How To Lay Out A Floating Wood Floor

Hardwood flooring installation doesn t have to be a difficult task.

How to lay out a floating wood floor.

The floating wood floor will expand and contract as a unit with temperature fluctuations. Set the transition on the subfloor. Working my way off that point i lay out some pieces or measure the width of my finish boards to determine where they ll line up. Learn how to install hardwood flooring with this step by step guide that explores the four install methods.

Hardwood flooring installation doesn t have to be a difficult task. The correct direction for laying hardwood floors. While personal preference is a factor the direction in which you run hardwood flooring boards is governed by visual and structural guidelines. A laminate floor is a floating floor meaning it is not fastened directly to the subfloor.

Now measure the walls for shoe molding. Next you want to determine the layout of the flooring in the space. Although this may seem to offer less stability it actually doesn t given the floor is properly installed. I like to start by finding the longest straight run in the room or work off the center of the room if it s relatively square.

Place the next piece end to end. Separate them by length so you can grab different lengths each time. Installing laminate flooring is a snap literally. See below for a shopping list and tools subscribe.

Floating floors are not attached to the subfloor with glue or nails. Some wood flooring comes with several lengths in the same package to help you stagger the seams. Lay out your wood planks by size. This old house general contractor tom silva shares tips and techniques for installing a floating floor.

Align the first board with the layout line with the tongue facing into the room. Laminate planks that are designed to float have a locking system similar to the tongues and grooves on hardwood boards. Overlap the flooring on either side but leave a 5 16 inch gap against the floating floor. Lay out the first piece of square edge flooring with the groove side against the wall so it fits snugly against the spacer.