execution, you may encounter some issues during or after your hardwood floor installation. Knowing how to address these problems can help maintain the integrity and appearance of your new floor.

Addressing Gaps Between Boards

If you notice gaps between boards after installation, it could be due to improper acclimation or changes in humidity. For minor gaps, try using a humidifier to increase moisture in the air, which may cause the wood to expand slightly. You may need to fill larger gaps with wood filler or thin strips of wood. In severe cases, consult a professional to assess whether any boards need to be replaced. Additionally, ensure you follow proper patching techniques to blend the filler with the surrounding wood for a seamless look.

Learn More: How to Patch Damaged Wood Floors

Fixing Squeaky Floors

Squeaks in your new hardwood floor are often caused by movement between the boards and the subfloor. To address squeaks in your floor, locate the exact source of the squeak and try driving a thin finish nail at an angle through the problem board into the subfloor. Be careful not to damage the surface of the wood. For persistent squeaks, you may need to access the floor from below and use wood blocks to stabilize the area.

Removing Burn Marks

To remove a burn mark from a hardwood floor, start by sanding the area gently with fine-grit sandpaper to eliminate the charred surface. Once smooth, apply a matching wood stain to blend the area with the surrounding floor. Finish with a coat of clear polyurethane to restore the shine and protect the wood.

Our Conclusion

Installing hardwood floors is a rewarding project that can enhance your home’s beauty and value. While it requires careful planning, the right tools, and keen attention to detail, many homeowners can successfully undertake this job without professional help.

Patience is key throughout the floor installation process—especially during the acclimation phase and when dealing with obstacles or special cuts. Preparing your space and planning your layout will pay off in the long run, resulting in a beautiful, durable hardwood floor.