- Wood changes shape slightly with changes in moisture levels. Have your flooring delivered to the installation site three to four days before installation so it can acclimate to the location's humidity. Keep the flooring in the room and keep the room at a typical temperature, which is 65 to 70 degrees for most residential applications.
- A wood floor requires a level sub-floor to help prevent creaking and loosening of the individual boards. Since wood is porous, a moisture barrier must also be put in place. Use leveling compound for a concrete sub-floor, but for wood joists or timbers use 3/4-inch marine plywood to create a level sub-floor. If you are installing a floating floor, you can use polyethylene sheets as a moisture barrier, but for nail-down or glue-down installations, you will have to use a liquid, paint-on barrier.
- Pre-finished, engineered wood flooring is the easiest to install. Most brands click together and install over a foam sheet and moisture barrier as a floating floor. Some engineered flooring uses a "peel-and-stick" glue-down installation. Each manufacturer has different recommendations for underlayment, so check before you buy. The underlayment could add a significant expense to your project.
- For solid planks and strips, the choices for installation are typically limited to glue-down or nail-down. For both methods, cut a three- to six-inch section of one of your boards to use as a tap block, rather than hitting the flooring directly. The groove will fit better against the board you are installing and transfer pressure more evenly. A pneumatic floor nailer is critical to an easy nail-down installation. You can rent one at most major home improvement chain stores. When using a glue-down method, use painter's tape on the seams to help prevent shifting or loosening. Remove the tape promptly after the installation is complete to prevent damage from the adhesive.
- For a do-it-yourself project, pre-finished engineered or solid wood flooring is the best option. The selection of colors and woods is vast, and the finish is more sturdy than applied finishes. If you want to finish your own floor, use a drum sander to get the floor to a fine, smooth surface. Use plastic sheeting to close off all doors while you are sanding, or the dust will find its way throughout the house. Apply the stain or other finish to the wood and then, after it is dried, apply the sealer. If you apply your own finish, you will most likely have to reapply sealer from time to time, especially if spills begin to soak into the wood rather than settling on the surface.
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