How To Install Engineered Wood Flooring With Staples

Staple down engineered hardwood flooring is attached with staples to the subfloor which can be plywood oriented strand board osb high density particle board or even existing wood flooring.

How to install engineered wood flooring with staples.

Roll out sheets of tar paper over the clean subfloor and use a staple gun to affix the paper to the floor. Use 18 ga 1 1 2 long staples when installing thinner 1 2 thick solid wood floors per manufacturer s recommendation. If you ve decided to install engineered hardwoods there are four possible installation methods depending on the subfloor. Use 15 ga 1 3 4 long staples when installing 3 4 solid wood flooring when 3 4 plywood is applied directly over a concrete slab so that the staple does not go through the 3 4 plywood hitting the concrete.

When learning how to install hardwood flooring it s important to understand that there are four basic types of installation. But now half of the flooring he installs is engineered made of thin sheets of wood glued together like plywood. Durable and available in engineered and solid options hardwood flooring is available in a variety of colors and install methods. It s also a great option if you choose to incorporate a radiant heat system don t forget the vapor retarder.

A floating engineered wood flooring installation on concrete can be an excellent choice if your subfloor is below grade. 1st is glue vs staples for a 3 8 thick engineered oak plank in 3 width which is. When used improperly staples or cleats can damage wood flooring. Made from layers of real wood compressed together engineered hardwood floors are better able to handle changes in moisture and humidity than solid hardwood.

A benefit to using staples over glue is that it can be walked on immediately. Glue nail staple and float. Jeff hosking a flooring consultant for this old house first began laying floors 35 years ago back then 90 percent of his work was installing solid wood strips with nails. Nail down staple down glue down and floating click.

If the tool is not adjusted properly the staples cleats may not be positioned at the proper angle and cause blistering peaking squeaking or crackling of the floor.