| Home improvement can add that special something | | | | will help to keep dust to a minimum. Wet paint |
| to your home environment, help you make use of | | | | causes less dust than flaky paint. |
| your space and of course often add value. If your | | | | - Open all boxes of wood before starting to lay the |
| budget will allow, you may wish to pay for experts | | | | wood to check for defects but also insures you get |
| to come in and do the job for you. On the other | | | | a picture of the color and texture variation before |
| hand you may be somebody for whom home | | | | you start. |
| improvement is an enjoyable and rewarding project | | | | - Establishing your baseline and the direction of the |
| to undertake yourself. | | | | floor is a crucial step. Be meticulous in using measuring |
| Of course some tasks are more difficult than others. | | | | and marking lines. Remember the longest outside wall |
| For instance hardwood floor installation is not as | | | | gives the best visual effect. |
| straightforward as you think. Installing quality, durable | | | | - Floor boards are initially laid using a "staggered |
| flooring requires some preparation and if you choose | | | | staircase' method i.e. 3 boards fitted closely together |
| to install it yourself it is wise to get as much support | | | | with boards 2 and 3 being 6 inches shorter than the |
| as possible. Many internet sites offer advice in detail. | | | | first board and placed above the first board. To |
| Below are some brief, useful tips for hardwood floor | | | | ensure the boards do not lose their tight grip use 3-M |
| installation: | | | | blue tape 2 inches thick to secure them and ensure |
| - Hardwood is a natural product and may have | | | | that excess glue is cleaned off the boards and your |
| defects. When ordering wood check for defects, | | | | shoes before you go on to add more boards. Being |
| either natural or from the manufacturing process | | | | meticulous with details can make the process quicker |
| before buying. To be on the safe side order an extra | | | | and easier. |
| 5 - 10% to allow for any overlooked problems. | | | | - Professional installers recommend rolling the floor |
| - Remember some urethane -cured hardwood glues | | | | with a 75lb roller. The advantage of this often |
| come with bond only warranties but there are glues | | | | overlooked process is that you can quickly remedy |
| that do not have moisture protection warranties. | | | | any air pockets or hollow spots before the glue has |
| Check whether you need glue with moisture | | | | dried and apply additional needed pressure to deal |
| protection. | | | | with them. |
| - Ensure the site is structurally sound and completed | | | | - If you have taken the time and money to invest in |
| before beginning work. | | | | hardwood flooring it is wise to make sure you take |
| - As hardwood is a porous material and will contract | | | | care and maintain this material. Common-sense tells |
| and expand, all attempts must be made to control | | | | you to keep the floors clean particularly from water, |
| the humidity of the room. Painted walls should be dry. | | | | food and grease. Use only leading brand cleaner made |
| Exterior drainage should be pointed away from the | | | | for pre-finished hardwood floors and do not use |
| house. Wood should be delivered as early as possible | | | | polish or oil-based wax. Reduce damage to the |
| before installation to allow it to acclimatize to the air. | | | | flooring by using floor protectors underneath all |
| Although the product is engineered to withstand | | | | furniture and avoid walking on floors with footwear |
| moisture, it is advisable to check moisture levels prior | | | | that will damage it like stiletto heels. |
| to working and consult manufacturer's | | | | The above points are by no means comprehensive |
| recommendations re: acceptable levels of moisture. | | | | but are aimed at highlighting the small details to bear |
| - Ensure that you prepare for your own safety and | | | | in mind when installing your hardwood flooring. When |
| the protection of the wood during installation. | | | | looking for extra support particularly on the internet, |
| Protecting your eyes with goggles is a must! Use a | | | | look for a reputable company who not only offer |
| back brace for lifting. Soft rubber pads or cushion | | | | guidelines for installation but who offer a hardwood |
| knee pads prevent abrasions to the floor surface. | | | | floor installation video online to help you do as |
| - Wetting the painted area first before scraping it off | | | | professional a job as is possible. |